Knotty Gardening

photograph of knot garden with shaped topiary
© Garden Museum

In the sixteenth century knot gardens became very fashionable at grand country houses.

They were square gardens planted out in a series of geometric, symmetrical patterns.

They were very formal. Sometimes they were planted with labyrinths or mazes too.

The Tudors designed these gardens to show that they had complete control over nature.

The picture above is of the knot garden at the Garden Museum in Lambeth.

Why don’t you get in the Tudor spirit and create a knot garden of your own – in miniature?

You will need:

  • A large tray. 
  • Some thin card.
  • Some soil.
  • A packet of cress seeds.
  • Paper and a pencil

Instructions:
Spread damp soil onto the tray, patting it down so that it’s firm.

Plan a simple knot pattern on a piece of paper.

When you’re happy with your design, copy it onto the card.
Cut out the hedges carefully, leaving the card to be the pathways. (This is the tricky bit, so try to keep it simple!)

Now lay your card template on top of the soil, press it down and plant the cress seeds all over the rest of the tray.

Water your cress seeds regularly and watch as your Tudor style Knot Garden grows away.