from Patricia Deridder, Executive Director of Yume:

“Dear Friends and Members of Yume,

We are writing today to share significant and heartfelt news about the future of Yume Japanese Gardens, news that we are confident will secure its legacy and open doors to a vibrant new era.

Since its founding in 2013, Yume has been a place of peace, beauty, and cultural exchange—nurtured by your support, curiosity, and passion for Japanese arts and traditions. Thanks to you, Yume has flourished into a cherished sanctuary in the heart of Tucson. Now, after more than a decade of growth and discovery, it is time for Yume to take the next step in its journey.

We are pleased to share that, as of May 2025, Yume Japanese Gardens will officially become part of the Tucson Botanical Gardens.

This thoughtfully planned transition ensures that the spirit, vision, and mission of Yume will not only endure, but thrive within a larger institutional framework that shares our core values of cultural enrichment, education, and horticultural excellence. Tucson Botanical Gardens, with its strong reputation and commitment to diversity in garden traditions, is uniquely positioned to preserve and expand what Yume has lovingly built.

As many of you know, Yume was founded as a labor of love, deeply rooted in a personal vision. Over time, we have grown into an institution with increasing responsibilities and public expectations. With this growth comes the need for long-term sustainability and expanded infrastructure, elements we could not fully provide on our own.

By joining Tucson Botanical Gardens, we are securing the future of Yume for generations to come. This move enables us to preserve the authenticity and beauty of the gardens, while opening the door to new opportunities for learning, engagement, and collaboration.

We want to reassure you that:

• The identity, character, and vision of Yume Japanese Gardens will be preserved and nurtured.
• The gardens themselves will be maintained with the same care and fidelity to Japanese aesthetics.
• Our signature events – Lantern Festivals, Evenings at Yume, Ikebana Festivals, tea ceremonies, and more – will continue to thrive.
• Our volunteers will remain at the center of daily life at Yume, continuing their beloved roles while also becoming part of the wider volunteer community at Tucson Botanical Gardens.
• Our commitment to serving Tucson’s diverse communities will remain at the heart of everything we do.
• And most importantly, all Yume members will automatically become members of Tucson Botanical Gardens, unlocking a broader range of benefits while still enjoying exclusive Yume programming.

This transition brings exciting possibilities:

• Enhanced care for the gardens and facilities through a larger organizational team.
• Greater visibility and reach through TBG’s established networks.
• Access to new resources, collaborators, and educational opportunities.

As we look to the future, we are confident that Yume will continue to blossom, enriched by all that came before and energized by all that is still to come. This transition honors the past while embracing the future.

While Yume Japanese Gardens enters this exciting new phase, I want to share a personal note about the leadership transition. After many fulfilling years nurturing the Gardens, I will be stepping back from daily operations. However, I won’t be far, I will remain connected and committed to Yume’s future.

It brings me great joy to pass the torch to Cristiana Bertoldi, who has worked closely alongside me these past years and whose dedication, creativity, and deep appreciation for Japanese culture will guide Yume into its next chapter. With Cristiana’s thoughtful leadership, I know that the Gardens will continue to thrive, holding fast to the values and spirit that have always been at our heart.

We are deeply grateful to each of you who has walked this journey with us. Your enthusiasm, generosity, and belief in our mission have made Yume what it is today.

We’ll be sending more updates in the coming months. In the meanwhile, we welcome your thoughts, questions, and reflections as we move forward together. Please, do to hesitate to contact always atyume.gardens@gmail.com.

With deep appreciation and warmest regards,”

Patricia Deridder
Founder & Executive Director