Shade-loving ground cover? Local native plants? Then a bench or a table and a couple chairs?

Have you thought of having the tree limbed up to let in more light? There is grass seed for dense shade.

Ferns are great for shaded undergrowth areas. I'd make a carpet of ferns with some gravel, stone slab, or mulched pathways to the sauna and carve out an area or two for seating if you need it or a large sculptural planter.

Le Petit Chalet · More Info

Lytle Road, Bainbridge Island - Shaded Creek · More Info

Shady garden path with Maiden Hair Fern (foreground) · More Info

Lytle Road, Bainbridge Island - Shaded Creek · More Info

I would lay pavers at least from the doorway to the sauna and then do something like Kendrah shows in her last picture, above. Rocks, ferns, perhaps some potted plants. Depending on how much of the area you cover with pavers, you could also put a couple of chairs (on a paver area) as well. A great DIY project!

Here some ideas :

Whoa! I had no idea of the potential!! I almost didn’t recognize the mock-up was showing my place 😂 Thank you!!! I love the idea of ferns and paving stones

I do nto think a firepit will work in that small space . Have you thought about fake grass installed properly in nice on bare feet and is great for using nice chairs or a sofa out there .