Although Hljómskálagarður is more than a century old, it continues to evolve, changing in small, delightful ways since Þorsteinn Magni Björnsson assumed its care seven years ago.
"This year's summer flower theme remains the same as last year's—two bold contrasts: orange and blue on one side, yellow and violet on the other. These four colors run throughout the summer flowers planted in the beds and large bins. Some people find it quite bold, but I think it's simply beautiful," says Þorsteinn Magni, Reykjavík City horticulturist and Hljómskálagarður manager, regarding these vivid, sun-drenched colors.
A riot of colorful foliage
Summer flowers are far from the only component shaping the garden's character. Þorsteinn Magni puts considerable thought into the foliage colors of his chosen plants. “I use a lot of yellow-green and violet, mixing in evergreen species,” he says. Common elder is one particularly striking example found throughout the garden, distinguished by its deep violet foliage.
The area stretching from the bandstand to the statue of Jónas Hallgrímsson has seen significant changes, as have the beds along the garden's easternmost path. "This is the central axis of the garden, just as it was from the very beginning," says Þorsteinn Magni, who has worked to strengthen this axis and the visual line running through the space. The surrounding beds are especially beautiful, and the area features a charming heated wading pool—a perfect spot to sit and rest.
Blazing autumn colors
He also selects plants that put on a beautiful autumn display, pointing to one variety with reddish leaves that becomes "an absolute fireworks display in the fall." He notes that he focuses less on flowering, as blooms can be unpredictable and short-lived, meaning other qualities must carry the design. "It's exciting to work with species that have unusual coloring—something other than green."
The garden contains a wide variety of plantings, and the white “Crazy Daisy” Shasta daisy can be seen here and there throughout the garden. It is currently in full bloom. Elsewhere in the garden, visitors will find roses, various types of juniper and other evergreen shrubs, ornamental onions, ornamental grasses, delphiniums, nearly 20 varieties of rowan trees, and much more. In another nice touch, ivy has been planted around a small shed, concealing the structure and helping it blend naturally into the surroundings.
"I'm creating an ornamental garden with diversity as my guiding principle"
A diverse ornamental garden
Perennials and summer flowers are also woven among the shrubs in a pleasing, varied manner. "I'm creating an ornamental garden with diversity as my guiding principle," Þorsteinn Magni says.
The garden also features columnar beech, coneflower, and sunflowers—though the sunflowers struggled in this summer's cold. They were stunning last year, and he plans to try them again next season. Next summer is sure to be much warmer and sunnier than this one!
Jónas adorned with summer flowers
The statue of Jónas Hallgrímsson is beautifully framed by colorful summer flowers. "I've used quite a few old-fashioned varieties in the summer planting—what you might call grandmother's flowers. These are traditional species with a long history of thriving in Icelandic cultivation—marigolds and violets, for example. They're incredibly reliable," he says.
No conversation with Þorsteinn Magni would be complete without mentioning the bed along Hringbraut—highly visible to anyone traveling along that busy road—where he drew inspiration from Van Gogh, as he explained so engagingly in an interview last year.
This year the theme remains the same, though he has swapped in different plants, choosing a two-toned violet, for instance, to better evoke the sky.
Drawn to soft lines
A recent change to Hljómskálagarður is visible below the entrance at Bjarkargata/Hringbraut. Access to the garden from the southbound path has been opened up, making the area more inviting for play and socializing.
Þorsteinn Magni has little affection for boxy shapes or straight lines. "I want soft lines—I don't find it easy to work with straight ones. That's just who I am." It is also fair to say that too much formality can make a space feel less welcoming. He also points out that soft lines naturally open up more perspectives as you move through a space.
A cherished gathering place
Having this green garden in the heart of Reykjavík City is truly precious. "It plays a key role—not just as an event venue, but as a stopping point for visitors and locals alike, and as an ornamental garden," says Þorsteinn Magni, who also notes the runners, dog owners, and others who pass through daily. "This is a place for people to come together."
Hljómskálagarður is a true gem on Reykjavík City's municipal land—a green and beautiful space well worth visiting, full of sights to delight the eye and perfect for spending time with others.
Hljómskálagarðurinn
