100 år av tradition - kaktusgrupper: en kunskapssammanställning av ett bortglömt kulturarv

Abstract

This bachelor’s thesis is a study that examines cactus groups in Sweden from a heritage conservation perspective. Through interviews and an analysis of both historical and modern literature, the research explores why cactus groups became popular and what is required to preserve those still in existence today. A recurring challenge has been the lack of comprehensive source material, leaving some questions open for further research. The study focuses on four cities—Norrköping, Skellefteå, Varberg, and Växjö—that have maintained their cactus groups for nearly a century. It analyzes maintenance methods, time requirements, documentation, and historical background. To provide a broader understanding, the study also investigates the development of garden design and compares historical cactus care methods with contemporary practices. One unexpectedly complex question concerns the true origins of cactus groups. The findings indicate that the origins of these displays remain uncertain. Many sources and informants suggest a connection to Germany, an assumption that at least two of our informants question, raising the possibility that the concept may have originated in Sweden. What is clear, however, is that Germany played a significant role through its influence on garden design and large-scale cactus cultivation, which may have facilitated access to the plants needed for these arrangements. To ensure the continued existence of cactus groups in the four selected cities, financial resources and greenhouses for plant storage are necessary, but so is craftsmanship, dedication, and long-term planning. Thus, the preservation of these historical plantings is not only a matter of horticultural maintenance but also of cultural heritage visibility and valuation in society.