The Berry Garden

Location: Danstrup

Client: B. Hundebøl, F. Jensen

Team: Stig L. Andersson, Stine Poulsen

Design phase: 1999

Construction: 1999-

Area: 10 ha.

The Berry Garden is open to berry picking enthusiasts. Visit their website here and see more photos.

The small village of Danstrup lies in picturesque surrounding by Esrum Lake . Down to the lake is a 10 hectare site that the owner wished to change from agriculture to the production of different types of berry. The characteristic landscape of North Zealand, small patches of woodland, lakes, scrub, streams, marl quarries, small gardens and winding country lanes of different character, texture and colour, a kind of mixed media, are the starting point for the planning of the site. Corresponding new forms, colours and textures are placed in the berry garden in the lightly undulating landscape. In this way the new interventions in the landscape accentuate the character of the existing surroundings.

The realisation of the park will take place over a number of years and will be carried out by the owner himself. The realisation is a social action, where every-day life and garden art come together in a synthesis: landscaping, production of berries, maintenance and enjoyment of the park are unified. The Berry Garden is a piece of agricultural land cut out of the landscape of North Zealand . The plan consists of 11 patches in a cornfield and smaller features such as a stone wall and a platform. Features that can relate the place and its buildings to the country houses and gardens of the area.

The owners of The Berry Garden Birgit Hundebøl and Flemming Jensen have following comments to the development of the park in 2006:

“We are impressed by the way the park is accentuating the original landscape at the same time as it is a pronounced element in it self – already at this time.

It is exiting to walk around in the park because you see the landscape from different angles and perspectives, and there is something different to look at over the year (the autumn colours are quite unique).

There is plenty of room and good conditions for the wild animal life and vegetation, which thrive here and add an exiting touch.”