Spring Awakens at The Himalayan Garden as 100 New Sculptures Arrive for 2026

Winter may still have its grip, but the first signs of spring are already breaking through at The Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park — and 2026 is shaping up to be its most exciting season yet.

Soaked Ground, Careful Planning

After weeks of relentless rain, the garden team has been working carefully across the grounds, protecting fragile soil from compaction while inspecting plant supports, ties and labels.

More than a third of the debris has been removed from the small pond, restoring balance to its habitat and revealing the striking Lily III sculpture by Ian Marlow at its centre.

Meanwhile, over 300 trees in the Arboretum — including many rare specimens — have been surveyed, relabelled and carefully recorded, with new trees planted to fill gaps and improve the collection.

Early Spring Colour Emerges

Despite grey skies, splashes of colour are beginning to brighten the landscape.

Visitors can already spot:

• The intensely fragrant Daphne bholua var. glacialis ‘Gurkha’

• The vivid red blooms of Rhododendron strigillosum

• The soft pink flowers of Rhododendron ‘Nobleanum Album’

These early performers offer a preview of the spectacular rhododendron, azalea and magnolia displays that will dominate later in spring.

100+ New Sculptures Set for 2026

The headline attraction this year is the arrival of more than 100 new artworks for the 2026 Sculptures in the Landscape exhibition — now in its third year.

Artists are travelling from Spain, America, Ireland, Hong Kong and across the UK to showcase pieces crafted from wood, bronze, ceramics, steel, plastics and even cotton. Over the coming weeks, the garden team will work alongside sculptors to install the diverse collection throughout the landscape.

Traditional Hedge Laying Boosts Wildlife

In the orchard beside the nursery, the team has been hedge laying — a traditional countryside skill that strengthens young hedgerows. The technique encourages dense lower growth, creating valuable habitat for hedgehogs, small mammals and birds such as wrens, while improving flowering and berry production.

Early Bird Ticket Offer Ends Soon

Visitors can save £5 on a 2026 Annual Ticket with the Early Bird offer, available until the end of February via the garden’s website.

Spring 2026 Highlights

Workshops and special events include:

• Felted Picture Workshop – 16 May

• Spring Garden Experience with lunch – 21 May

• Three-Day Botanical Illustration Workshop – 16–18 June

Advance booking is essential for all workshops.

2026 Opening Dates

The garden reopens from 2 April to 1 November 2026.
Closed Mondays (April–June) and Mondays & Tuesdays (July–November), but open on all Bank Holiday Mondays.

As winter fades, the landscape is quietly preparing for a season filled with colour, creativity and global artistry — making 2026 one to watch.