Hazel Proctor
GARDEN DESIGN & TUITION
Trinity College Dublin Physic Garden
In 2011, I was commissioned by Trinity College Dublin to design the TCD Physic Garden which was established to commemorate the tercentenary of the Departments of Botany, Medicine and Chemistry.
It was based on an original garden believed to have been on campus around 1711.
This is a medicinal plant garden with over 70 common garden plant species that were once used for their medicinal properties.
If you visit, be sure to pick up one of the free books authored by Hazel Proctor - 'Plants of the TCD physic garden' published by Trinity College Press detailing the medicinal properties of the plant collection.
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Plants of Trinity College Dublin Physic Garden by Hazel Proctor
Abstract from the book:
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
One of the most important plants used in the treatment of coronary heart disease - the number one killer in the western world. Digitoxin, a known cardiotonic agent, administered during heart failure will increase the strength of the heart muscle resulting in a stronger heartbeat. This ensures more blood is oxygenated by the lungs and circulation is improved.
Yew (Taxus baccata)
Paclitaxel found in the bark of T. brevifolia was originally discovered in 1967 at the US National Cancer Institute by Monroe E. Wall and Manuskh C. Wani. Registered as Taxol, this compound is the standard used in the treatment of breast, lung and ovarian cancer. Although used for other ailments such as pulmonary problems and tuberculosis the medicinal benefits of Taxus were also recognised by Native American tribes and in Himalayan and Ayruvedic medicine.
