OSLO BOTANICAL GARDEN Explore Gardens of G FLOR & FJÆRE Norway's stunning natural diversity and deep-rooted affi nity for gardening shines in these four vibrant gardens that cover the country with color BY GLENN HANSEN ardeners in Norway encounter two main problems. One, getting the plants to root into a glacier; and two, keeping the polar bears out. Funny, but not true-not at all. Glaciers do not cover the whole country. And Norway has no polar bears (except for on the far-northern archipelago of Svalbard). Th e reality is that Norway's climate is surprisingly moderate for its northern location. Abundant summer rain mixes with long hours of daylight, so enthusiastic Norwegian gardeners and farmers can create splendid landscapes. And they do. Berries and fruit trees grow well in much of Norway, and locals love to harvest fruit for jams and pies. Roses and fl owering shrubs provide colorful contrast to spruce and pine forests. Heather and other low shrubs build borders and barriers for vegetable gardens. Norwegians have tended farms and ARCTIC-ALPINE BOTANIC GARDEN gardens for centuries, making the most of their annually awaited summer sunshine. In the following pages, explore four magnifi cent gardens that showcase both the country's diverse natural beauty and the creative gardening skills of enthusiastic locals. 12 Jul/Aug 2024 sonsofnorway.com Norway thehttp://www.sonsofnorway.com