I have been wanting to put in a knot garden for a long time. I finally quit planning and actually did the work. I decided on a simple knot pattern (6' X 6') using grey santolina and green santolina. I originally wanted to use red barberry and boxwood, but I changed my mind. I cut out a template using black landscape fabric. I measured and drew the planting pattern and applied it with chalk, marking X's and O's where I would plant the santolinas. I will post a picture when (and if) it really starts looking good. I will keep my fingers crossed that the plants will thrive and I can do the precise trimming necessary to show the "knot" pattern.

I decided to use santolina after seeing the beautiful knot garden in Australia on this page:

http://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/sanchamaecyparissus.htm