The Parterre, the centerpiece of the Haupt
Garden, is a carefully manicured garden with a changing palette of colors, shapes, and textrues. Because formal parterres are typically associated with the elaborate designs of the Victorian era, a garden type was a natural choice to complement the ornate architecture fo the adjacent Smithsonian Castle.

Throughout the year, layers of colorful plantings are meticulously laid out in symmetrical patters that are redesigned every few seasons. Designs incorporate such motifs as diamonds, fleurs-de-lis, scallops, and swags.

While parterre is a French term meaning "on the ground," parterres as an ornamental garden style originated in 16th century Renaissance Italy. The style, which defines the garden space through hedges, flowers, grass, and gravel was adapted in France in the 1580's and became exceedingly popular. Parterres fell out of favor during a shift to more naturalistic designs in 18th century Europe and America. actually predates the creation of the Enid A. Haupt Garden. In celebration of America's bicentennial, a parterre, inspired by a design from the 1876 Centennial Exposition's Horticultural Hall in Philadelphia, was created behind the Smithsonian Castle in the south yard. When the Enid A. Haupt Garden was created the parterre was saved and incorporated into the new formal garden.