My last post featured a review of New Nordic Gardens: Scandinavian Landscape Design by Annika Zetterman. I am excited for her book because she has great style and provides a comprehensive foundation of Scandinavian Gardens. Annika was amazing to answer a few of my questions for Thinking Outside the Boxwood, about her favorite products and Nordic plants, restaurants and gems. Her shared sources are like getting a personal tour with Annika, seeing the best shops – coolest restaurants and best nurseries. Thank you Annika for all your answers, and check out her book. Amazon only had 3 copies left (more on their way) the last I checked so act fast, I promise you will enjoy the book. (I have included links to all the locations Annika mentions, and I highly recommend you click through and check out the products or locations, since most translate to English or at least have instagram accounts you can follow for inspiration)
BOOK:
ANDO, a beautiful book by an incredible architect, which a very good friend gave to me, hence even more special.
TEA:
While most Scandinavians love coffee ( top consumption per capita in the world) tea is my choice, having lived in the UK for many years. Herbal teas is a current favorite, such as “Detox” by Pukka.
MUSEUM:
I love exciting buildings, sometimes more than the exhibitions. The New Design Museum in London is amazing and so is Tate Modern and Getty Center in LA as well as the former railway station in Paris, Musée d’Orsay.
FAVORITE CITY TO VISIT or LIVE?
Stockholm and Sydney, beautifully situated on waters. London, which still feels like a second home, where I lived nearly 10 years.
Favorite Gardens to Visit:
- Gardens of the Villa Éphrussi de Rothschild, France
- Jardim Tropical da Quinta do Monte Palace, Madeira
- Thames Barrier Park, London, UK
- Parc Citroën, Paris, France
BOOTS:
Lundhags, old company in Scandinavia, making classic, durable, cool boots
PURNERS:
Felco nr 9, as I am left handed
ESSENTIAL TOOLS:
Tape measure, pencil and drawing pad.
BEST PLANT FOR TEXTURAL INTEREST:
Ferns, due to the architectural appearance yet the lightness they possess.
VARIEGATED PLANTS, YES or NO?
Hostas that come in many different sizes and colours can look stunning combined. Acer Platanoides and Drummondii is a fascinating variegated tree.
FAVORITE SUN CATCHER
There are plenty, but if I have to pick one, I would say birch trees
FAVORITE PLANT FOR STRUCTURE:
Miscanthus and Calamagrostis with sturdiness lasting a very long time and coping with our weather conditions.
HOTEL:
ICEHOTEL For a once if a lifetime experience, and a fun adventure, the Icehotel where you will have the chance to see the northern lights (Aurora Borealis) or experience the midnight sun too!
RESTAURANTS:
In a region where culinary is on a height, there are heaps. From award winning restaurants like Fäviken, Esperanto and Frantzén to local and seasonal specialities that you find in every corner of the region. If in Stochkolm, perhaps go for a vegetarian choice and culinary experience with amazing views over Stockholm at Fotografiska, or enjoy a relaxing brunch at Café Saturnus or Greasy Spoon. Try vivid coctails at an old pharmacy (first opened on 1575) in Old town in Stockholm, pharmarium.
(Annika also provided a link to a BUZZ FEED article with Scandinavian restaurants with delicately beautiful prepared meals. HERE.)
INTERIOR DESIGN SHOPPING:
GARDEN NURSRIES:
- Löddeköpinge plantskola – My personal favourite nursery/garden centre in Sweden, located in southern Sweden, always inspiring and tranquil.
- Slottsträdgården Ulriksdal just outside Stockholm is a lovely nursery /garden centre with a wide range of plants and products. During harvest season you can pick your own flowers, herbs and veggies to buy. The café serves a delisious vegerarian buffet.
PUBLIC GARDENS:
- Sofiero Castle – if visiting in early June, this garden shows outstanding blossom, in particular a valley of Rhododendrons.
- Enköping’s Parks – Dream park in particular.
- Millesgården – Sculpture Park by Carl Milles
BOTANICAL GARDENS & FESTIVALS: