13. SPICE PLANTS AND HERBS

The spice plant and herb collection has been an important part of Tromsø Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden ever since the opening in 1994.

Alpestikle/ alpine sea holly (Eryngium alpinum)

The spice plant and herb collection has been an important part of Tromsø Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden ever since the opening in 1994. Most of the spice and herb species  which can be grown in Tromsø are included in 11 different sections. Each of them has their own texts. This part of our garden is related to classic garden traditions and is the only one with a formal, geometric design.

Some of the species were grown in North Norway already in1750 (at Brønnøy Vicarage). During the period 1800-1850 the following species are known to have been grown there: dill (Anethum graveolens), garden cress (Lepidium sativum), crisp-leaved mint (Mentha crispa), marjoram (Origanum majorana), parsley (Petroselinum sativum), anise (Pimpinella anisum), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), sage (Salvia offficinalis), summer savory (Satureja hortensis), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), and black mustard (Sinapis nigra).

The number of species increased between 1850 and 1900, but appears to have decreased later on. Spice plants were also used for medicinal purposes. A hedge made of the hardiest old roses surrounds the collection.