Himalayan Garden Opening 2nd April

Himalayan Garden Opening 2nd April

Paul Dibb, Head Gardener

The gardens have continued to come to life with more colour now visible throughout. Camellias, early rhododendrons and several magnolias are in flower, and with daffodils emerging and birdsong filling the air, the arrival of spring is unmistakable. Getting Ready for OpeningOver these last weeks before reopening, our focus has been on access and footpath maintenance. Visitors will notice improvements immediately on arrival, including the resurfacing of the main driveway to ensure a safe and smooth entrance to the gardens. Further work has included resurfacing several footpaths and repairing the woodland track, alongside light landscaping to soften the edges of key walkways.

Volunteers Help OutOur volunteers returned in early March and have already begun sowing a variety of vegetable seeds in preparation for the season ahead. This year they will be supplying the Tearoom with fresh produce and flowers for table displays, while also continuing enhancements to the Buddha Garden.

2026 Sculpture ExhibitionJoin us for this years ‘Sculptures in the Landscape Exhibition’ with a fantastic new collection of over 100 sculptures from artists across the UK and beyond.

‘Sculptures in the Landscape Exhibition’ is a seven‑month showcase where contemporary art is immersed in 45 acres of the garden and woodlands alongside the permanent collection of 90 contemporary sculptures.

The 2026 exhibition will present new sculptures which vary from figurative to abstract using a variety of materials including recycled compressed polystyrene from the fish markets of Hong Kong to wheat grass root heads, forged steel, ceramics and glass.

Sculptures on display in the garden this year also include 9 large pieces from the Michael Lyons collection. Michael was a founding member of the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and Vice-President of the Royal British Society of Sculptors.

There is also an international feel to this year’s exhibition with work from Hong Kong, America, Armenia and Spain.

Will Roberts, Trustee of the Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park said:
“It’s fantastic to see how our annual sculpture exhibition has grown in popularity and that we are drawing artists from as far as Hong Kong. The addition of Michael Lyons work is also a great honour, and we are looking forward to welcoming visitors to the garden to enjoy them all.”  Felt MakingFelted Picture Workshop, Saturday 16^th May, 10am – 1pm

Spend a fun morning with Kathy Carra your tutor and other students to learn how to create a beautiful wool painting.

“It all starts with a practical demonstration of felt-making, an exploration of all the different wool and other fibres that I have available for you to use. Then you will make a felted wool picture. You can choose to make a picture of the Himalayan Gardens or create one of your own. You would need to bring a reference picture”.

You will select from a wide choice of gorgeous coloured wools, fibres and textural yarns. Explore blending and mixing wool colours and different types of fibres together. Learn about the differing properties of wool and plant fibres. Try out embedding different fibres and yarns into the felted surface to create texture and form in your felted picture.

All the materials and equipment you need will be provided. Katy will also provide aprons, gloves and a plastic bag to take home your finished picture.

£50 per person. Booking essential email: info@himalayangarden.com
A new pair of handsWe have new hands at the helm in our Tearoom?
Vicky has worked with the family here for a number of years and is now turning her hands to leading the team in the Tearoom – with plenty of smiles and a warm welcome for all our visitors. Do say hello when you next visit.

What’s On Spring 2026Felted Picture Workshop, Saturday 16th May, 10am – 1pm
Spend a fun morning learning how to create a beautiful wool painting with a practical demonstration of felt-making, an exploration of different wool and fibres to use, then make your own felted wool picture. All materials supplied. *

Spring Garden Experience, Thursday 21st May, 11am – 2pm
Spring brings a magnificent display of colour from one of the North’s largest collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias. Join us for a special spring tour and lunch with the garden team and find out more about our rarer plants. *

Botanical Illustrations Workshop, Tuesday 16th  – Thursday 18th June, 10am – 4pm  Botanical Illustration is the art of depicting plant forms accurately, to capture their individual characteristics and to aid identification. This 3-day workshop involves step by step guidance, demonstration and individual tuition from award winning artist, Bridget Gillespie covering drawing, composition and watercolour techniques. Suitable for complete beginners to intermediate painters. *

* Booking essential for all workshops, see website for full details or email info@himalayangarden.com 

2026 Opening Dates2nd April – 1st November 2026
Closed Mondays in April – June
Closed Mondays & Tuesdays in July – 1st Nov
Open all Bank Holiday Mondays