Key plants in The Freedom from Torture Garden: A Sanctuary for Survivors

Drought resistant, fast growing, pyrophytic (adapted to tolerate fire) trees which provide firewood, building material and essential oils. Native to Australia, but widespread and naturalised across the Southern Mediterranean, Africa, the Middle East, South American, South Asia and California. Highly resilient and evergreen with attractive silver foliage, pollinator friendly flowers and beautiful peeling bark.

A drought resistant, ancient forage crop for humans and animals with significant, sustainable, agricultural potential as we face climate change. Widespread across the Mediterranean Basin, North and East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula it is a shrubby evergreen with heavy silvered shield shaped edible leaves. It tolerates both saline and alkaline soils and is useful for screening in coastal areas. 

The chickpea is one of the earliest cultivated legumes and a key ingredient in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. They are rich in energy, fibre, proteins, minerals and vitamins making them an excellent food source for humans and animals alike. The plant grows well in dry climates and as a member of the legume family they also help improve the soil by fixing nitrogen. The chickpea is an important cash and security crop to many countries throughout the world and as populations increase and the climate changes the chickpea is likely to remain one of the world’s most important sustainable high yield crops. 

The Opium Poppy or Bread Seed Poppy is an annual from which both opium and poppy seeds are derived. In addition to being a valuable ornamental, poppies are grown to produce edible seeds often used in mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking, and for their unique and highly valuable contributions to the pharmaceutical industry by way of opium and alkaloid production. Native to the Eastern Mediterranean the poppy has successfully naturalised in almost all countries of the world with suitable temperate climates - it is an incredible herb and true survivor. 

Drought resistant, edimental domesticated in ancient times and still occurs in the wild. Native to western and central Mediterranean, though grown as a vegetable across warmer climes.

A prolific self seeder, offering up edible seeds, native to Southern Europe, North Africa and South West Asia. Appearing in all its colour forms of blue, mauve, pink and white, this annual encapsulates the nostalgia and self sustaining nature of the garden. 

Drought tolerant, ancient and symbolic, edible and ornamental. Native to the Mediterranean, but widely cultivated throughout the Middle East and Caucasus region, north and tropical Africa, Iran, the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia and the drier parts of Southeast Asia. Attractive large shrub or small tree, invoking homeland memories.

Underrated and underused drought resistant subshrubs, many of which are evergreen and offer a sustainable alternative to Buxus or Taxus. Some species included are used as medicinal herbs and many are extremely pollinator friendly.