St. Johns Hospice Garden
designed by Jekka McVicar
The St John's Hospice asked renowned herb farmer Jekka McVicar to create a unique garden entitled ‘A Modern Apothecary'.
The 62 gold medal award winning floral-marquee exhibitor won a silver-gilt medal with her first show garden.
This garden was relocated to the St. John's Hospice after the show to provide a calming, reflective space for St. John's Hospice patients and their families.
Inspiration came from extensive conversations with doctors and care professionals about ways to improve health within the context of gardens and plants. Jekka designed a soothing garden, with 'Wellness' at its heart, to highlight the vital relationship between medicine and nature, and featured research-based plants known to be beneficial to the health and wellbeing of society.
"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." - Hippocrates Curves and symmetry throughout the garden enhanced a sense of calm and peacefulness in the garden.
Scented plants lined the curving paths toward the water feature. The water provided an interactive focal point, as well as sound and movement to the garden. Specially designed oak benches provided a place to sit, surrounded by scented plants for tranquil reflection.
The outer part of the garden was given over to a herb ley, packed with native herbs and grasses. Enclosing the garden, espalier apple trees, columns of yew and hawthorns provided safe seclusion for quiet reflection.The whole garden was overseen by a sculpture of Asclepius's staff, which is the symbol of healing.
"I hope that the garden can provide the patients of the St. John's Hospice and their families comfort through sensory stimulation, and above all a place of quiet reflection." - Jekka McVicar.
