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Saturday, August 8, 2020

Terrace Garden - Cheekwood Estate and Gardens



After we left the mansion on our early September 2018 visit to Cheekwood, we strolled through several of the East Gardens on our way back to the parking lot.

From a sign describing the Terrace Garden:
The Terrace Garden combines formal and informal elementss with informal plantings within the formal structure of bricked and paved surfaces. A variety of perennials, annuals and shrubs provide color and textural interest, contrasting with and complimenting the man-made elements. This garden is on a scale that would fit many urban backyards.
The predominant design element in the Terrace Garden is the circle, established by the three circular terraces. The repetition of curved lines can be seen in the walls, raised beds, fountain, steps and arbor. Even the armillary sphere, which is a type of sundial, and the knot garden of interlocking, clipped hedges below it contain circles. Many plants also have rounded forms. Repeating a shape creates rhythm, movement and visual harmony. Circles and curves are inviting, restful shapes, while angles and vertical lines in a garden create drama and energy.
This garden has a feeling of enclosure, like rooms in a house, with floors, walls and steps. Enclosure makes one feel safe and separates the garden from the rest of the landscape, drawing closer attention to its elements. Contrast this with gardens designed to be part of a larger scene.








Admission to Cheekwood is $22 for an adult. A one-year membership is $65. Other ticket options are available.

The Cheekwood website is https://cheekwood.org/.

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