A journey of inspiration to broaden the mind of an anxious gardener

Scandinavia ? What’s your image? A land of frozen wastes? Snow capped mountains with grazing reindeer and moose? Scandinavia is a varied land of frozen tundra, expansive forests and fields, split by fjords and lakes, peppered with islands on all coasts and  ridges of mountains forming a spine to the west. It’s climate is very different in the south compared to the north and from the coastal areas to the mountains.

I recently visited my youngest son in Sweden - he lives in Ostersund in the midwest of the country. Not as mild as Stockholm or Gothenburg but still better than the far north. This winter they have had cold temperatures -8 to -10 C but not as much snow as usual.

I was interested, and had been keeping an eye out for what their weather was doing in the run-up to my visit in mid June. It was very similar in the recent cold spell we’d had but they were about 2-3 degrees C colder. When our nights were still dropping to 8 degrees C in the night they were down to 4-6C.  Who would believe that was only a few weeks ago with the heat we’rve been having! How had they fared and what were the plants in Scandinavia that would thrive in this cooler environment? What I found surprised me.

I started off in Trondheim, a norwegian city on the edge of the Trondheim Fjord. Spring was very much in full flow and maturing into summer. At the Ringve music museum, just north of the city, the surrounding estate has well labelled botanic garden beds overseen by the university. The display of alpines was stunning, the herbaceous border was lush and green and they had beds of azaleas and paeonies. The variety of tree paeonies was eyecatching and while many were just past their peak, the herbaceous paeonies were well into bud and just beginning to open. Most of all, I was quite jealous of their climbing beans - one was even showing a flower - which is more than I can say for mine! In the city itself I saw lilac bushes in full bloom around the town.

                     

I took the train from Trondheim to Ostersund passing through green fields, in the distance mountain peaks with little cusps of snow still visible, waterfalls and winding rivers. There were fresh leaves on the deciduous trees in the stands of mixed trees on the lower slopes of the hills. The journey takes about 1 ½ to 2 hours to Storlien, where you change trains from the Norwegian to the Swedish rail operator.  Then another two hours to Ostersund. The distances are greater than it would appear on a map but the views of the countryside on a sunny day with blue skies were relaxing and the time and the countryside flew past.

What is noticeable in all the towns are the large planters. In Ostersund there were lovely displays of pansies at various points in the town. Birch trees were fresh green and birds were nesting and raising young. 

From Ostersund we took the train to Stockholm which is further east and south. The journey takes about 4 ½ hours. Stockholm is made up of an archipelago of islands so there are many waterways through the city which is based on several islands. Here I was surprised by the number of planters throughout the streets. Some contained small trees, others a border of hydrangeas intermingled with agapanthus, gauras, petunias, begonias and pansies. Flower beds in And in some areas wildflower beds had been planted. 

   

Food and flavours in Scaninavia are influenced by the growing climate with lingonberry, gooseberry and rhubarb featuring on the menu while I was there, including a tasty rhubarb cookie. Other flavours include sea buckthorn, spruce and birch shoots and a range of infusions used innovatively in swedish drinks. Seasonal produce includes root and leafy vegetables, strawberries, glass house grown tomatoes and tree fruits such as apples, pears and plums. The Swedish government has encouraged the right to roam and the picking of foraged fruits and leaves. There are guidelines as to what can be picked and the request to respect the landholders planting of forests etc. The food and drink industry in Sweden has explored the variety of seasonal offerings with excellent results. Traditional methods of preserving fruit and vegetables are used as are local seasonal produce. The senses are well and truly engaged in these lovely countries.