What does parterre mean?
A parterre is a formal ornamental feature of a garden in which flower beds are laid out in an orderly geometric pattern. Paths commonly divide the beds, while the overall design may incorporate symmetrical shapes, intricate scrollwork, or coordinated plantings. Parterres are especially associated with grand estates, public gardens, and European-inspired landscape architecture, although they can appear on a smaller scale. The word often carries a sense of elegance, tradition, and deliberate design rather than suggesting a general area planted with flowers. In British English, “parterre garden” is a common alternative, while “parterre” alone is used more often in North American usage. Its name reflects its construction: it is a design worked out on the ground, with paths and beds forming the visible pattern.
nounAn ornamental garden area in which flower beds are arranged in a formal geometric design, usually with paths separating the beds.
- An ornamental garden area in which flower beds are arranged in a formal geometric design, usually with paths separating the beds.
"The palace grounds featured a vast parterre filled with symmetrical beds of seasonal flowers."
"A broad parterre of lavender and boxwood leads to the entrance of the estate."
"The garden designer recreated the estate’s eighteenth-century parterre beside the main house."
The plural is used when referring to multiple ornamental garden designs or garden areas.
"The estate contains two large parterres laid out in mirrored patterns."
Parterre comes from French for “on the ground,” a fitting name for a garden laid out on the ground in precise, decorative patterns.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does parterre come from?
The word entered English from French in the 18th century. French parterre literally means “on the ground” and combines par, “on,” with terre, “earth” or “ground.” The French terre ultimately derives from Latin terra, “earth,” a root also represented in English words such as terrestrial, terrain, and terrace. In English, parterre developed as a garden-design term and became especially associated with formal landscaping.
How parterre is actually used
The term is chiefly North American and is associated especially with formal or historically inspired landscape design. In British usage, “parterre garden” is also found, although the full form “parterre” is less common.