Warmer March weather heralds dreams of spring and summer gardens. We’re seeing more sophisticated, elegant parterres in Kansas City landscapes. Originally a French concept that first appeared in the 15th century, it doesn’t have to be Versailles. This lovely design can fit into your backyard—or front yard for that matter. For more inspiration …
Herbaceous
Hydrangea softens the edges of the antique brick in the herb parterre at the home of the owner of Pear Tree Design & Antiques, Cindy Barnhill. Architectural elements are an important design element in parterres, like the antique French wire garden obelisks here.
Boxed In
A soothing fountain surrounded by zinnias and geraniums marks the center of a boxwood parterre in the midtown Kansas City garden of interior designer John Rufenacht and his husband, Richard Lara.
Culinary Kitchen
Antique bricks frame the packed pea gravel that surrounds the herb beds in this garden designed by the owner of The Greensman, Kristopher Dabner. The beds are framed in cold-formed steel, and an antique Victorian chimney pot is centered in the parterre.