SUND: Questtions & Answers
Q&A: The Deadly Garden at SDU
This week’s Q&A takes a closer look at what actually grows in the garden at the Department of Forensic Medicine and why it has earned the rather dramatic nickname The Garden of Death.
I’d really like to know what grows in the garden down by the forensic scientists and Koblingsbygningen, and what its purpose is. Is it actually The Garden of Death?
Looking forward to reading your response—thanks in advance!
Dear colleague,
Thank you for your question!
The forensic scientists’ garden, officially called Deadly Garden, is a unique exhibition showcasing a variety of poisonous plants. It is part of the artwork Floral Medicine, which connects several elements at SUND and the upcoming New OUH, where a medicinal garden is planned.
Its location by the Department of Forensic Medicine and the mortuary is no coincidence. It symbolises the dangerous properties of poisonous plants and their connection to life and death.
At the same time, the garden serves as a visual barrier for the mortuary, which is one of the reasons it is not open to the public.
Deadly Garden contains plants ranging from mildly toxic to extremely lethal. They have been chosen both for their decorative appearance and their unique properties. Many of them have a dual nature—being both deadly and valuable for medicinal purposes.
The garden is not yet fully completed, and the artwork has therefore not been officially handed over to SDU by the artist. However, once everything is in place, you will be able to see plants such as:
- Deadly nightshade Atropa belladonna – The most toxic plant in the garden. Its berries are lethal, but the plant is also used to produce atropine, a life-saving substance against nerve agent poisoning.
- Lenten rose Helleborus orientalis) – A beautiful flower with a dangerous side. The entire plant is poisonous.
- Yew Taxus baccata– Its leaves contain toxic alkaloids, which can be life-threatening even in small amounts.
- Italian arum Arum italicum – This plant is not only poisonous but also has a distinctive scent that makes it particularly intriguing.
- Cyclamen Cyclamen – Can cause nausea and vomiting if ingested in large quantities.
- SpurgeEuphorbia – Its sap can irritate the skin and is also toxic if consumed.
Questions & Answers
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About Floral Medicine
Simon Starling’s artwork Floral Medicine highlights nature’s dual role as both poisonous and healing. The piece connects indoor and outdoor spaces and supports the collaboration between New OUH and SUND, where theory and practice in healing come together.
Floral Medicine integrates plant-based medicine into furniture textiles, wallpapers, and outdoor gardens. The artist has selected three areas within SUND/New OUH that reflect the site’s function and nature’s relationship with life and death:
1. Department of Forensic Medicine
Theme: Poisonous plants
Elements: Enclosed garden (Deadly Garden) and furniture with matching patterns (Deadly Sofa)
2. Fauna passage by Forten (dining area)
Theme: Wild nature and bats
Elements: Room-dividing curtains (Bat Curtain) and furniture (Green Birds Sofa)
3. The pharmacy at New OUH
Theme: Healing plants
Elements: Courtyard garden (Pharmaceutical Garden)
The plants have been carefully selected to match the function of each location. For example, the patterns on the furniture at the Department of Forensic Medicine are inspired by the poisonous plants found in the garden.
Floral Medicine on the AxisIn addition to the three main areas, the artwork also extends to the Axis, where textiles from Floral Medicine adorn the study pods at SUND.
