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Development of a public aromatic and medicinal garden in a popular park. Volunteers maintain the garden, one may pick the herbs freely. The project reflects on the layout and possible functions of public space.

‘Jardin Essentiel’ is a herbal and medicinal garden conceived  within the framework of the urban festival ‘Parckdesign’ in Brussels. About 30 species of plants, chosen for their different sensory qualities, were planted and used in different forms throughout a whole summer season. The field, a formerly dull lawn side of a park, is about 2500m². People were quite triggered by the different aspects of the project.The visually striking garden was so successful that the volunteers decided to keep and maintain the garden.

To the extent that the aromatic herb garden is a medical and nutrition site, the issue goes beyond our gardens and parks to include our kitchens, hospitals and cultural expressions. The cultural and social role of public spaces, the quest for the essential, and the growing involvement of local communities are issues that raise questions which resonate throughout the city: what is essential for our contemporary urban lifestyles? What do we expect from our parks today?

Downloads and links:

• Guide (pdf)
• Parcdesign