Whatever the season, whatever the weather, when I’m not at my writing desk you’ll find me working in the garden. Whether it’s mowing and weeding, clipping and pruning, sweeping leaves or planting bulbs, there’s always a project or two on the go, and it seems I’m not the only one.
When I shared details of Sebastian and Lars’s garden in Amager recently the response was incredible. Not only did I receive lots of comments about how amazing it looked, which it did, but also genuine respect for all their dedication and hard work, with many readers telling me how much pleasure they too get from their own patch of earth.
So, it seemed only right to bring you another of my favourite Nordic gardens. Located less than an hour’s drive from Malmo, just outside the city of Helsingborg in the coastal village of Råå, is the home of Malin Nilsson. A self-confessed decorating and gardening lover, I shared the interior of her calm and cosy villa back in 2020, but this time we’re heading outside.
Over to Malin to tell us more:
“My husband Ola and I moved into our home over twenty years ago, and I love the place as much now as I did then. Our village is an old fisherman’s village, and our villa, which dates from 1885 is also known locally as a ‘Captain’s house’.
The garden however is on the back side of the property, and only about 350 square metres, but over time we’ve made every inch of it our own. Back then the garden was very different, there were yellow flowers everywhere, now, as well as raising our three children, we have created a garden for all seasons.
We started by forming an ever-green structure of boxwood globes and privet hedges, and as a roof we have a big pear and six smaller apple and plum trees. Plus, I also love ivy as it fills up quickly and stays green all year round.
Each distinct season brings with it a unique set of pleasures. In springtime I love the birds and the snow drops, while during summer, when the garden is in full bloom, I love our white roses and dahlias that pop up throughout.
Autumn here is often warm, with its array of beautiful colours and the honeysuckle blooming for a second time. While in the winter, it’s truly relaxing with no work to be done, and the thick veil of snow makes majestic shapes for us to enjoy from every window.
We are a very outdoorsy family, spending as much time as possible swimming in the sea or walking along the coast, but If I had to choose a favourite part of my garden it has to be our hammock, each and every one of us love whiling away the hours lying there looking up into the treetops.
I would describe my gardening style as traditional with a modern twist, and think this stems from my parents who also loved their garden. They continue to inspire me a lot, and why I believe a ’Nordic garden’, while natural, functional and sustainable, also needs its flowers, plants and trees to reflect the beautiful landscape that surrounds us too.”
WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?
Thanks again to Malin for sharing her beautiful Nordic garden with us.
If you would like to see more of this beautiful green space, as well as her equally inspiring home, please give her account on Instagram a follow.
All images courtesy of Malin Nilsson.
Enjoyed reading this Nordic gardens post? Then read about Sebastian and Lars’s contemporary cottage garden in Amager.
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