A new partnership has blossomed in Tucson.
Yume Japanese Gardens has merged with the Tucson Botanical Gardens, a transition of ownership that benefits both parties, according to their spokespersons.
“I know that these intentions will be respected, and Yume will be a place of restorative beauty,” said Patricia Deridder, Yume’s founder.
“I am very happy that Yume will now be a distinctive part of the Tucson Botanical Gardens. I believe they will honor its original spirit while enhancing and carrying it forward with the sensitivity and reverence it deserves.”
A Japanese word for “dream,” Yume has been open to the public since 2011 as a serene and healing space. Today, at two-thirds of an acre, Yume has seven traditional Kyoto-style courtyard gardens, including the pond garden, the bamboo garden, and the dry river garden.
Michelle Conklin, Tucson Botanical Gardens’ president and chief executive officer, said her organization is honored that Deridder has entrusted it with her grounds’ legacy.
“We are privileged to carry forward the vision and beauty she so lovingly created,” Conklin said.
“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.”
The acquisition has been an ongoing discussion for several years as the two are neighbors. Conklin and Deridder have also become friends, according to Laura Leach, the director of development and marketing at the Tucson Botanical Gardens.
“That’s a relationship of trust and friendship and mutual interest in all things garden, and of course, in Patricia’s case, Japanese gardens in particular,” Leach added.
“(The courtyard gardens) are very appropriate for an urban space.”
Leach said the two will have their own galleries and gift shops.
“Our intention is to have a separate gallery space so we can continue to have beautiful exhibits of Japanese artifacts and culture,” Leach said.
Located in a residential area, Yume is closed, allowing the Tucson Botanical Gardens’ staff to complete infrastructure projects through early to mid-2026.
They are scheduled to support the expected increase in traffic — the improvement of walkways and restrooms, and the construction of noise-buffering walls around Yume.
“We won’t be making any radical changes to the plantings or the gardens,” Leach said. “Our agreement with Patricia is to steward this beautiful, tranquil space lovingly. That’s our commitment to her and to visitors.”
Roofs, windows, flooring and doors need improvements, and an effort is being made to ensure the gardens are ADA-compliant and accessible.
Deridder will continue to serve on Yume Garden’s advisory board.
This article appears in Jul 10-17, 2025.
