Yume Japanese Gardens Set to Bloom Again at Tucson Botanical Gardens Next Year

Yume Japanese Gardens, a serene retreat in Midtown Tucson, is set to reopen early next year. This expansion aligns with its integration into the Tucson Botanical Gardens, announced in a joint statement on Wednesday.

Founded in 2011 by Patricia Deridder, Yume occupies a historic site at 2130 N. Alvernon Way. The two-thirds-acre space boasts seven Kyoto-style Japanese courtyard gardens, featuring a bamboo garden, a dry river garden, and a koi pond, along with a museum, art gallery, and bookstore.

“We are committed to preserving its spirit and ensuring it remains a place of inspiration and serenity for generations,” stated Michelle Conklin, President of Tucson Botanical Gardens.

Currently closed for its annual summer break, Yume will not reopen until early 2026. This extended closure allows for substantial renovations by Tucson Botanical Gardens, as noted by marketing director Laura Leach.

Deridder will remain involved as a member of Yume’s advisory board, expressing her satisfaction with the acquisition. “I believe they will honor its original spirit while enhancing it with the sensitivity it deserves,” she remarked.

Yume has faced significant challenges due to the pandemic, which drastically reduced visitor numbers. In February 2022, Deridder stated that the garden was struggling to recover from these setbacks. A drunk driving incident that damaged the garden’s gate, coupled with extreme weather and infrastructure issues, created further financial burdens for the nonprofit.

The garden will join Tucson Botanical Gardens’ five-and-a-half-acre campus at 2150 N. Alvernon Way, enhancing the area’s cultural offerings.