This past Sunday we decided to take one of those walks that remind you summer isn’t completely gone yet. The sun was soft, the air a little crisp, and Stockholm still had a touch of warmth left in its layers. So we headed to Bergianska trädgården, a botanical park and garden that feels like stepping into a living encyclopedia of plants.
It was amazing. We wandered slowly, discovering so many different flowers and plants we’d never seen before — and smiling every time we found ones that also grow back in Italy. A little piece of home among Swedish greenery.
We especially loved the vibrant patches of coloured mangolds and the countless variations of mint that made us dream about fresh teas and sauces. The Victoria House was a highlight — we were amazed to find a pepper plant, a vanilla plant, and even cocoa growing inside. It’s rare to see a pepper plant in Europe, and it made the visit feel even more special. The vegetable gardens outside grounded us back in everyday flavors.
And then there were all the themed areas:
– The Fruit and Berry Garden (Frukt- och bärträdgården) where late-season berries were clinging on to the last warmth.
– The Japanese Pond, calm and reflective.
– The Italian Terrace, which made us feel right at home.
– The Rhododendron Valley, even out of bloom, still magical.
– The areas dedicated to the North American and Scandinavian mountains, rugged and inspiring.
– The Pollination and Seed Dispersal Biology section, reminding us how much teamwork happens in nature.
– The Systematic section, showing plants ordered like a family tree.
– The Victoria Pond, calm and filled with water lilies.
– The Wetlands, earthy and buzzing with life.
– And the miniature worlds of Öland & Gotland, islands recreated in a garden.
It was a very pleasant, routine alternative afternoon — proof that you don’t always need grand plans. Visiting places like this is always relaxing and inspiring, a way to breathe differently for a few hours.
Thank you for the greenery vibe.
Layers of soil. Lasagnariet.
