The Serpent of Asclepius

he Serpent of Asclepius is a garden for today’s world. Responding to the impact of the global Covid-19 pandemic, it explores the potential of nature to restore peace and balance to the world. The Greek god Asclepius is a deity associated with healing and medicine. The serpent and the shedding of its skin represents renewal and the ability of the body to heal. The garden uses the motif of the serpent and is designed in 4 parts to be experienced as a therapeutic journey. 1: Disease/Imbalance: An open steel tunnel mimics the body of the serpent. It is overgrown with an invasive, monoculture representing disease and imbalance. 2 & 3: Healing/Renewal: This represents the shedding of the snake skin. The monoculture becomes sparse giving space for a diversity of plants with medicinal and symbolically healing qualities from across the world. There is a healing colour scheme of green, yellow and blue. 4: Healed: Represents the renewed self, when balance has been restored. Ornamental grasses and a colour scheme of white and green symbolize purity, and balance. The garden is therapeutic and offers hope for the human race to reconnect with nature and restore peace to the world.