Norway, Part 3: Country, Town, and City Gardens

A Photo Journal of Private Spaces

While traveling in Norway and Sweden, we had the opportunity to visit three private gardens, each unique in its setting and design.

Country Garden: Bokholdergaarden

Each summer on the last Sunday of June, The Norwegian Horticultural Society holds an event where 1,000 private gardens across Norway are open. We visited Bokholdergaarden near Aamot, which translates to "the garden of the bookkeeper."

The farmstead dates back to the 1700s. The vegetable garden is a stunning parterre, divided into a four-square pattern by brick paths with a central focal point. In recent years, the owners have relocated other historic buildings to the farm to preserve the local rural heritage.

This Stabbur (traditional storehouse) dates to circa 1600. Its raised stilt structure was designed to keep animals away from winter food stores.

Original 1779 Farmhouse; Parterre Garden; Greenhouse Retreat; Potting Area.

Town Garden: Geithus, Norway

In the town of Geithus, just north of Oslo, we visited Kari's garden. While smaller than a farmstead, every inch of land was utilized for perennials, herbs, and cozy outdoor living. In late June, the sun barely sets, making it nearly impossible to go indoors at "night."

We shared Norwegian and English names for the plants we found. My favorite discovery? The word ugras (pronounced oo-grahs)—it literally means "not grass," or weed.

City Gardening: Central Bergen

Bergen is one of Norway's oldest cities. Walking the narrow, winding cobblestone paths is the primary mode of transportation. In the Nordnes neighborhood, space is so limited that you can sometimes touch two buildings at once, yet city dwellers find ample space for greenery.

Residential path in Nordnes.Overflowing cafe window boxes.

Whether on balconies or crowded windowsills, the connection to nature is never lost. We even found a productive garden contained entirely in pots, featuring herbs, strawberries, and even a small apple tree.

The garden that is the country of Norway does not disappoint.