A few weeks ago, I shared some of the formal gardens I visited last summer in France.  That trip continued on to Norway, and this week’s dose of nature therapy is about the Norwegian gardens that burst with color in the summertime. The gardens I saw ranged from entire rooftops to a few small containers, but they all seem to embody an exuberant understanding that there will only be a short season with adequate daylight and warmth, so make it count!

This house and garden from the town of Urke were by far my favorite.  Nordic folklore was a big part of my childhood, and although this house seems too cheerful for a troll, a hobbit could definitely live here!  In this tiny town, located along a fjord known as Hjorundfjorden, you can’t exactly compete with the dramatic landscape, but this garden is just the right complement in scale, color, and form.

I could not get enough of these tiny boat houses with sod roofs!  Green roofs and roof gardens have been growing in popularity in the United States, but in Norway, they’ve been part of the vernacular architecture for centuries as a way to utilize local materials and provide better insulation. 

My husband and I visited Balestrand 15 years ago, but only stayed long enough to take a day trip to the Glacier Museum.  We were so enchanted by this quiet town that we returned with the kids, and gave ourselves more time to explore.  Above is a picture of a garden full of Lupines, with the fjord in the background.

The street that starts at the Kviknes Hotel, and runs parallel to the fjord is lined with decorative homes that were originally built by artists at the end of the 19th century, and even the birdhouses are treated with an artistic flair.

Containers filled with flowers are a simple way to add a friendly touch to an entry.  This lone flower pot on the post of this entry gate is all that’s needed to make guests feel welcome with a little burst of color. 

Balestrand is home to numerous organic fruit orchards, as well as Ciderhuset, where you can taste over 100 ciders and juices, and dine at the restaurant.  But don’t go on a Saturday, when it’s closed for private events, which is what we did!  It was still a lovely walk, and we enjoyed drinking their delicious Balholm brand of cider with dinner at our hotel.

A trip to Norway is not complete with a visit to the Vigeland Park in Oslo.  This impressive collection of sculptures is set in an expansive public park and depicts each stage of the human lifecycle with raw emotion and tenderness. 

The garden of the Urnes Stave Church feels peaceful and rooted in history, with the church dating back to approximately 1130.  I always love a framed view, and was especially struck by the contrast between the dark interior of the church and the sunny day outside.