Step Back to the Viking Age at the Himalayan Garden's First Ever Re-enactment Weekend Ever…
Himalayan Garden
Paul Dibb, Head Gardener
Last month saw a transition through the garden as we came to the end of our main rhododendron and azalea flowering peak. The term ‘June gap’ is often used to describe the period, as spring flowers fade and there is a decline in colour, available pollen and nectar for pollinators. However, as we are fortunate to work in a garden with such a huge collection of plants, we can always find colour and interest.
A true standout across the gardens, brightening the so-called “June gap,” has been our collection of Cornus kousa (Chinese dogwood). Their display over the past month has been especially captivating.
What many take to be the flower is actually a modified leaf, known as a bract, which creates a striking and showy effect across the tree. The true flowers sit at the centre of these bracts—small, greenish-yellow, and easily overlooked.
These trees continue to offer interest throughout the seasons, from rich autumn foliage to attractive winter bark. Their berries, pink to red in colour, contain a sweet, edible pulp, though the outer skin is somewhat dry, so you may prefer to leave them for the birds.
Wildflower of the Month
Throughout the gardens, an ever-changing display of wildflowers continues to unfold including the common spotted orchid, one of the UK’s most widespread native species, found in meadows, woodlands, and grasslands from June to August.
Easily recognised by its pink to lilac flowers and dark-spotted leaves, it takes its name Dactylorhiza (“finger root”) from the paired tubers beneath the soil. Like all orchids, it relies on a partnership with soil fungi to germinate, making its presence a sign of a healthy, wildlife-rich habitat.
Chop & Drop
Throughout July, as wildflowers begin to fade and set seed, we will start strimming selected areas. This helps disperse seed, manage more vigorous grasses and weeds, and gives younger trees and shrubs the light and space they need to thrive.
We are also trialling new approaches to managing Petasites (butterbur), a striking plant with large, umbrella-like leaves that can quickly dominate and become untidy by mid-summer. Around Magnolia Lake, volunteers have cut back a large area to encourage fresh growth that may last into autumn.
Elsewhere, we are using a “chop and drop” method—cutting and leaving material in place to mulch the soil and suppress weeds. This has already revealed smaller, previously hidden plants, giving them space to develop.
Viking Weekend
The Viking Age is set to come to life at the Garden!
On Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th July, Viking re-enactment group Vanaheim will transform the garden into a Norse settlement, giving visitors the chance to experience life in the turbulent Viking Age through authentic displays of crafts, cooking and combat.
Running from 10am until 4pm on both days, you can explore the Viking village, meet roaming hunters, watch traditional craft demonstrations and enjoy the sights and sounds of a living history camp. There will also be a mead, beer and cider tent throughout the weekend.
Children can get involved by making Viking shields and clay creations at the Yeti Den, with youngsters encouraged to come dressed as Vikings. They can also join the popular “Kiddie Vike” session, where they’ll learn how to stand in a Viking shield wall.
The main arena programme includes demonstrations of Viking weapons, armour and battle tactics, before the weekend’s highlight – a dramatic battle re-enactment in which Viking raiders attempt to escape with treasure stolen from the monastery at Ripon, only to be confronted by the local Saxons.
All Viking Weekend activities are included with normal garden admission.
Made from What?
As part of our 2026 Sculptures in the Landscape Exhibition, we are showcasing a range of sculptures made from recycled materials, each carrying a powerful environmental message.
You, Me, Us by Anna Jakovleva reimagines the natural world through recycled discarded materials, drawing on the organic forms, patterns, and colours of the Himalayan Garden’s flora and fauna. The work creates an immersive response to its surroundings while inviting viewers to reflect on humanity’s deep connection with nature. It celebrates not only nature’s beauty, but also the interdependence that binds all living things.
The Skeleton by Vincent Lee is an assemblage made from compressed polystyrene discarded daily by markets in Hong Kong. The work reimagines the endangered sea turtle, its skeleton highlights the lasting impact of plastic waste and its connection to animal extinction. It asks what will remain on Earth longer: animals or the man-made harmful substances.
Whale Tale by Matt Cobb is a sculpture made from reclaimed rebar, structural steel, and spanners. Inspired by the whale’s tail as a powerful driving force for movement, it highlights the hidden potential of discarded tools and materials. With imagination and patience, ordinary objects can be transformed into something remarkable.
Everybody lives downstream by Catherine Macrae, textile artist
Growing and manufacturing cotton damages plant and human life.
Dickens once described our northern cotton towns as having ‘stinking black canals and rivers running purple with evil smelling dye’. Nowadays, the waterways filling up with polluted water are found in countries like India and China. As the botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer says, “What I do here, matters. Everybody lives downstream. We can make other choices.”
Ceramic Poppies Workshop
Ceramic Poppies Workshop, Saturday 1st August
Join ceramicist Anna Whitehouse for a talk about her 2022 poppy installation in the garden ‘Bursting from the Slumber’, before customising your own unique trio of ceramic poppies for your own garden. Anna will take the poppies back to her studio to glaze, fire and assemble onto steel rods, returning them to the Himalayan Garden for your collection.
* Booking essential for all workshops, see website for full details or email info@himalayangarden.com
Coming Soon
Music in the Garden, Sunday 16th August, 2pm
Enjoy open-air music on the main lawn of the garden with Yorkshire Voices performing a 45 minute programme of songs from the 60’s to present day.
Dog Day, Sunday 6th September 10am – 4pm
Enjoy Dog Day with Positively Canine – a fun family event supporting the Lost Dog Tracking Network. Take part in the Fun Dog Show (categories include Dapper Dogs, Puppy Pizzazz, and Rocking Rescues), try Hoopers agility or the Gun Dog Scurry, and meet scent dogs. Relax in the Dog Wellness Area with expert advice, browse stalls, and enjoy pet photography.
2026 Opening Dates
2nd April – 1st November 2026
Closed Mondays in April – June
Closed Mondays & Tuesdays in July – 1st Nov
Open all Bank Holiday Mondays
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Step Back to the Viking Age at the Himalayan Garden’s First Ever Re-enactment Weekend
Ever wondered what life was really like in Viking Britain?
This July, you can find out as the Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park near Ripon hosts its first-ever Viking Re-enactment Weekend, bringing the sights, sounds and stories of the 9th century to one of North Yorkshire’s most beautiful gardens.
Watch History Come Alive
On Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July 2026, acclaimed Viking re-enactment group Vanaheim will transform part of the gardens into a living Viking settlement.
Visitors can wander through the encampment, meet Viking warriors and craftspeople, discover traditional skills, see authentic cooking demonstrations and experience dramatic battle displays as swords clash and shields thunder across the valley.
It’s a chance to step into the turbulent world where Scandinavian settlers battled for control of the ancient Kingdom of Northumbria.
A Unique Setting with Viking Connections
The event feels perfectly at home in the Himalayan Garden.
The gardens sit in a valley known as The Hutts—an Old Norse name meaning “head of the valley” or “settlement”—making it easy to imagine Viking and Saxon communities living and farming in the surrounding landscape more than a thousand years ago.
Ben Rowlett, a member of the garden team and a Viking re-enactor, said:
“Walking through the Himalayan Garden, situated in the valley called The Hutts—an Old Norse word meaning head of the valley or settlement—it is easy to imagine Saxon and Viking communities living and farming here.
“The garden is surrounded by peaceful farms and, as the only Viking on site, I am excited to welcome more Vikings here.”
More Than Just a Battle
This isn’t simply a re-enactment—it’s an immersive historical experience.
Visitors can explore a recreated Viking village, learn about everyday life, discover traditional crafts, watch cooking demonstrations and meet knowledgeable re-enactors who are passionate about bringing history to life.
Whether you’re fascinated by Vikings, looking for a memorable family day out or simply want to enjoy the gardens with something a little different, there’s plenty to explore.
Plan Your Visit
📅 Dates: Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 July 2026
📍 Venue: Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park, Hutts Lane, Ripon HG4 3DA
🎟 Admission: Included with normal garden entry.
Advance booking is strongly recommended as attendance is limited to 500 visitors each day.
If you’ve ever wanted to experience the Viking Age beyond the pages of a history book, this promises to be one of North Yorkshire’s most unusual and memorable summer events.
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Paul Dibb, Head Gardener
Throughout May the colours in the garden really ramped up with both Rhododendrons and Azaleas ablaze, and they have not finished yet! The colours seem to be more vibrant this year, and it’s well worth taking the time as you wonder around the garden to really appreciate their individuality and beauty. I have picked out a few to share with you below.
Pictured above are:
Rhododendron ‘Mrs Furnival’
Rhododendron ‘Crest’ (from the Hawk Group)
Rhododendron Kermesinum Rosé
Magnolia Sieboldii
We still have a few Magnolias in flower, Magnolia Sieboldii, pictured above being one.This specimen along the Hosta Bank has been a knockout! Over in the Buddha Garden, our White Wisteria is also a showstopper and very popular at present.
Wildflower of the Month
Our wildflower of the month is Stitchwort, Stellaria, pictured below. Some of you may also know it as Star of Bethlehem. The star like flower appears from May and through June. Bee’s, hoverflies and moths will visit the flowers for nectar. It really is a pretty little flower and we have good patches of it growing across the garden, this one is beside Sunrise Lake.
Garden Music
A rare feature
We have a very rare and old Henry & Julius Caesar Summer House, located high up on Hosta Bank providing amazing views of the lower garden.
Henry Caesar, a joiner from Knutsford, began building summerhouses as a business in 1871, at around 18 years of age. It is thought that the applied name of ‘Julius’ was a sales ploy to attract interest and Henry began to use the name as he exhibited across the country, hoping to appeal to the wealthy. The creations were varied and for different uses, such as tennis courts, bridges, seats and shelters. Queen Victoria purchased one of Henry’s octagonal rustic houses and many awards were given for his designs over the years.
Henry passed away in 1891, at just 39 years old, leaving a widow and five children. Henry’s wife, Jane, continued to run the business until early 1900 and then sold it to the Power Brothers who were local carriage builders.
The summer house in the garden is a rare survivor and often shared as a good example of Henry’s work. It was purchased from Summers Place Auctions Ltd in 2012 and is topped with a French, early 20th century, painted copper cockerel weathervane.
Figurative Sculptures
As part of our 2026 Sculptures in the Landscape Exhibition, we have a number of very different figurative sculptures using a variety of different materials. Most of the pieces in this year’s exhibition are for sale.
‘The Gardener’ pictured above is a collaboration between Paul & Laura Carey and is made from cold cast bronze. Laura is a classically trained figurative sculptor who worked for Madame Tussaud’s Studios and completed thirty prestigious portraits including Michael Caine, George Orwell and Willy Wonka (acquired by Michael Jackson).
Laura partnered with Paul Carey to pursue free-lance projects that included commissions including the Natural History Museum, Imperial War Museum (the ‘Bomb to the Beatles’ exhibition), The Fashion Café (London, Mexico & Dubai), commercials, television series and films.
‘All that I am’ are self-portrait masks by Joanna Cohn, a set of seed sculptures, grown from wheat seeds in hollow moulds.The piece is designed to reflect our human connection to the earth, wheat being intertwined with human existence. Wheatgrass is traditionally grown for Nowruz, (Persian new year) which falls on the first day of spring. The seeds are grown in a bowl and the offering represents renewal and rebirth.
Adam, cold cast resin by Sarah Cleaver
This seated male figure embodies the psychological aftermath of witnessing Eve’s transgression. His posture with one arm wrapped around his drawn-up legs while his other hand covers his head reflects his complicity in accepting the forbidden fruit. The asymmetrical gesture combines physical self-protection with the classic pose of despair, suggesting both shared guilt and his own choice to partake in Eve’s decisive act.
Gaia, stoneware by Lisa Delarny RBS
Lisa’s work has a recurring theme about our relationship with what or who we are and how we fit into the order of the natural world. ‘Gaia’ commonly refers to the primordial Greek goddess of the Earth, or the scientific and cultural concept of Earth as a self-regulating superorganism.
‘A Stolen Kiss’ and ‘Behind the Times’ by Simon Conolly RBSA
Simon is Honorary Curator for the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA) which involves curating seven major exhibitions each year. His work focuses on human relationships and interactions, and beautifully captures the emotional and physical energy between individuals and groups. Many of his characters are drawn from observations of life from his rural community.
‘Eve’ and ‘Self Made Man’ by William Harling, MRBS
William’s work involving the human figure refers not to individuals or personalities, but to more universal characteristics, common to all, hence their minimal or complete lack of faces and featureless apparel.The presence in some of hands and feet suggests the possibility of intent and action emanating from an inner level of existence.
Summer Workshops 2026
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.*
Modern Calligraphy Workshop, Wednesday 24th June, 10am – 12.30pm
Learn how to write beautifully using ink. Suitable for complete beginners this class will teach you everything you need to know starting right at the basics and create your own unique style of lettering. All attendees will get a Calligraphy Starter Kit, including handouts, paper, pen and ink to use and take home, providing everything you need to start your calligraphy journey.*
Botanical Casting Workshop, Saturday 4th July, 10am – 1pm
Join Jenny Radbourne from Wensleydale Botanicals and learn how to make gorgeous botanical casts. Jenny is a florist, passionate gardener and flower grower, her casts create a snapshot in time and a lasting imprint of flowers pressed into clay to make a fine plaster cast.*
Ceramic Poppies Workshop, Saturday 1st August
Join ceramicist Anna Whitehouse for a talk about her 2022 poppy installation in the garden ‘Bursting from the Slumber’, before customising your own unique trio of ceramic poppies for your own garden. Anna will take the poppies back to her studio to glaze, fire and assemble onto steel rods, returning them to the Himalayan Garden for your collection.
* Booking essential for all workshops, see website for full details or email info@himalayangarden.com
Coming Soon
2026 Opening Dates
2nd April – 1st November 2026
Closed Mondays in April – June
Closed Mondays & Tuesdays in July – 1st Nov
Open all Bank Holiday Mondays
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May Blooms Galore: A Garden Spectacle!
Paul Dibb, Head Gardener
As we head into May the gardens are now bursting into colour and really coming to life. The magnolias have held their blooms for a good month now and as some of them begin to drop their petals the rhododendrons are coming onto the stage in force.
Without a doubt it has been an exceptionally busy time for everyone over the last two months, that hard work is now really paying off with the gardens looking spectacular everywhere you look.Magnificent May
Marvellous Meconopsis
The end of April brought us the first Meconopsis flower, always a welcome sight and a good indication that they have come through the winter in good heart. Last autumn Josh sowed a bounty of Meconopsis and with unwavering dedication nursed the germinating seedling through the winter, along with a multitude of Primula’s too. These plants will be added to the collection across the garden through the year as we develop specific areas.
Managing Invasive species
Every Wednesday the gardeners dedicate time to check, search and control invasive species on site (or as we call it Weed Whacker Wednesday!). The worst species are mapped and targeted with the appropriate methods to either kill and remove or prevent spread. For example, the large Gunnera we have in the garden risks spreading into the wider countryside via its seeds. Gunnera is now banned from sale in the UK, existing plants in gardens can remain but seed spurs and any material removed from the plant must be burned on site or taken to a waste centre. Within our gardens we remove the seed spurs as they develop weekly through the growing season. Gunnera tinctoria and Gunnera x cryptica are the two species of the plant classed as invasive. However, it is thought that Gunnera manicata is actually G x cryptica and therefore the control of spread should be managed also of this variety too.
Month of blossoming for wildlife
The wildlife is bustling right now across the gardens; the dawn chorus is at its peak and the birds are busy back and forwards with food for their emerging chicks. Noticeably Robins have been taking food to various nest sites, numbers of these birds are certainly healthy. Peacock butterfly’s, spotted out and about in March and have now been joined by Orange Tip and Brimstone too.
The Vikings are Coming
We have started planning for our first Viking Weekend (Sat 11th & Sunday 12th July). You will experience life in the turbulent Viking Age as the seaborne Scandinavians clash with the ancient kingdom of Northumbria. Local Viking reenactment group ‘Vanaheim’ will be putting on displays of crafts, cooking and combat. See the sights and smells of the Viking village and hear the clash of swords and shields in our battle displays. Normal garden entry applies.
Sculptures in Focus 
As part of our 2026 Sculptures in the Landascape Exhibtion, we have a number of large metal works making a real statement in the landscape.
Above is “Iridescent Omen” by Katie Ventress ominoulsy guarding Magnolia Lake in the garden. Katie is a blacksmith artist and this piece is both striking from a distance but detailed close-up with shimmers of colour from the stained glass. Katie says, ” I see Magpies as beautiful, intelligent & underrated, with fascinating folklore & traditions around them. However you see them, maybe this piece will invoke those feelings you hold towards them, or something completely new” kv.blacksmith@gmail.com 
Close to Nessie Lake is ‘The Zip’ by Gevorg Tadevosyan which is a represenation of life. The teeth are portraits of men and women to show how life brings and separates people from our lives. The lower portion represents relationships and meetings we have lived, and the upper portion represents those coming in the future. tadevosyang@gmail.com 
Look up high along the Woodland Walk to spot Fluxis by Ben Green. Two male figures stand elevated on tall, rusted steel columns, rising starkly from the woodland floor. Powerfully modelled yet restrained in gesture, they face one another across space, their upright stances suggesting a poised and silent confrontation. The height of the plinths creates both monumentality and isolation, transforming the figures into sentinel-like presences suspended among the trees. Stripped of armour or narrative detail, they read as archetypal forms warrior-like, yet contemplative. Ben captures a moment of charged stillness, where tension resides not in action, but in the suspended space between two opposing bodies. benjgreenwood76@gmail.
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 ther rarer plants in garden. £40 (£30 for Season Ticket Holders). Booking essential email: info@himalayangarden.com
Spring Workshops 2026
Felted 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. *
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.*
Modern Calligraphy Workshop, Wednesday 24th June, 10am – 12.30pm
Learn how to write beautifully using ink. Suitable for complete beginners this class will teach you everything you need to know starting right at the basics and create your own unique style of lettering. All attendees will get a Calligraphy Starter Kit, including handouts, paper, pen and ink to use and take home, providing everything you need to start your calligraphy journey.*
* 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
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