Alzheimer’s Society: Microbes and Minds Garden

The garden

Inspired by the rural orchards of Worcestershire and Herefordshire, this 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.

The imagined client is a female professional, who lives by herself in the city. The garden mixes her love of contemporary art, design and sculpture with magical memories of growing up on a cider farm, amongst the sprawling orchards, abundant hedgerows and wild flowers. Wellness is a big part of her life and she’s fascinated by the gut microbiome and its numerous health connections, particularly since her family has been impacted by dementia. With dementia being all consuming, the garden offers her comfort, a cocooning sanctuary, a place to think, connect with nature and feed her own microbiome.

Key plants

The planting is inpired by nature but elevated by the design. Every element is chosen to honour and enhance the apple trees at the heart of the garden. Natural tones dominate the palette, chosen to complement both the trees and the warm amber hues of the surrounding glass-inspired sculptures. 

• Apple tree varieties: the heart and soul of the garden, symbolising heritage, health, and the fermentation process behind apple cider vinegar
• Forget-me-nots (Myosotis sylvatica): the emblem of Alzheimer’s Society
• Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile): a calming herb that attracts pollinators and deters pests and is also a soothing addition to apple cider vinegar infusions
• Cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris): captures the essence of the May hedgerow
• Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): traditionally planted beneath apple trees to deter pests

Plants supplier: Bernhard’s Nurseries, Frank P Matthews

Sustainability notes

Stone effect planters will be created using hypertufa. Made with a mixture of lightweight and sustainable materials and recycled fibres, the result is a far lighter alternative to stone. The garden has minimal lighting to highlight the main apple tree and the curved sculptures. Lighting is kept low and to a minimum to care for the wildlife within the garden.

The designer – Tina Worboys

“Since moving to Tenbury Wells, I’ve been struck by the rural landscape and the important role apples play not only on the landscape but the culture and businesses of the area too. I’ve also become increasingly interested and aware of the importance of the gut microbiome on our health and how to feed and nurture it, through diet, proximity to nature and the gut-brain connection. It felt natural to put the two inspirations together and tell the story of apple cider vinegar,” Tina Worboys

After a successful career in graphic design, Tina transitioned to landscape and garden design, bringing with her a deep understanding of storytelling, empathy, and human-centered design. She believes in the transformative power of design, using flow, colour, texture and form to create spaces that connect people with nature and enhance everyday life.

Inspired by the wild beauty of the natural world, Tina’s work reflects the rhythm and richness of woodlands, meadows, and hedgerows. Now based in rural England, where Worcestershire meets Shropshire and Herefordshire, she designs from a studio overlooking fields and ancient oaks, creating intentional, abundant landscapes that bring joy, connection, and meaning.

About the sponsor – Alzheimer’s Society

Chelsea offers a unique opportunity to engage a broad and influential audience, helping deepen understanding of dementia and inspire support. Gardens have long been linked to dementia care – offering therapeutic benefits, evoking memories, and connecting people to nature. With growing interest in the link between nature, brain health and the microbiome, this is a timely and meaningful space for Alzheimer’s Society. The partnership will also allow a chance to build new connections and thoughtful engagement.

With studies showing that up to 45% of dementia cases globally could be prevented or delayed by addressing risk factors, it’s vital that we raise awareness of how choices around diet, physical activity, and overall wellbeing can play a role in reducing risk.

Garden legacy

Following the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Alzheimer’s Society is delighted to share that the Microbes and Minds Garden will be relocated to a Hallmark Luxury Care Home. This is a beautiful and long-lasting legacy for the garden, which will live on through the enjoyment of residents, loved ones and people living with dementia.