Inspired by the rural orchards of Worcestershire and Herefordshire, Alzheimer’s Society: Microbes & Minds Garden tells the story of apple cider vinegar and its gut health benefits.  At its heart stands a beautiful apple tree symbolising the ‘Mother’, the naturally occurring culture of beneficial bacteria formed during fermentation. Surrounding it are high-gloss, curved sculptures inspired by amber glass bottles, designed to protect ‘The Mother’ and, metaphorically, the sitter within the intimate seating area, reflecting apple cider vinegar’s wellness benefits.

A gently bubbling water feature represents fermentation in action, while the planting radiates outward to illustrate the ripple effects of a healthy gut microbiome. Large stone planters echo traditional cider pressing millstones.

In partnership with Alzheimer’s Society, the garden raises awareness of the growing evidence linking the gut microbiome with brain health and the simple lifestyle changes which could help protect the brain and reduce the risk of developing dementia, the leading cause of death in the UK.