journals. This made detailed research possible. They are now the only remaining Dutch baroque gardens in the country,” said Dr Ek. The results of the recreation are a dazzling
triumph of ‘living’ history. Stepping into them, you are taken aback by their flawless beauty but more overwhelming is the sense of being part of a bygone age when strict order and harmony reigned supreme in the garden. Rich in decoration, they are laid out in perfect
symmetry around a central axis with radiating gravel walks, large parterres, fountains and statues. These classic baroque features have led Het Loo to be called “the Versailles of Holland” and although there may be some French influence, there are many differences. Het Loo’s gardens are smaller and rather than dominating the landscape, they are designed to feel more enclosed and this adds to their appeal. As you leave the palace, the Lower and Upper
Gardens hit you head-on with their large parterres, gilded statues and majestic fountains. The most impressive is the King’s Fountain which William commissioned when he became ruler of England. At 13 metres high, it was the highest spouting fountain in Europe at the time of its construction. The Lower Garden’s parterres, with their
elaborate scroll patterns of tightly-clipped low hedging, are edged by narrow borders containing shrubs and flowers typical of the era. The flowers are planted as they would have
Colonnades and King’s Fountain in the Upper Garden
been, as individual specimens to allow them to be properly appreciated. In spring, there are tulips, hyacinths and fritillaries but colourful flowers and even ornamental vegetables appear until the end of autumn. Either side of the palace are the King’s Garden
and Queen’s Garden, designed as private areas for personal hobbies and quiet contemplation. The King’s Garden contains a bowling green for
ball games whilst the Queen’s Garden is dominated by a striking berceau, a wooden vaulted terrace covered with neatly clipped hornbeam trees grown to kingsize proportions. From the outside, the 20ft structure looks like giant hedging but inside huge, leafy corridors give a feeling of privacy as well as protection from the sun. In the warmer months, The Queen’s Garden is
filled with the scent of oranges and lemons from centuries-old citrus trees. They are the largest collection of citrus trees in Northern Europe and are a symbolic nod to the royal House of Orange. In Het Loo, William and Mary created a
spectacular combination of baroque art and nature and when they were crowned king and queen of England, they took their ideas and passions to Hampton Court. In turn, they influenced gardening trends across the country. Het Loo is not only a lost garden expertly
recreated, it is a significant chapter in the story of English gardening. For those who prefer their horticultural destinations steeped in history, a trip to Het Loo is essential.
www.paleishetloo.nl/el/
Photographs by Dawn S Black Photography
www.dawnsblackphotography.com
Inspiring life in the Cotswolds 83
The spectacular parterres of the Lower Garden.
The hornbeam berceau in the Queen’s Garden
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