The simples, starting from the Middle Ages, formed the basis for harmony and the care of the human body. Many of them had botanical origins and were cultivated in small geometric-shaped beds in gardens. The current space, which currently houses Eastern Cypress trees and Laurel plants, will be arranged as raised and cultivated beds containing perennial medicinal and herbaceous plants. One Eastern Cypress tree from the group of seven existing ones (of which 5 are dead or declining) and one Laurel from the existing group on the site will be retained. Since this portion of the garden is not accessible to all due to the presence of stairs, multimedia applications will be developed to aid visitors during their visit and provide content.

From the orchard, through an existing stone staircase, access is possible to the "Orto dei Semplici" (Garden of Simples). This area, covering approximately 260 m2, will host twelve raised beds arranged in a regular geometric design derived from the division of the outer perimeter in decreasing steps. Each bed will cultivate a different species of medicinal herbs ("simplicia medicamenta").

The number twelve has always held significant symbolism in the Middle Ages: it is 4 repeated 3 times or 3 repeated 4 times, making it the number of total manifestation as 3 represents the divine and 4 symbolizes the earth. The number twelve is fundamental in the biblical-evangelical tradition; the Tree of Life described in the new Jerusalem will yield twelve harvests, one per month. In antiquity, twelve was the archetypal amphictyonic number (league, political-religious alliance). There are twelve months in a year, and symbolically, 12 contains not only 3 (1+2) and 4 (2+2) but also 5 (2+3), which symbolizes femininity and plurality (being the sum of 3+4+5). Twelve also has a high alchemical value derived from 4 and 3: the multiplication of the four vital elements (earth, fire, air, water) by the three mineral elements (sulfur, salt, mercury) originates the secret of the substance of all things.

Among the many possible meanings that could be attributed to the twelve beds of the earthly paradise, the choice was not accidental, as it represents the zodiac, i.e., the astral one. Each individual sector corresponds to a zodiac sign, identified by its respective geomantic sign.

The central bed will host an Eastern Cypress tree (Cupressus sempervirens var. horientalis), the only surviving plant from the original group of 7 specimens, most of which are dead or severely compromised.

The simples that will be cultivated will be represented by: