Swedish Gardens and Landscapes

For a country with such a cold climate, Sweden offers surprisingly glorious gardens and unique landscapes. Cool summer temperatures and long hours of sunlight together with fertile soil help offset the short growing season.

I discovered Sweden’s beautiful landscapes when we first traveled there in the mid 1990s. A short drive outside the cities leads to verdant woodlands of pristine white birches, fragrant evergreens, lush ferns along with ancient rocks and boulders covered in moss and lichen. Equally lovely, the countryside is scattered with wildflowers.

Enjoy these photos from last week's trip and past visits.

Yellow fields of canola rapeseed plants burst into bloom in late spring.

 I love the barns dotting the countryside.

 We visited the herb, hops and vegetable gardens of Carl Linnaeus, the father of botany. A charming "green roof" on an 18th century cottage. Goats would have been placed on top to keep the grass in check.

Linnaeus (1707-1778) was a renowned Swedish botanist, physician and zoologist. He is often portrayed with a sprig of his favorite flower: Twinflowers (Linnaea borealis).

Many of the medicinal and herbal plants in this garden would have been studied and used by Linnaeus. We noted lavender, thyme, sage, verbascum, chamomile, hops, valerian and more.

Violas growing under hops.

I love the lichen surface on the rustic, silvery willow fences. Behind is a row of garlic plants.

Isn't this "living" willow edger a great idea?

My first time seeing the angelica biennial herb plant.

Drifts of lupines were blooming everywhere last week---from roadside to meadow fields. A challenge for us in DC, I was especially excited to see lupines growing so vigorously.

We revisited Gunnebo, one of the finest Gustavian homes. The all organic gardens range from dignified and structured to naturalistic and informal.

The Chinoiserie railings are charming.

 Gray-on-gray Gustavian color scheme on the barns.

The cottage cutting garden.

A view of the woodlands beyond the parterre and fountain.

Last, a visit to a private garden with this amazing conservatory and antique statuary.