We’re excited to welcome back Christian Jenkins to the Show Garden Competition at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. His 2025 garden, Yutori, embraces the Japanese philosophy of slowing down to simply be. Featuring a sauna, ice bath, and tiny home, it redefines wellness within a serene Japanese landscape. Check out the full profile below!
This years garden is called Yutori a Japanese word that means Intentionally slowing down to simply be, breathe, listen and appreciate the beauty of nature and life. Consciously creating space to relax, reflect and integrate instead of being constantly busy and rushed.
This garden is designed to make people slow down one of the hardest things to do now a days. The tiny home is incorporated into this Japanese Landscape creating a new take on how big a house and garden area not required. The garden will have a traditional entrance, with a beautifully hand laid stone pathway that leads one through the garden. Key features to this wellness garden will be sauna, ice bath and a tiny home. All nestled into a transitional Japanese garden
Show Gardener Profile
What’s the one element of your show garden you’re most excited for people to see?
Looking forward to people reaction on this Japanese Wellness Garden
What are your favourite current trends or themes in garden design?
I enjoy building Wellness Gardens, and each design is uniquely different.
What’s your favorite plant, flower, or feature in this year’s garden, and why?
The Japanese Planting palette has many of my all time favourites Cycads, Japanese Maples, Bamboo, Black Pines, Hoistas to name a few
What’s a gardening tip or trick you swear by?
Buying the best quality garden blended soil available
What’s the one tool or piece of equipment you can’t live without?
My excavator makes light work of most things
If you could invite anyone (past or present) to stroll through your show garden, who would it be and why?
Annie Lennox’s just love her music and she is so cool
