Husqvarna will make a cash donation plus one of its robotic lawnmowers to the National Garden Scheme (NGS) charity in order to support the creation of a Swedish garden in Gateshead’s Saltwell Park this August.

L-R: Robin Costello, project manager, Terry Burke, VP & CFO, Husqvarna Division, Helen Cadzow of Cadzow Estates, Maureen Kesteven regional chairperson of the National Garden Scheme, Helen McArdle of HMC Group, Caroline Theobald. North East honorary consul for Sweden, and Stuart Bell of the Friends of Saltwell Park

Husqvarna has backed the summer project which will see the NGS combine with Gateshead Council, the North East Honorary Consul for Sweden, and sponsors, to create ’The Buzzing Garden’ - a Swedish-designed greenspace.

The Buzzing Garden will be open to the general public and is a reciprocal effort following the work of garden designer, Susie White, who brought a piece of England to the Västra Götaland region of Western Sweden in 2017.

This year, Swedish garden designers will return the favour with the help of Region Västra Götaland as a partner, to mark the 10th anniversary of the link between the North East and Western Sweden, which involves businesses, academia, culture and local authorities. Saltwell Park in Gateshead was chosen as it has been voted by the public as one of the UK’s top 10 parks.

The design will include a woodland, a meadow area and elements of a coastal landscape - its August opening will also coincide with the World Transplant Games which are being held in the town.

Maureen Kesteven, NGS regional chairperson, commented, “This project comes from the strong links that have been forged between, and in fact the friendships developed in, the North East of England and West Sweden. It could not have happened without the costs being covered by our sponsors, both local and Swedish businesses. We hope it will prove to be an attraction for tourists to the North East; a place for Swedes and others to bring their families and friends; raise the profile of the National Garden Scheme; as well as being an asset for the local community ”

Terry Burke, VP & CFO Husqvarna Division, added, ”Being a Swedish company and with our connection to gardens, Husqvarna is proud to be supporting this initiative which will give back to the local community of Gateshead and celebrate the link between Western Sweden and the North East.

”The work which the National Garden Scheme does to make the UK a greener place and also contribute to nursing and care charities is fantastic and we all in Husqvarna, are very excited to see the final outcome of this ambitious project.”

As part of its support for The Buzzing Garden, Husqvarna will install its Automower 520 which will work unassisted to maintain the grass of the garden.