STEPPING into a garden could soon mean stepping into a sauna.
Ilkley designer Melissa Morton is bringing the first-ever sauna show garden to the Harrogate Spring Flower Show, putting a Nordic-inspired spin on wellbeing and outdoor design.
Running from April 23 to 26 at the Great Yorkshire Showground, the event attracts more than 40,000 visitors annually and will feature Ms Morton’s latest creation, titled The Breathing Space.
Commissioned by the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL), the compact 4m by 5m show garden centres around a two-person sauna and demonstrates how small urban spaces can promote relaxation and reflection.
Melissa Morton, a garden designer, said: “I wanted to show that even the smallest garden can become a place of retreat.
“The sauna became a natural focal point, but it also shaped the wider design, showing how outdoor spaces can support wellbeing and be used in different ways across the year.”
Visual of APL show garden ‘The Breathing Space’ by Melissa Morton Garden Design & Land Masons (Image: Supplied)
A simple timber boardwalk winds through naturalistic planting, leading visitors into a tranquil, restorative space.
The design also includes an outdoor shower, a Yorkshire stone bench, and sculptural elements that nod to the region’s heritage.
Grasses and seasonal plants soften the structures and attract wildlife, while a metal bistro set offers a spot to pause and reflect.
Ms Morton said: “I wanted to use materials that feel honest and rooted in place.
“Yorkshire stone has a timeless quality – it ages beautifully and helps anchor the garden in its surroundings.
“Together with the planting, the design creates a space that feels grounded, restorative, and quietly connected to the natural world.”
Last year, her garden A Garden for Gathering took home the Premier Gold Award for Best in Show.
Simon Abbott, APL regional manager, said: “Working with talented professionals like Melissa and the team from Land Masons showcases the exceptional craftsmanship, creativity, and professionalism that APL members bring to every project.
“We’re excited for visitors to experience Melissa’s new garden, The Breathing Space, at the Harrogate Spring Flower Show and see how small urban spaces can be transformed into places of wellbeing and calm.”
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