For the 2026 Cornwall Garden Society Spring Flower Show’s theme of Regeneration, Alford and Sowter Landscapes have teamed up with Homeycombe Saunas to create an idyllic spa garden retreat, designed to give visitors inspiring ideas they can recreate in their own gardens at home.

A couple of years ago, Christine and Scott were introduced to sauna culture here in Cornwall. They were absolutely blown away — not only by how good the sauna made them feel physically and mentally, but also by how wonderful it was to sit outside between sauna rounds and simply relax in nature.

They soon realised how special this experience would be if it were set within a thoughtfully designed garden. It offered a completely new way of experiencing and appreciating an outdoor space: spending time in the warmth of the sauna, then stepping outside to cool down gently in the fresh air, surrounded by beautiful planting and natural textures.

In many cultures, the sauna is also a social space, kept warm throughout the day while family and friends gather, eat, drink and spend time together, moving in and out at their own pace. Placing this experience within a beautiful garden adds another dimension to the already restorative qualities of being out in nature.

Scott and Christine were also fascinated by the science supporting the health and wellbeing benefits of sauna use. Sauna bathing encourages the body’s natural processes of healing, recovery and regeneration. It offers not only physical benefits, but also mental clarity, relaxation and a deeper sense of wellbeing.

When Scott and Christine discovered Stephen and Darragh Boyd’s ambition to create a sauna rooted in true Nordic tradition — and to make it accessible for domestic gardens — they immediately recognised a shared vision. Using only natural materials, with no glues and no harsh chemicals, the design respects both traditional craftsmanship and personal wellbeing.

A fundamental principle of the project has been to bring a luxury sauna to the market at the most accessible price possible — not by compromising on materials, which has always been non-negotiable, but through thoughtful design and intelligent engineering that makes the manufacturing process more efficient.

The result is a sauna that stays true to Nordic values of simplicity, ritual and togetherness. Stephen and Darragh will be launching their new sauna within the garden setting created by Scott and Christine, demonstrating how a sauna can become a natural and beautiful extension of the garden.

With this in mind, Scott and Christine have created a sauna garden that could realistically be recreated in a domestic setting. It is inspired by their own aspirations — a place where weekends and evenings are spent outdoors, with the sauna gently warming, a fire pit glowing, and beautiful planting enclosing the space. It is wholesome, healthy, relaxing and fun.

This garden is not simply about placing a structure in a space — it is about regeneration. It’s about having moments that are slower and restorative. It’s about taking rest. It’s about using sauna to assist in that, and having a garden for the beautiful setting for it to take place in.