Tucson, AZ – In an historic agreement reached in late May, Tucson Botanical Gardens has acquired Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson, its neighbor a block to the south on Alvernon Way.

Founded by Patricia Deridder in 2011, Yume is designed to cultivate a serene environment that reflects the spare elegance and tranquil spirit of an authentic Japanese garden.

Similar to the model of Tucson Botanical Gardens’ design, Yume is composed of a series of small, pocket garden spaces. The grounds currently feature eight distinct gardens including a Dry River Garden, Koi Pond, and Bamboo Garden. Each garden is designed to offer a unique aesthetic and sensory experience, encouraging stillness, reflection, and connection with nature.

Yume’s built environment is grounded in sukiya architecture, a traditional Japanese style characterized by simplicity, natural materials, and harmony with the landscape. Appropriate to its Midtown location, Yume focuses on intimate, inward-facing courtyard spaces that enhance their subtle scale and quiet atmosphere while offering visitors an immersive cultural experience.

Tucson Botanical Gardens will be completing some infrastructure projects within the three-quarter of an acre space and hopes to reopen to the public in early 2026.

Deridder will continue to serve on Yume Garden’s Advisory Board. She stated, “”Yume began as a treeless space with compacted desert soil. Over the years the land has been reshaped and sculpted with care. It was intended as a heartfelt tribute to Japanese culture, and the well-being offered by Japanese garden design. Under the caring stewardship of Tucson Botanical Gardens, I know that these intentions will be respected, and Yume will continue to be a place of restorative beauty.”

Michelle Conklin, President and CEO of Tucson Botanical Gardens added, “The Tucson Botanical Gardens is deeply honored that Patricia has entrusted us with the legacy of Yume Japanese Gardens. We are privileged to carry forward the vision and beauty she so lovingly created. With great care and respect, we are committed to preserving its spirit and ensuring it remains a place of inspiration and serenity for generations to come.”