A Grand Affair

Highlighting the elegance of French style at this year’s Lifestyle Garden Design Show is Garden and Home’s sponsored garden, ‘Classique Magnifique’

- Diane Peacock

Designed and implemented by the students of Lifestyle College of Landscape Design with senior lecturer Mike Rickhoff (pictured) as chief designer and show manager, this splendid garden celebrates the grandeur of the French Renaissance.

The formal layout comprises three parterres and a knot garden divided by a traditional formal axis of gravel pathways. These unite the design visually and draw the visitor to a central focal point.

“The strength of the garden lies in the topiary,” explains Mike. “Trimmed into interesting shapes as well as being pleached and stilted, it reflects the refinement of this era and provides structure and form.”