Albert Heijn Herb Garden, Purmerend

A response to the boom in urban farming, Netherlands supermarket Albert Heijn has launched an in-store help-yourself herb garden.

The addition taps into the growing demand for fresh herbs, while also recognising that not everyone has the time or space to be able to tend their own herb gardens. Well tended and conveniently located, the idea means that the supermarket is effectively doing customers’ gardening for them.

Studiomfd’s pick-your-own herb garden in Albert Heijn has big appeal for would-be urban farmers.

Housed within the produce section, the 8sqm space features two vertical walls of fresh herbs. Customers can harvest select amounts of their desired herbs directly from the plants. An unobtrusive water tap setup lets customers wash produce or their hands after picking or cutting their herbs.

The small addition has a backyard greenhouse vibe, with natural wood shelves and blackboard signage. A metal frame at the top of the area creates a ‘roof’. The design is inspired by Dutch glasshouse horticulture, a highly efficient approach used to provide much of Europe with product.

It’s a fresh, simple idea that taps into consumer needs, providing fresh, on-demand access to herbs while also reducing waste.