Restoration of the South Parterre plant embroideries

Overlooking the Orangery, the South Parterre is currently undergoing a major restoration. The Palace of  Versailles is launching a new patronage campaign to preserve this composition of boxwood plant embroidery, carved in foliage, palmettes and arabesques motifs.

A HISTORIC PARTERRE

The South Parterre is one of three large parterres in the immediate vicinity of the Palace of Versailles, along with the Water Parterre to the west and the North Parterre. Created by architect Le Nôtre in 1661, the parterre was initially laid out on a terrace overlooking the first Orangery designed by Le Vau between 1663 and 1664, then doubled in size in 1687 following the construction of Mansart's Orangery.

The parterre is distinguished by the north-south axial driveway, planted with topiaries, and by the two central basins around which four compartments are arranged. Inside the compartments, flowerbeds cut boxwood embroidery motifs into foliage, palmettes or arabesques, set against a mineral background in the ochre tones of crushed brick and the black of Golzinne marble. These compartments are bordered by box-tree lined strips of cut grass or flowers, punctuated by topiaries or other pruned shrubs.

During the first phase of this restoration project, the general composition was implemented: general earthworks with the addition of new topsoil to limit sanitary concerns, installation of the cantilevers delimiting the boxwood borders and flowerbeds, planting of the yew topiaries, restoration of the paths and walkways around the ponds.

The entire plant layout has been redesigned to restore the parterre to the elegance it has enjoyed since its origins in the 17^th century. The parterre's plant embroidery will now be restored:

• Laying out the markers for the design motifs

• Boxwood planting and initial pruning: earthworks, supply of topsoil, supply and planting of boxwood, sanitary treatment and watering

• Installation of mineral flooring: chamottes (crushed brick) and Golzinne black marble aggregates.

This project is supported by the departments of Yvelines and Hauts-de-Seine.

Become a patron of the restoration

Participate in the preservation of these unique settings and contribute to the reputation of the gardens of Versailles by making a donation of the amount of your choice. Where applicable, you will benefit from a tax deduction.

Support the restoration of the South Parterre