Public and Private Greenspace

Greenspace is a highly valued entity throughout Denmark, both in public and private spheres. As we have seen with public parks in and around Copenhagen, public greenspace grants citizens the opportunity to share a space with others regardless of status. These public places allow for socialization and healthy living on a community and city-wide scale. Similarly, private greenspaces provide these benefits but on a smaller and more personal level. Whether it be public or private, the presence and valuation of greenspace in Denmark emphasizes its contributions to the country's national identity.

Frederiksberg Kolinhave

The King's Garden at Rosenborg Slot

The idea of private greenspaces has been common for awhile in Denmark, and continues to grow till this day. The first private gardens were within the confines of palaces and monasteries throughout Northern Europe. One famous example of this type of garden would be Frederiksberg Palace, where the previously baroque garden was transitioned to an English style. Like many of the other parks in Copenhagen, Frederiksberg would be repurposed as public space for recreation, knowledge, and socialization.

A house in a kolinihave in De Runde Haver

It wasn't until the turn of the nineteenth century when private gardens became increasingly popular in Copenhagen. These garden allotments are known as "kolinihaves" in Danish. These allotments were usually very simple with a small shed and/or house with a surrounding garden and lawn. As the trend continued, kolinihaves became a symbol of Danish life and culture. Moreover, this space could be used to cultivate their own vegetables and flowers for their home, creating yet another sustainable resource. Here, the Danish values of family, friendship, and hygge could be applied to a special space of their own.

De Runde Haver

De Runde Haver

After experiencing both types of greenspaces, I found them to both share the same qualities of tranquility and community. Even though private greenspaces like kolinhaves are more secluded and away from people, their proximity to other gardens and community centers evoked community spirit, pride, and safety. For example, at De Runde Haver (The Circle Gardens), gardens were more accessible and welcoming compared to the high hedges of the Frederiksberg Kolinhaves in Copenhagen. The two spaces differed in that one is able to leave a greater impression on their own kolinhave compared to a public park. The freedom to design your own space to suit you and your family's needs is what makes kolinhaves so desirable and unique. Each garden has their own identity that reflects their gardener's personality.

A very cozy Kolinhave in Frederiksberg