Duke Gardens is adapting operations to support Durham’s Stage Two water restrictions.
Summer 2026
In response to the City of Durham’s Stage Two water restrictions, Duke Gardens is implementing a series of water conservation measures designed to significantly reduce water use while protecting the Gardens’ living collections and habitats.
As a botanical garden, Duke Gardens applied for and was granted an exemption under the City’s water shortage response plan. Even so, the Gardens is taking proactive steps to reduce consumption and demonstrate responsible water stewardship.
Adapted operations during drought conditions include:
- Nearly all water features that require automatic refilling will be turned off.
- The Virtue Peace Pond behind the Doris Duke Center will remain in operation and be manually refilled as needed to support aquatic plant and animal life.
- The Japanese Garden waterfall will operate at its lowest setting and will also be manually refilled.
- Automatic irrigation schedules for turf areas will be reduced by 50 percent.
- All overhead irrigation will cease by 10 a.m. daily, except in the nursery where plant production requires specialized care. After 10 a.m., only hand watering will be permitted.
“Duke Gardens is committed to sustainability and responsible resource management,” said Bobby Mottern, director of horticulture. “As a public garden and living museum, we have a responsibility to protect the thousands of plants and wildlife that call Duke Gardens home while also conserving water during this drought.”
Unlike residential landscapes, botanical gardens maintain scientifically documented plant collections, teaching and community resources and ecosystems that can take decades to establish. Limited irrigation helps preserve these collections and protects the significant public investment they represent.
Duke Gardens will continue to monitor conditions and adjust operations as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Duke Gardens still watering when residents are being asked to reduce water use?
Duke Gardens is a botanical garden and living museum that cares for thousands of documented plants, habitats for wildlife and educational resources. The City of Durham allows botanical gardens to apply for exemptions during water restrictions because many of these collections cannot be easily replaced if lost. Even with this exemption, Duke Gardens is significantly reducing water use and implementing conservation measures across its 55 acres.
What water-saving measures is Duke Gardens taking?
Beginning June 15, Duke Gardens will:
- Turn off nearly all water features that require automatic refilling, including
- Operate the Virtue Peace Pond behind the Doris Duke Center using manual refill only.
- Reduce the Japanese Garden waterfall to its lowest setting and manually refill it as needed.
- Reduce automatic irrigation of turf areas by 50 percent.
- End overhead irrigation by 10 a.m. daily, except in the nursery where plant production requires specialized care.
- Limit watering after 10 a.m. to hand watering only.
Why does Duke Gardens need to water plants at all?
Many of the Gardens’ collections include plants with educational, scientific and ecological significance, and strategic watering helps preserve them for learning and enjoyment. Watering is targeted only where necessary to protect plant health and safety.
Is Duke Gardens exempt from the City's restrictions?
Botanical gardens are eligible to apply for an exemption under Durham’s water shortage response plan because they maintain living collections with educational, scientific and ecological value. Duke Gardens is following the City’s exemption guidelines while also implementing substantial conservation measures.
How does this align with Duke Gardens' sustainability goals?
Sustainability is a core value at Duke Gardens. The Gardens continually works to reduce resource consumption through efficient irrigation practices, careful plant selection, water-wise landscape management and ongoing conservation efforts. The measures being implemented during Stage Two restrictions reflect the Gardens’ commitment to balancing environmental stewardship with the responsible care of its living collections.
Questions?
Please contact us at gardens@duke.edu.