From Rooftop Gardening to Living Worlds in Glass

Amina Alaamer transforms her passion for nature into miniature ecosystems through Foresta

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

What started as a volunteer experience on a farm in the United Kingdom has blossomed into a creative venture that combines nature, science, and art for Bahraini terrarium designer Amina Alaamer, founder of Foresta by Amina.

Alaamer’s fascination with nature began during a cultural exchange volunteer programme in the UK, where she spent time working on a farm and learning about ecosystems, soil health, and the vital role of earthworms in the environment.

“My journey with gardening began long before Foresta or my rooftop farm,” Alaamer told The Daily Tribune. “That experience sparked my curiosity and created a deep connection with nature.”

After returning to Bahrain, she began growing plants on a small scale. However, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that her passion truly flourished.

“During the COVID-19 period, my ideas began to grow, my passion became stronger, and what started as a simple hobby evolved into a much bigger journey,” she said.

“As I learned more about ecosystems and the relationships between plants, soil, and living organisms, I became fascinated by the idea of recreating those natural systems on a miniature scale,” she said.

She describes a terrarium as “a miniature ecosystem inside a glass container” where plants, moss, soil, and natural elements interact to create a thriving environment.

Her work gradually expanded from traditional gardening into artistic landscape design, with each creation telling its own story.

“Each terrarium became an opportunity to create a scene, an atmosphere, or even an entire world inspired by nature, fantasy, movies, or personal experiences,” she explained.

Among her most striking creations is a terrarium inspired by the iconic movie character King Kong, reflecting her love of transforming familiar stories into immersive living landscapes.

“Inspiration comes from everywhere: movies, travel, forests, architecture, and even everyday objects,” she said.

While insects and worms often make people uncomfortable, Alaamer sees them as essential contributors to a healthy ecosystem.

“I see them as part of nature rather than something to fear,” she said. “Once you understand their role in maintaining balance within an ecosystem, you begin to appreciate them.”

Earthworms, she explained, play a particularly important role in maintaining soil health by recycling nutrients, improving soil structure, and increasing aeration.

“They are nature’s recyclers and one of the most important components of a healthy ecosystem,” she said.

As a woman working closely with insects and soil, Alaamer has occasionally faced questions about whether she is afraid of bugs.

“My response is always that passion and knowledge have nothing to do with gender,” she said. “Understanding nature removes fear.”

She believes that learning about ecosystems helps people appreciate the value of even the smallest creatures in maintaining environmental balance.

“My vision is to transform indoor spaces into immersive natural experiences where people can relax, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the beauty of a living ecosystem every day,” she said.