Kristianstad (i)

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Next to the (mostly) calm waters of Helge å river, a stone’s throw from Kristianstad railway station, lies Hälsoträdgården, or, the Health Garden. Small, and not a botanic garden per se, but systematic and well-kept. Organized, a little, like I can imagine a monastery kitchen garden could have been, with flower beds and herbs and a flock of hens prancing around, hives for honey bees, and benches in tranquil nooks between shrubs and trees, perfect for moments of contemplation and philosophizing. They even had pretty little hand-made Easter decorations in the trees, such cute little details swaying in the icy April breeze.

I visited at Easter time, back in 2019, when I was doing follow-up interviews after the series of workshops that makes up the core of my PhD thesis. Interviewing is interesting and inspiring, but also intense and I often feel drained of energy after. Strolling through the Health Garden in the end of the day, to gather my thoughts and get some fresh air and evening sun soothed my frazzled brain. They have really done something special with this little piece of park in Kristianstad.

Photos: Hälsoträdgården in Kristianstad, Sweden, April 2019. Posted on Instagram April 5, 2021.