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Adult Programs

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2024 Program Registration

Join us this season for a range of engaging programs that will deepen your connection to plants, expand your gardening skills and introduce you to new ways of learning.

The schedule below includes programs for mid-March through June, 2024.  

Midday Meander: A Strolling Conversation
Thursday, March 14, 12:15-1 p.m.
With Kavanah Anderson, director of learning and community engagement at Duke Gardens
Location: Meet on the stone patio behind the Doris Duke Center.
Fee: Free; registration required. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

Meet the Keepers
Thursday, March 14, 1-2 p.m.
With horticulture staff of the Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden at Duke Gardens
Drop-in activity for all ages. Adult chaperone required for minors.
Additional Thursday dates: March 28, April 11 & 25, May 9 & 23
Location: Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden
Fee: free; no registration required. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

Plant Propagation: Dividing Perennials
Friday, March 15, 10 a.m.-noon
Led by Duke Gardens horticulture staff.
Location: Meet on the stone patio behind the Doris Duke Center.
Fee: $28; 20% discount for Duke Gardens members with discount code. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

Afrobotany: African American Agricultural, Botanical and Horticultural Traditions 
Sunday, March 17, 1-4 p.m.
With ethnobiologist Marc Williams of Botany Everyday. 
Location: Meet in the classroom inside the Doris Duke Center.  
Fee: $24; 20% discount for Duke Gardens members with discount code. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.
Two full scholarships are available to BIPOC participants. Request by emailing GardensEducation@duke.edu.

Botany Spotlight: Mosses of Duke Gardens
Tuesday, March 19, 3-5 p.m.
With Blanka Aguero, bryophyte data manager at the Duke University Herbarium, in collaboration with the Duke University Herbarium.
Location: Meet in the classroom inside the Doris Duke Center.
Fee: $18; 20% discount for Duke Gardens members with discount code. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

Flower Portraits
Saturday, March 23, 10-11:30 a.m.
With Julia Einstein, artist in residence at Raleigh City Farm, where her creative practice is aligned with the growing season.  
Location: Meet in the classroom inside the Doris Duke Center. 
Fee: $32; 20% discount for Duke Gardens members with discount code. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

Try This, Not That: Spring Bulbs
Wednesday, March 27, 8:30-10 a.m.
Led by April Stradley, visitor experience coordinator and horticulturist. 
Location: Meet at the Gothic Gate entrance.
Fee: $18; free for Duke Gardens members with members free code. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

Meet the Keepers
Thursday, March 28, 1-2 p.m.
With horticulture staff of the Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden at Duke Gardens
Drop-in activity for all ages. Adult chaperone required for minors.
Additional Thursday dates: March 14, April 11 & 25, May 9 & 23
Location: Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden
Fee: free; no registration required. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

Symposium: The African American Legacy in Gardening and Horticulture
Saturday, March 30, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
There will be three sessions throughout the day. Choose to attend any of them in person or virtually.   
Location: in person at the Hayti Heritage Center in Durham, or virtually through a livestream. 
Fee: free. Register through the symposium event page.

Spring Botanizing at Penny's Bend
Tuesday, April 2, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
In person and entirely outdoors with Alec Motten, professor emeritus, and Paul Manos, professor of biology, Duke University.
Location: meet at Penny’s Bend. Driving directions will be sent in program reminder.
Fee: $16; 20% discount for Duke Gardens members with discount code. More details via this link.

Native Plant Solutions: Drainage Areas (virtual)
April 2, noon-1 p.m. 
Virtual program with Shannon Currey, outreach educator at Izel Native Plants, in collaboration with Izel Native Plants.
Location: online via Zoom. You will receive an email reminder that includes the Zoom link. The Zoom session recording will be sent to all registrants afterward.
Fee:  Free; registration required. More details via this link.

Walk on the Wild Side: Spring Ephemerals 
Thursday, April 4, 11 a.m.-noon 
Led by horticulture staff of the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants. 
Location: Meet at the gatehouse entrance to the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants (B2 on the map).
Fee: $10; 20% discount for Duke Gardens members with discount code. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

Naturally Wild presents Birding for QTBIPOC
Saturday, April 6, 9-11 a.m.
Led by bird guide Deja Perkins of Naturally Wild LLC.
Location: Meet at the Gothic Gate entrance.
Free; registration required. Registration is prioritized for individuals who identify as queer, trans, Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

Forest Bathing Walk
Saturday, April 6, 8-10 a.m.
Led by certified Forest Therapy Guide Stephanie Campbell
Location: Meet on the stone patio behind the Doris Duke Center.
Fee: $26; 20% discount for Duke Gardens members with discount code. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

April Japanese Tea Gathering: Ugetsu
Saturday, April 6, 2:30-3:15 p.m.
With Chizuko Sueyoshi and members of the Japanese Tea Practitioners of Durham.
Location: Meet at the Doris Duke Center for a guided walk to the teahouse.
Fee: $68; 20% discount for Duke Gardens members with discount code. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

Meet the Keepers
Thursday, April 11, 1-2 p.m.
With horticulture staff of the Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden at Duke Gardens
Drop-in activity for all ages. Adult chaperone required for minors.
Additional Thursday dates: March 14 & 28, April 25, May 9 & 23
Location: Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden
Fee: free; no registration required. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

Botany Spotlight: Mosses of Duke Forest
Friday, April 19, 3-5 p.m.
With Blanka Aguero, bryophyte data manager at the Duke University Herbarium, in collaboration with the Duke University Herbarium.
Location: Duke Forest; driving directions will be sent with program reminder.
Fee: $18; 20% discount for Duke Gardens members with discount code. More details via this link.

Meet the Keepers
Thursday, April 25, 1-2 p.m.
With horticulture staff of the Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden at Duke Gardens
Drop-in activity for all ages. Adult chaperone required for minors.
Additional Thursday dates: March 14 & 28, April 11, May 9 & 23
Location: Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden
Fee: free; no registration required. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

April Japanese Tea Gathering: Children’s Day
Friday, April 26, noon-1:15 p.m.
With Chizuko Sueyoshi and members of the Japanese Tea Practitioners of Durham.
Location: Meet at the Doris Duke Center for a guided walk to the teahouse.
Fee: $68; 20% discount for Duke Gardens members with discount code. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

April Japanese Tea Gathering: Children’s Day - first seating
Saturday, April 27, noon-1:15 p.m.
With Chizuko Sueyoshi and members of the Japanese Tea Practitioners of Durham.
Location: Meet at the Doris Duke Center for a guided walk to the teahouse.
Fee: $68; 20% discount for Duke Gardens members with discount code. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

April Japanese Tea Gathering: Children’s Day - second seating
Saturday, April 27, 2:15-3:30 p.m.
With Chizuko Sueyoshi and members of the Japanese Tea Practitioners of Durham.
Location: Meet at the Doris Duke Center for a guided walk to the teahouse.
Fee: $68; 20% discount for Duke Gardens members with discount code. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

Walk on the Wild Side: Native Shrubs
Thursday, May 2, 11 a.m.-noon 
Led by horticulture staff of the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants. 
Location: Meet at the gatehouse entrance to the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants (B2 on the map).
Fee: $10; 20% discount for Duke Gardens members with discount code. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

Naturally Wild presents Birding for QTBIPOC
Saturday, May 4, 9-11 a.m.
Led by bird guide Deja Perkins of Naturally Wild LLC.
Location: Meet at the Gothic Gate entrance.
Free; registration required. Registration is prioritized for individuals who identify as queer, trans, Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

Native Plant Solutions: Clay Soils
Tuesday, May 7, noon-1 p.m.
Virtual program with Shannon Currey, outreach educator at Izel Native Plants, in collaboration with Izel Native Plants. 
Location: Zoom; link will be shared in confirmation email.
Free; registration required. More details via this link.

Meet the Keepers
Thursday, May 9, 1-2 p.m.
With horticulture staff of the Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden at Duke Gardens
Drop-in activity for all ages. Adult chaperone required for minors.
Additional Thursday dates: March 14 & 28, April 11 & 25, May 23.
Location: Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden
Fee: free; no registration required. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

Forest Bathing Walk
Friday, May 10, 8-9:30 a.m.
Led by certified Forest Therapy Guide Stephanie Campbell.
Location: Meet on the stone patio behind the Doris Duke Center.
Fee: $26; 20% discount for Duke Gardens members with discount code. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

Cactus Container Gardening (for Gardens members only)
Tuesday, May 14, 1-2:30 p.m.
With Jason Holmes, curator of the Doris Duke Center Gardens at Duke Gardens.
Location: Meet on the stone patio behind the Doris Duke Center.
For more information about membership and to join, visit our membership page or email GardensMembership@duke.edu.

Midday Meander: A Strolling Conversation
Thursday, May 16, 12:15-1 p.m.
With Kavanah Anderson, director of learning and community engagement at Duke Gardens
Location: Meet on the stone patio behind the Doris Duke Center.
Fee: Free; registration required. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

Late Spring Tree Ramble  
Friday, May 17, 4-6 p.m.
In person and entirely outdoors with Katie Rose Levin, International Society of Arboriculture board certified master arborist.
Location: Meet at the Gothic Gate entrance.
Fee: $22; 20% discount for Duke Gardens members with discount code. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

Botany Spotlight: Bamboo 
Thursday, May 23, 1-3 p.m.
With David Benfield, founder of Brightside Bamboo.
Location: Meet in the classroom inside the Doris Duke Center.
Fee: $22; 20% discount for Duke Gardens members with discount code. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

Meet the Keepers
Thursday, May 23, 1-2 p.m.
With horticulture staff of the Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden at Duke Gardens
Drop-in activity for all ages. Adult chaperone required for minors.
Additional Thursday dates: March 14 & 28, April 11 & 25, May 9.
Location: Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden
Fee: free; no registration required. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

Plant Propagation: Cuttings
Friday, May 31, 10 a.m.-noon
With Beth Hall Hoffman, Paul J. Kramer Plant Collections Manager
Location: Meet on the stone patio behind the Doris Duke Center.
Fee: $28; 20% discount for Duke Gardens members with discount code. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

Naturally Wild presents Birding for QTBIPOC
Saturday, June 1, 9-11 a.m.
Led by bird guide Deja Perkins of Naturally Wild LLC.
Location: Meet at the Gothic Gate entrance.
Free; registration required. Registration is prioritized for individuals who identify as queer, trans, Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

Walk on the Wild Side: Native Trees
Thursday, June 6, 11 a.m.-noon 
Led by horticulture staff of the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants. 
Location: Meet at the gatehouse entrance to the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants (B2 on the map).
Fee: $10; 20% discount for Duke Gardens members with discount code. Parking fees apply.  More details via this link.

Propagation Promenade
Friday, June 7, 9-11 a.m.
In-person and on site with Beth Hall Hoffman, plant collections manager at Duke Gardens.
Location: Meet on the stone patio behind the Doris Duke Center.
Fee: $32; 20% discount for Duke Gardens members with discount code. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

Botany Spotlight: Ferns
Tuesday, June 11, 6-8 p.m.
With Isaac Lund, assistant horticulturist in the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants.
Location: Meet in the classroom inside the Doris Duke Center for this indoor/outdoor program.
Fee: $22; 20% discount for Duke Gardens members with discount code. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

Queer Ecologies for Community
Friday, June 14, 12-1:30 p.m.
With Kati Henderson, Duke Gardens staff educator and partnerships coordinator.
Location: Meet on the stone patio behind the Doris Duke Center.
Free; registration required. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

Gardening with Native Ferns
Saturday, June 15, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
With Isaac Lund, assistant horticulturist in the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants
Location: Meet in the classroom inside the Doris Duke Center.
Fee: $22; 20% discount for Duke Gardens members with discount code. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

Pollinator Week
June 17-23
Stay tuned for special programs.

Plants and Pollinators in the Pocket Prairie 
Saturday, June 22, 9-11 a.m.
With Maegan Luckett, horticulturist of the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants at Duke Gardens. 
Location: Meet at the Gothic Gate entrance to Duke Gardens.
Fee: $12; 20% discount for Duke Gardens members with discount code. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

 

More information

Please see our latest at-home learning activities, classes and links here.

Duke Gardens spring & summer camps information.

Children and Family Programs information.

Duke Gardens Tour information.

If you'd like to be added to our email list for program announcements, please email gardenseducation@duke.edu.

Learn more about membership and join here to receive education program discounts, free admission to select programs and event, & more.

Want to bring your student group to Duke Gardens in the future? Please see our School and Group Programs and Academic Programs pages.