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 raised 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.

The garden was awarded a Silver Medal and People’s Choice.

Everything was created bespoke for the garden, from the amber toned scultures beautifully built and coloured by IOTA planters
to the mill stone-inspired tree planters and water feature, trialled, tested and created by Big Fish Landscapes.
After the show the garden was relocated to home within the Hallmark Luxury Care Homes family.