Being Botanical

 A bit more about the Bergius Treegarden (literally).  The garden was founded in the 18th century and then moved to the north end of Stockholm in 1885.  The garden itself is a scientific garden: It is designed and laid out according to zones and locations.  That being said, it is weeded aggressively and mulched and pruned.  It is very well kept.

It is also a prime picnicing locale for the Stockholm residents.  There are picnic tables and benches throughout.  Many Stockholm residents choose to cycle here and then picnic.

It has two glass houses: One, a modern one opened in 1995 and a classic one inaugurated in 1900.  The classic "Victoria House" contains the delightful and famous "Victoria Amazonica" -- the largest water lily in the world.  The house doesn't open until May Day, so it's not possible to see green upside-down trash can lids until later this summer.  The modern "Edvard Anderson" house has a number of climate zones: I didn't need to see the California zone, but the New Zealand/Australia zone was truly novel.

The former Orangerie has been turned into a cafe.  Too bad since Orangeries have a very Victorian charm to them.  In the center is the house of the original director but this house is now rented out as two units.

The surrounding water is an inlet from the sea and is also a haven for kayaks and canoes.  From the top of the hills one can see water and Stockholm.  All this and it's only one train stop away!



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