Great-granny’s garden is both a therapeutic garden and a living gene bank. The plants are traditional perennials, once very popular but rarely found in the horticultural trade today. They have been moved here from old gardens all over southeastern Norway. To be considered for
inclusion in this plant collection, the plants must have a known history going back to the 1950s or earlier.
These old perennials have great biological value. They have adapted to the local climate over a long time, and have qualities that may be missing in modern varieties. Great-granny’s garden is facilitated for visitors in wheelchairs, and also for visitors suffering from dementia.
The central area is shielded with shrubs, a low fence, and small gates, so visitors can safely stroll around on their own even if they have some problems with orientation. There are old fashioned benches and a small gazebo. The combination of visual impressions and fragrances familiar since childhood can awaken dormant memories and be a starting point for rewarding conversations.
The perennials are grouped according to geographical origin. Among many others, you will find primroses and cowslips, irises, daylilies, peonies, phlox and asters. Outside the picket fence you’ll find old varieties of fruit trees, hops and roses.
Primroses and other primulas
In the spring you’ll see a great display of primroses in Great-granny’s Garden, in many colors and shapes. The Primula genus has more than 500 wild species, and has been extensively cultivated and hybridized. They are very hardy and have long been very popular in Norwegian gardens,even in the tough climate of northern Norway.
Fresh fragrance by the cowshed
Southernwood has a strong camphor-like odor and was historically used as an air freshener or strewing herb. It has been cultivated in Norway since the 1600s. It was often planted by the door to the cowshed. Lightly rubbing your hands through the bush is an easy way to get rid of the cowshed odor.
From Thor Heyerdahl’s Garden
Thor Heyerdahl, famous explorer and skipper of the Kon-Tiki, grew up in Larvik. Day-lilies and Shasta daisies have been brought here to Great-granny’s Garden from the Heyerdahl family’s property. You find them near the gazebo.
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