Structured Hedges

OUR INSPIRATION:
STRUCTURED
HEDGES

A big part of the classic English character of historic manors that we find so intriguing is often the gardens. Both the variety of species commonly found and the vast variation of structure, patterns, shapes, and styles result in almost endless possible outcomes. It is for this reason that landscape design, and specifically garden planning, is often where you can really double down on cementing the architectural character and environment you are trying to capture.

With that in mind, I am sharing some of my favorite examples of this design element that we have seen throughout our travels. Whether you are a lover of almost any English, French, Dutch, or Italian design vernacular from almost any period throughout history, structured hedges were an integral part of landscape design and garden planning. The examples listed are from a range of countries and historical periods because of this: they look good in any setting.

To us, the impact of this design element goes far beyond lining a pathway or drawing the eye, though they have been used by some of the best architects in the world for these purposes. Instead, I believe they are most importantly used to evoke a feeling. At the end of the day, this is the root intention of any environment you try to create whether you realize it or not.

They can be used to create a feeling of formality, with such vast expanse and uniformity that they reinforce the classical character before even laying eyes on the residence itself. In other scenarios, they are used to create a lack of formality, flowing with the landscape, masking the grandeur of a massing in order to influence the perceived proportions from specific viewpoints. In either of these scenarios, they offer an artistic and intentional sentiment in application.