ENGLISHMemorable Encounters at Summer Days 2026: Celebrating People and Plants in Lund, Sweden
Lund, Sweden – Summer Days 2026 has end, but the vibrant memories and connections formed during this year's event will be cherished for years to come. On August 16th, the International Perennial Society (ISU) convened in Lund, a historic university town in southern Sweden, bringing together 60 participants from Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, England, France, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, the USA and Poland.
Over five days, attendees explored stunning gardens, urban forests, and even an elk park, immersing themselves in the beauty of nature. The General Assembly took place at Alnarp, SLU (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences), a hub for landscape archit ecture, horticulture, plant production and agriculture.
During the assembly, Vice President Tomasz Michalik and board member Doris Kampmann announced their resignations after years of dedicated service. The International Perennial Society extends its heartfelt gratitude for their contributions and wishes them well in their future endeavours. Following a vote, Folko Kullmann was elected to the board, and the society warmly welcomes him to his new role.
During the Summer Days, the ISU Trials Committee judge new perennial varieties, sent in by various growers from around the world. The best new perennials receive the prestigious ISU-Awards!
The Plant Trials 2026 were led by Ronald Houtman and managed by Karin Svensson at Alnarp, SLU.
- Agastache ‘Agapk’ (BEELICIOUS PINK)
Applicant: Plantipp BV, IJsselstein, Netherlands
Besides the ISU-Award granted by the ISU Trials Committee, BEELICIOUSPINKalsoreceived the Peoples’ Choice ISU-Award - Aster × amethystinus 'JS Trendwende'
Applicant: Spruyt Select CommV - Jan Spruyt, Buggenhout, Belgium - ×Oredenia 'Fusion of Fire'
Applicant: Johan Nilson, Göteborg Botanical Garden, Göteborg, Sweden - Sesleria heufleriana 'Overdam Blue' (NORĐIC)
Applicant: Future Plants Licentie BV, Hillegom, Netherlands - Sorghastrum nutans 'JS Michelito'
Applicant: Spruyt Select CommV - Jan Spruyt, Buggenhout, Belgium
Participants were also treated to a guided tour of the Swedish National Gen Bank, where Linnea Oskarsson and Karin Persson showcased 2,300 historic varieties of fruits, berries, vegetables, and ornamental plants.
Highlights from the event included a visit to Lackalänga Perennial Nursery, where Emil Holgersson demonstrated innovative plant-growing techniques and participants enjoyed a delightful "Swedish fika," featuring an array of cakes and cookies that the nursery’s founder, Lena Holgersson, baked just for us!
The group also explored Klinta Trädgård, a private garden and nursery founded by Julia Andersson and Peter Korn. Their vision is to create a meeting place that connects horticulturists, landscape architects, and ecologists, fostering collaboration in the field. A beautiful garden that kept us stunned!
On the third day, participants explored Slottsträdgården, a 12,000 square meter organic garden led by gardener Lina Hirsch, featuring themed gardens, fields with dahlias and vegetables and community allotments. The day also included a meeting with Patrick Bellan of the City of Malmö, who shared insights on urban tree initiatives and showcased an impressive Urban forest project in the harbour.
The afternoon was spent at Torup Castle , one of Scandinavia's best-preserved Renaissance castles. There, participants learned about the rich history and architecture of the site.
The final day included an exciting encounter with Swedish elk at Elinge Älgpark, followed by a visit to Vargaslätten, a stunning garden and park where architecture, nature, and craftsmanship harmoniously unite. Gerben Tjeerdsma, the head gardener, guided the group through this enchanting space, and attendees were delighted to discover a beautiful nursery filled with rare plants.
As Summer Days 2026 concludes, the bonds forged and the knowledge shared among participants will continue to inspire and cultivate a passion for horticulture and nature.
For more information about the International Perennial Society and upcoming events, please contact us on info@isu-perennials.org
For high-res pictures please email me.
