LOCATION:
Westgate Gardens, Canterbury

DATE:
2015.

WHAT WE DID:
A physic garden is a natural pharmacy – a garden full of medicinal herbs to cure a range of illnesses and complaints. We worked with pupils from Simon Langton Girls School, who were involved in all stages of the project, from initial ideas and designs through to planting and opening to the public. Raised beds were constructed, each representing a different part of the body, featuring plants used for treating them. The design also featured a lavender maze. Mosaics with designs representing body parts were installed to identify the different beds. This initiative was part of the Westgate Parks For People Project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

BENEFITS:
The Physic Garden is an interesting, educational addition to Westgate Gardens and is very popular with members of the public. It is visually appealing and adds to the amenity of the site for visitors, but also has benefits for wildlife – for example flowering plants are a nectar source for bees and other insects.

WHO WE WORKED WITH:
Canterbury City Council, Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School, Friends of Westgate Parks.