Johnsons of Whixley brings hint of Sweden to Gateshead

BALI Registered Affiliate Johnsons of Whixley has teamed up with the National Garden Scheme (NGS) Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and Gateshead Council to provide hundreds of plants and several trees to its Swedish inspired garden at Saltwell Park.

The Swedish garden will open during the World Transplant Games in August, with the aim of attracting new visitors to the North East and promoting Gateshead to an international audience.

The garden was created to mark 10 years of strong cultural and trade links between Sweden and the North East. Garden designer Susie White created the first celebration of this when she designed a classic English garden in the Västra Götalandregion of Sweden back in 2017, featuring iris, peony, roses, allium, lupin, foxgloves and sage.

The new Swedish garden in Gateshead will feature a woodland, meadow area and elements of coastal landscape, with more than 600 new shrub and herbaceous varieties in addition to 11 trees. With the exception of the Swedish Heritage plants, all plants have been supplied by Johnsons of Whixley.

Eleanor Richardson, marketing co-ordinator for Johnsons of Whixley, said:

“It’s great to be involved with such an exciting project that connects the UK and Sweden. We were delighted when the National Garden Scheme got in touch and asked us to provide the plants and we hope the garden is enjoyed by many people for years to come.” 

Maureen Kesteven, NGS County Organiser, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear, said:

“This unique international project has been a major endeavour for the NGS volunteer team in Northumberland and Tyne and Wear. We are grateful for the assistance provided by our commercial sponsors. Being able to rely on Johnsons of Whixley for the bulk of the plants was a real confidence booster for us.”