parterre

The parterre at Charlecote Park, England.

par-TEHR´

A parterre is a flat garden terrace composed of various elements (which may include paths, fountains, shrubs, and flower beds) that form a symmetrical design. A parterre is best appreciated from the upper floors of a house.

The parterre you can see from Joan’s master bedroom is made up of beds of roses, surrounded by low box hedges, with a fountain at the center.