The characteristic feature of the formal 17th century garden is the strict symmetry of the lay out. Paleis Het Loo garden is an excellent example. A number of parterres are grouped around the central axis and these are planted with closely trimmed box hedges in decorative scroll patterns hence the name broderie parterres. The edging bands or rabatten are filled with a choice selection of annuals and perennials interspersed with topiaried juniper berry bushes so typical of the local Veluwe area. The often rare species were brought from all over the world by the West India and East India companies for William and Mary.
A garden like this must be viewed as a seasonally changing flower and plant exhibition. That’s the reason why the flowers are planted individually rather than in groups so that each species can be properly seen in all its beauty.
At the side of the palace are William and Mary’s private gardens: the King’s garden and the Queen’s garden. Mary’s garden has a serious collection of century-old citrus trees which are on display in tubs between May and October. Their inflorescence, their oranges and orange blossom are a symbol of the House of Orange.
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Fountains
Though the gardens at Het Loo were of modest proportions compared to those of Versailles, the waterworks enjoyed great renown for permanently spouting fresh groundwater diverted from the surrounding higher lying hills. Moreover, the King’s Fountain at the rear of the Upper garden rising to 13 metres was the highest spouting fountain in Europe. The fountains are playing from April to October.
Garden statues
The garden statues, gods and goddesses from the Greek myths, all have to do with the growth and flourishing of the garden and are dedicated to celebrating the achievement of creating such a oasis of delight in an originally arid heath land. Venus, the goddess of love, takes centre stage as the driving force behind it all.
A garden for all seasons
Some of the plants at Het Loo change every year, both in the spring and in the summer. The aim is to achieve the most accurate possible reconstruction of the original garden. The splendid colour of the flowers in the spring and summer, and often in the autumn as well, contrast with the marvellous effect of snow on the decorative patterns of the box parterres in the winter.
The best view of the gardens is from the small surrounding banks and of course from the palace roof , a view that can only be enjoyed on Wednesdays in June, July and August.
A visit to Paleis Het Loo becomes a special experience through the gardens, even if it is only to see the products of the gardens in historic flower arrangements in the palace interiors.
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