If a British garden is a structured tea party and a French garden is a formal ballroom, a Finnish garden is a quiet walk in the woods. In Finland, the garden doesn’t shut nature out, it invites it in.
Maybe you think of all things wintery when it comes to the Nordics, but in a true Nordic garden the goal isn’t just to survive the winter; it’s to celebrate the dramatic shift in light and life throughout the year. A Finnish style garden is one that specifically embraces nature rather than trying to tame it. In Finland there is a word meaning “spring frenzy” – The Våryre, the time the garden starts to wake up from it’s long winter hibernation. Spring can still be a very cool time of year but you could add a Corten steel fire pit and some sheepskin throws to keep warm whilst you enjoy the garden.
Fun Fact, the ancient tradition of the “Spirit Tree” (Pihapuu) is still very much alive today in modern Finland. Many Finns choose one specific tree in their garden to never cut down, believing it protects the home and its inhabitants.
Plant list
In Finland, the choice of trees is a blend of national pride, ancient mythology, and sheer survival! Here are some firm favourites in any Finnish garden that we stock here at The Big Plant Nursery:
Silver Birch (Betula pendula) – Finland’s national tree. Its striking white bark and drooping “weeping” branches are iconic. Finns love it for its spring sap (mahla), which is drinkable, and its leaves, which are used to make whips for the sauna. A single Silver Birch provides that iconic white bark and delicate, airy spring foliage that defines the Nordic look.
Flowering Cherries (Prunus) – The true herald of spring. Hanami (flower viewing) is the Japanese word for the cultural practice of watching and appreciating flowers. In Finland, the Roihuvuori Society holds the largest Hanami Festival in Finland, and has organised the event in the Roihuvuori Cherry Park and Japanese style garden since 2008 with more than 450 cherry trees.
Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) – The backbone of the Finnish landscape. It’s loved for its ruggedness and the warm, orange / red hue of its upper bark. In gardens, it’s often used as a “spirit tree, a central, protected guardian of the property. Find out more about pines.
Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) – Historically considered a holy tree in Finnish mythology, it was believed to ward off evil. Today, it’s planted for its white spring blossoms and its bright red berries, which attract birds in the autumn.
Yew (Taxus baccata) – Use this for “structured” elements, a deep green backdrop for other planting and winter interest.
Other plants for consideration
- Anemones
- Astrantia
- Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea)
- Hydrangeas
- Libertia grandiflora
- Ornamental grasses
Planting airy herbaceous perennials such as Astrantia and Foxgloves as well as deciduous ornamental grasses, keeps the colour palette cool; white, silver and soft lilac to catch the fragile spring light.
If you have a two metre corner in your garden, try this combination for a high impact, low effort Nordic aesthetic:
- Back: One Silver Birch, underplanted with white Foxgloves
- Middle: A drift of deciduous ornamental grasses mixed with silvery / white herbaceous plants
- Front: A low mound of Festuca glauca to add a silvery-blue “coolness” to the ground.
Creating a Finnish inspired sanctuary isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about fostering a connection with the wild beauty of the changing seasons. Whether you want to plant your own “Spirit Tree” for protection or design a cool toned corner to catch the early morning light, the Nordic aesthetic offers timeless, low maintenance elegance that thrives in the UK. At The Big Plant Nursery, we have everything you need to transition your garden from a formal space into a soulful retreat.
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