HIGH-VALUE URBAN OPEN SPACES – DREAMPARK ENKÖPING, SWEDEN

In the early 1980s, when new strategies for park proceedings were drawn up, more than 35,000 annuals were being planted in borders and pots in our local parks.
The overall impact of the bedding displays was disputable.
We were caught in a rut of routines regarding economy, work performance and design – recurring planting habits year after year.
At that time, there were no perennials in our park environment and so the question was could we reduce the summer flower displays and improve the rest? Would a systematic long-term use of perennials create professional commitment and yield plantings and parks of greater inspirational and visual impact.
In 1982, the first 400 perennials were planted.
Today, they cover an area of 20,000 m². Over the years, the parks and plantings have slowly taken on a new appearance.
These planting communities are not traditional borders in the true sense, but a harmonious mix of planting companions, from trees and shrubs to hardy bulbs.
The abundance of ornamental grasses and other vertical growing perennials attempts to echo naturalness, drawing on an appreciation of natural habitats.
It also became evident that it was necessary to include bulbous plants (i.e. bulbs, corms, tubers or rhizomes) into the planting experience.
The main flowering season for perennials is high summer to autumn, but with the colourful and abundant display of bulb blooms amidst herbaceous perennials, grass and shrubs, the floral season could be extended to early spring.
With this new inspiring appearance, the parks have attracted a lot of attention and have been a huge success, not only with the local residents but with visitors who come from all over Sweden and afar to experience this unique environment.

International Conference on Urban Horticulture

S. Mattson

parks, urban spaces, perennials, new strategies

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2004.643.20