WELCOME TO VISIT OUR UNIQUE
NO-DIG GARDEN IN PARGAS
No-dig cultivation is still quite new in Finland. Our great source of inspiration and mentor is the English grower Charles Dowding.
At Tallbacka Garden, the wellbeing of the soil is the foundation of everything we do. We do not dig or till the soil; instead, we leave the work of maintaining soil structure to the microorganisms living in it. We want to support the symbiosis between fungal mycelium and plants. We care for our growing beds by spreading a 5–8 cm layer of our own homemade compost on them once a year. On the paths between the beds, we prefer using wood chips. We do not use artificial fertilizers or pesticides.
Our biggest challenge in No Dig cultivation has been producing enough compost. We have tried many composting methods in our search for the most suitable one. During the garden tour, visitors have the opportunity to learn about the Berkeley Hot Compost method, which we favor, and the fixed compost system built following Dowding’s example.
The garden is constantly changing and developing—partly by our intention, partly on its own. Plants grow or wither away; some thrive beautifully while others struggle. Our delightful task is to find the “right” places for them.
Tallbacka is both a production garden and a visitor garden, and we want to make it varied, lively, and even surprising. Following the forest garden ideology, we have happily mixed trees, shrubs, vegetables, and flowers in the same beds. Different parts of the garden have their own names and often some theme or story that fascinates us.
HUNDREDS OF SPECIES AND VARIETIES
At Tallbacka, you can see an enormous number of different plants—trees, shrubs, herbs, vegetables, and perennials. We have favored old heritage varieties but have always been drawn to trying new and unseen ones as well. Among the rarities, we can mention quince, medlar, chicory root, and sea beet… and every year something entirely new!
WOULD YOU LIKE A FRESH, COLORFUL, SURPRISING TALLBACKA–MIX salad?
The well of Olav
In true English style, we might even hold watercress festivals someday!
THE PATH LEADS TO A FAIRYTALE
Between the road leading to the house and the garden lies a pine hillside, part of which we have taken into cultivation and called our forest garden. In summer 2025, it slowly and intuitively transformed into the land of childhood fairy tales. Our dearest stories and fragments of mythology inspired us to gather plants and trees with enchanting tales connected to them. Thorny roses covering Sleeping Beauty’s castle and stone dwarfs guarding Snow White took the lead roles. The sweetest part is that in the middle of everything are benches where you can simply sit and breathe in a fairytale-like peace.
A MEDITATION WALK
Visitors also have the opportunity to wander the garden meditatively. In summer 2026, Tallbacka will begin developing meditation moments and a pilgrimage path, to be walked either in a group or alone. The pilgrimage theme is dear and important to us—our annual St. Olav’s Day celebration on July 29 is also a reflection of this.
GUIDED TOURS AND REFRESHMENTS (BY ORDER)
Guided garden tour and introduction to No Dig cultivation
10€ per person – groups (more than 10 people): 8€
By ordering refreshments and snacks,
e.g., herb bun and mint tea: 7€
The Tallboden shop is always open!
Seasonal lovely vegetables and much more, including partner products.
WELCOME!
