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RHS Hampton Court

Herbal Fortress

Inspired by observations of a laboratory petri dish, Herbal Fortress is an imaginative border exploring the defensive power of nature through planting design.
'Herbal Fortress' illustrates how Lamiaceae oils form protective 'halos' against bacteria in lab cultures.
created for the RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival 2025, the scheme is based on scientific observations of the Lamiaceae family – a group of aromatic plants including mint, sage, thyme and oregano – and their natural ability to inhibit bacterial growth. In laboratory cultures, oils from these plants often create visible, protective "halos" where the spread of bacteria is held at bay.

Herbal Fortress translates this phenomenon into a vivid and expressive planting design. Vibrant floral 'islands' rise from the border like elevated microcosms, referencing the concentrated clusters of active compounds found in medicinal herbs. Beneath them, a tapestry of lower-growing plants evokes the shifting patterns of microbial life, creating a visual contrast that is both beautiful and conceptually rich.

This planting design celebrates the ancient alliance between humans and herbs and is a reminder of the resilience, intelligence and healing potential found in the natural world.

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'Herbal Fortress' illustrates how Lamiaceae oils form protective 'halos' against bacteria in lab cultures.


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