Nolhaga Garden
Within walking distance from the center of Alingsås, in the heart of Nolhaga Park, lies Nolhaga Garden. Stroll among the steppe sage and feather grass, sit under the magnificent beech tree, or why not enjoy a picnic on the green lawn?
Since the 1700s, this garden has been a site for experimenting with plants and cultivation, a tradition that continues today. Previously, various species were tested here for their ability to be sold and overwinter in a cold climate. Today, Nolhaga Garden, with its pathways, grassy areas, and flower beds, is an inspiring and beautiful garden that contributes to biodiversity.
Nolhaga Garden - An Inspirational Garden
The inspirational garden consists of smaller gardens and flower beds that together form the shape of a cross with a central circle in old garden tradition. Here you will find, among other things, an experimental workshop and a butterfly garden where you can explore climate-smart and beautiful plants, seeds, and soils. Maybe you will find inspiration to try at home in your own garden or balcony. The flower beds contain hardy and beautiful perennials that can be purchased at regular nurseries. Which ones do you like best?
Susie’s English Garden - English Garden Designed by Susie White
Part of the inspirational garden consists of a classic English garden - "An English Cottage Garden" designed by garden designer and author Susie White. Here you will find wild-growing perennials, old-fashioned shrub roses, grasses, and as a contrast, trimmed hedges and yew trees. The English garden is part of an international exchange between West Sweden and the English National Gardens Scheme through the association Trädgårdsresan. Therefore, there is also a classic West Swedish garden in Saltwell Park in Gateshead, Newcastle, England.
Nolhaga Garden Continues to Develop
The part of Nolhaga Garden that is now completed, covering 4500 square meters, is the first stage of three development stages. The upcoming development of Nolhaga Garden is planned to continue until 2029. Nolhaga Garden will then be 17,000 square meters in size.
We can look forward to:
- New pathways
- Open space for markets
- Cultivation areas for gardening associations
Echoes of History in Nolhaga Garden
Nolhaga Garden is located on historic land. It was here that Jonas Alströmer, who owned Nolhaga estate, designed his private garden in the early 1700s. The fertile soil provided vegetables, fruits, and flowers for the household, as well as income from the sale of crops. This is where experiments with growing potatoes, also known as "nolor", took place. Alströmer, for example, tried growing potatoes in rock crevices. These experiments were likely crucial for Alströmer's subsequent ability to spread knowledge about potatoes as a crop and delicacy in sweden.
At the end of the 1800s, Claes Adelsköld and his family owned the garden. The Adelsköld family completed the current Nolhaga Castle in 1880 and also built several houses for their employees, including a greenhouse and orangery, which are now demolished. The gardener's villa, where the gardener and his family lived, still exists today. The gardener's villa has been restored externally to resemble its appearance in the 1880s.
