DAY 1

A trip that includes a female gold digger’s life’s work, a rural paradise and dreamy garden experiences

Alaskaträdgården, Nord-Långö, 452 90 Strömstad
Strömsdalen Karlsgatan 23, 452 32 Strömstad

The first destination of the day is spectacular, a very special place. We are namely on our way out to the Alaska Garden, situated on an island about 20 minutes by boat from Norra Hamnen in Strömstad. When we step, salt sprayed, off the charter boat’s gangplank we’ve arrived, so it seems, on a fairy tale island. This is the life’s work of a pioneering woman gold prospector, and that woman’s name is Hilma Svedal. Hilma travelled in 1897 to Alaska to dig for gold, something she was really successful at. 30 years later she returned to Bohuslän and built her own Alaska on land she had inherited. The ground, which was rugged to start off with, was slowly but surely transformed into a lush oasis. There’s masses of cement on the island, which Hilda herself fetched, via her rowing boat, from Strömstad. Years of toil paid off finally. There’s a lovely rockery garden here with bridges, buildings, BBQ areas, terraces, steps and of course rockery plants, as well as pelargoniums, peonies and other lovely flowers. Walking round, thinking about Hilma and being surrounded by her life’s work feels magical. After a refreshing dip we eat our picnic lunch, get a coffee from the cafe and then agree that we will all adopt Hilda Svedal’s life motto: Don’t worry! (it’s written on her gravestone). I think we have a new idol. On the boat journey back to Strömstad we have a lot to think about.

From the harbour in Strömstad we walk to Strömsdalen, a park that feels a bit like a hidden gem. Of course, people in the town know about it. We see joggers, families and dog owners, all moving around easily, well used to the place. But those of us who are visiting for the first time walk round impressed by all the fantastic plants, the wonderful little wooden bridge and the attactive green spaces. Our pulses lower and we fully enjoy ourselves. The quiet is exactly what we needed after a day out at sea. One of the visitors in the park who clearly knows a lot about plants encourages us to stroke the different rhododendron leaves, in particular the backs. Some of them feel like velvet! So nice to appreciate the greenery with more senses than just sight.

Full of impressions we walk to the hotel in the centre of Strömstad where we’re planning to stay the night. We found accommodation tips via vastsverige.com.

DAY 2

A day that starts in a sweet smelling rural location and ends with real garden delight and green enjoyment.

Fjälla Trädgård, Fjälla 9, 452 92 Strömstad
Runtminknut, Södra Sjöritz 49, 455 93 Munkedal, Sverige

The first destination of the day is pretty Fjälla Garden, which is lovely and rural. We walk round among fruit trees, perennials, historic roses, dahlias, and herbs. The fragrance is palpable. In the little garden shop there’s a small but perfect range. We finally get hold of a spiky kenzan, for flower arranging when we get home. When we meet the garden’s owner she tells us both about the slow flower concept and what the no dig principle means, so interesting to learn that from her. Before we leave Fjälla we visit their excellently outfitted outside loo. That’s what they should look like!

We finish our garden journey in Munkedal at the inspiring family run garden Runtminknut. We enjoy exploring this large 2000 m² site with its many creative solutions. You’ll find pergolas, several places to sit, raised flower beds, a kitchen garden and a wonderful greenhouse here. The garden has been divided into several pretty rooms, each with its own character. It’s noticeable that this is a garden designed to be in, socialise in and be stimulated by. The hens clucking around the garden add to the lovely atmosphere. As refreshments are included in the entrance fee, we end our visit with tasty coffee and cake. What a lovely way to end our two day tour!