The next time someone suggests you should "wake up and smell the roses," head straight to the Sarah P. Duke Gardens at Duke University. Enjoy nature in full bloom as you stroll along the five miles of walks and pathways, and reawaken your appreciation of plant life.
Duke Gardens are divided into three sections: the Terraces, which are the original gardens; the Culberson Asiatic Arboretum, which has about 550 species of Asian plants and Japanese Garden artifacts; and the Blomquist Garden, which displays flowers and plants regional to the southeast.
No matter what the season, something special is always blooming. Spring showers give way to fragrant camellias, azaleas, magnolias, pansies, and rhododendrons. Summer is colored by day lilies, petunias, begonias, and southern magnolias. Autumn offers colorful chrysanthemums. And winter is special for its witch hazel, Japanese apricots, and evergreens—and the knowledge that spring is just around the corner.
Location
Duke Gardens are located on Duke University's East Campus. Directions can be found at the Duke Gardens Web site.
Hours of operation
The gardens open every morning at 8 a.m. and close at dusk.
Admission
There is no admission charge. Public tours also are free of charge and
take place on Thursdays and Sundays at 2 p.m., March 15–May 31. For a small
fee, private, docent-led tours may be scheduled on Sunday through Friday.
For tour information call (919) 668-1705.
Contact information
Call (919) 684-3698.
Disabled access
Duke Gardens provides disabled access. Some areas, however, have loose gravel, making navigation difficult for those in wheelchairs. Garden trolley tours are available Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., but you must schedule in advance by calling (919) 684-3698.
Special information
Flowers may not be picked.
Dogs are allowed on most paths, but must be on a leash. They are not permitted in the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants or on the narrow pathways.
Bicycling in Duke Gardens is not permitted.
Additional information
Visit the Duke
Gardens Web site.
Please note
Cost, hours of operation, or other information about this attraction is subject to change without notice. We suggest you confirm with the attraction prior to your visit.
