INSPIRATION
The Secret Garden
Winding climbing roses, vibrant tulips and exotic plants. Wander along the paths, breathe in the scent of flowers and step into the gardens and buildings that have inspired some of Boråstapeter’s most beautiful patterns.
TEXT: Therese Ahlström
THE CAMELLIA HOUSE
Stroll along winding little paths, breathe in the sweet and delicate scent, and enjoy the colourful beauty of the camellias. In the western wing of the Palm House, located in the Trädgårdsföreningen park in Gothenburg, camellias have been grown since the house was inaugurated in 1878. At that time, gardener Georg Löwegren decided to dedicate an entire room to this popular plant from Asia. Today, there are 40 camellias here, of different species and hybrids – the oldest one is nearly 70 years old. The Camellia House is in bloom from October to April, but if you want to see it at its most stunning, February is the month to mark in your calendar. Trädgårdsföreningen in Gothenburg is one of Europe’s best-preserved 19th-century parks – here, you can also enjoy the beautiful rose garden and visit the 1878 greenhouse filled with palms and tropical plants. Opening hours and more information at goteborg.se.
The Camellia House, inaugurated as early as 1878.
The floral splendour of the Camellia House inspired the lush Kamelia pattern.
The tulip variety ‘La Belle Epoque’, growing in the gardens of Sofiero Castle, inspired the wallpaper pattern of the same name.
The Camellia House, inaugurated as early as 1878.
SOFIERO
In the grand Sofiero Castle, the palace garden stretches across fifteen hectares – as large as 34 football fields. It often takes several hours to explore the entire garden, but it's just as rewarding to enjoy selected parts. You can stroll along gravel paths leading to the various garden rooms, some of which are over a hundred years old. Many associate Sofiero with its splendid rhododendrons, but the park also features a unique collection of dahlias, enchanting ravines, the royal vineyard from 1912, and not least the tulip variety La Belle Epoque, which inspired the Boråstapeter wallpaper design of the same name. You’ll also find seasonal flower beds and plantings designed by Sofiero’s own head gardener, Sara Bratt. Opening hours and more information at sofiero.se.
Spring bloom by landscape architect Mona Wembling at Sofiero.
PHOTO: Johanna Kärnstrand
GUNNEBO ORANGERY
It took nearly ten years to reconstruct and complete Gunnebo’s orangery on its original site, using historical drawings by architect Carl Wilhelm Carlberg. The orangery was originally built in the 18th century, but parts of it decayed and burned down in the 19th century. Today, its former glory has been restored, and Gunnebo Slott och Trädgårdar has regained an architectural gem. The orangery is now used by Gunnebo’s gardeners to overwinter Mediterranean plants such as olive, fig, and citrus trees. Guided tours are also available for visitors to explore every room. While you're there, take the opportunity to visit the 18th-century castle garden or the restaurant and café Kaffehus och krog, where over 90 percent of the ingredients are organic. Opening hours and more information at gunneboslott.se.
In winter, the orangery is filled with beautiful Mediterranean plants.
The roses bloom from May to August.
PHOTO: Municipality of Jönköping
The idea for the Myrten pattern was born during a visit to the Gunnebo orangery.
Rosenlund Rosarium served as the main inspiration for the romantic rose pattern Elsa.
The new orangery was completed in 2022.
ROSENLUND ROSARIUM
Along the shores of Lake Vättern lies the Rosenlund Garden and Rosarium. During the summer season, you can stroll among 550 blooming rose varieties, where old-fashioned and wild species grow alongside shrub roses, cultivated floribundas, and climbing roses. A true feast for the senses! The earliest roses bloom as early as May and continue until midsummer, but for the most spectacular bloom, July is the time to visit. That’s when both climbing roses and old-fashioned shrub roses are in full flower. In addition to the rosarium, the park also features a peony alley, a water lily pond surrounded by perennials, and grand ornamental trees such as beech, laburnum, and hickory. Opening hours and more information at jonkoping.se/parker.
See also …
Tulips in the Netherlands
Love tulips? Then the world-famous spring garden Keukenhof is well worth a visit. Spring bulbs have been grown here for 76 years, ever since the park opened to the public in 1950.
Camellias in Germany
The beautiful camellia plant can live for over 500 years. In the German city of Dresden, you’ll find the Pillnitz Camellia – here you can see a truly ancient specimen! The oldest camellia is now 230 years old.
Roses in England
The UK is home to some of Europe’s most beautiful rose gardens. In the southwest of England, you’ll find Rosemoor – with modern roses in The Queen Mother’s Rose Garden and more traditional varieties in the Shrub Rose Garden.