We all know plants are living creatures, but you haven’t seen plants with as much personality, diversity and spirit until you’ve visited the Gothenburg Botanical Garden.
430 acres has been completely dedicated to nature, and of course in part to create an enjoyable spectacle for you and me. The garden itself is a formally and simply designed space reminiscent of classical Swedish Gardens with perennials since the 1940s like the spicy scented Marieberg’s and gigantic Daisies still flourishing in the flower beds. However, within the garden greenhouses lie an array of wild and wonderful plants from all around the globe. Out of the corner of your eye, you might spot somebody waving their handkerchief at you. But when you turn to look, lo and behold it is just the garden’s oldest handkerchief tree which, come late May will blossom, revealing sizeable snow white flowers well known for resembling a waving handkerchief. Another bloom that got its name from its appearance is the flame flower, a South American exotic which bursts into striking red flames in July to October.
The Rockgarden not only features a gushing waterfall, but also plants from all over the globe, special enough that the Gardens has obliged to provide specific growing conditions to mimic their natural habitat. For example, a cool and humid environment is required to coax the sky-blue flowers of the Himalayan Meconopsis to make an appearance. Entering the Japanese Glade is like hopping on a plane to Japan itself, with its antique Japanese lantern and authentic bonsai garden which emanate centuries of Japanese culture and history.
An example of plants’ amazing ability to adapt and survive, Sweden’s largest collection of tropical orchids do not only attract pollinating insects, as you too will be enticed by their specially crafted blooms and enticing fragrances. Of course, one of the garden’s most treasured possessions is the Easter Island Tree, now extinct on its own island since 1962. Thanks to Thor Heyerdahl’s foresight to collect some seeds during his voyage, the gardens have managed to protect this rare beauty. I could go on forever, but why not just come on down and see for yourself the countless more wonders that await you?
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