The edible park of Blenda's hill

The park is a so-called multifunctional space that creates benefits for both people and animals.

There are more than 40 varieties of edible shrubs, trees and perennials. The richness of species contributes to biodiversity, which benefits pollinators such as bumblebees, bees and butterflies. Green urban environments also improve health and well-being through their opportunities for recovery, play and meetings.

The park also minimizes the consequences of a changing climate, such as more heat waves and heavy rainfall. The greenery creates shade and coolness, and the floodplain can manage and clean stormwater from the surrounding hard surfaces.

We have drawn on the story of Blenda and her family in our work to create a green urban environment that improves well-being, health and well-being. Blenda's park is beneficial for both people and animals. Bumblebees, bees and butterflies can hang out there as well as you can pick the edible plants or sit on one of the park benches and enjoy the greenery and the fox and birds that have moved in.

In 1871, Blenda and Gustaf Zetterqvist moved to Älmhult. They were poor and had 12 children but managed well, perhaps because gardening was their passion. They created an English garden filled with fruit trees, shrubs and crops that became widely known and people talked about Blenda's garden. Today, the house has been moved and the garden has become a small green area on Norra Esplanaden.