The Gardens

Sarah P. Duke Gardens is a 55-acre botanic garden in the heart of Duke University that inspires transformative learning, promotes wellness and builds community.

Since its dedication in 1939, Duke Gardens has developed dramatically and beautifully. It now features four distinct areas: the original Terraces and their immediate surroundings, known as the Historic Gardens, including the Mary Duke Biddle Rose Garden and historic Roney Fountain; the H.L. Blomquist Garden of Native Plants, a representation of the flora of the Southeastern United States; the W.L. Culberson Asiatic Arboretum, devoted to plants of eastern Asia; and the Doris Duke Center Gardens, including the new Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden.

There are five miles of allées, walks, and pathways throughout the gardens. We hope you enjoy learning more about the world-class botanic garden that has blossomed at this world-class university through the decades.

The Historic Gardens are where Sarah P. Duke Gardens began in 1934. The iconic Italianate-style Terrace Gardens were dedicated in 1939, and the curated gardens grew from there. Surrounding the Terraces are smaller gardens, including the Walker Dillard Kirby Perennial Allée, Memorial Garden, Azalea Court, Butterfly Garden, Camellia Garden and Cherry Allée. The Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) near the foot of the Terraces, a species once thought extinct, was planted in 1949.

The rolling woodland terrain of the 6.5-acre H.L. Blomquist Garden of Native Plants is filled with more than 900 plant taxa, most of them species from the Southeastern U.S. Dedicated in 1968, the garden honors Professor Hugo L. Blomquist, the first chair of Duke University’s Department of Botany and an authority on Southeastern flora. Throughout the garden there are several stunning structures to enjoy, from the Edwin F. Steffek Jr. Bridge overlooking the Fern Ravine Boardwalk to the Piedmont Prairie Classroom and the Bird Viewing Shelter.

Named for Duke professor and former Gardens director William Louis Culberson, the 18-acre arboretum represents the wealth of floral diversity of Southeast Asia. Exploring its trails will reveal garden favorites such as Japanese maples, irises, peonies and cherries, as well as a host of less famililar but botanically interesting species. Enhancing the landscape are features typically associated with Asian gardens—stepping stone paths, stone lanterns and water basins and a variety of architecturally correct gates and bridges.

Behind the Doris Duke Center are several distinct gardens. The Virtue Peace Pond and the Page-Rollins White Garden adjoin the Angle Amphitheater, the setting for many weddings and other special events. From there, stroll through the Spring Woodland Garden to the Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden, or follow the East Meets West Garden to the Asiatic Arboretum.

Duke Gardens is growing with the Garden Gateway, a transformational project designed to expand and enrich the experience for all visitors to this cherished campus and community treasure. Construction is currently underway and is expected to finish in Spring 2026.

Sarah P. Duke Gardens is a 55-acre botanic garden in the heart of Duke University that inspires transformative learning, promotes wellness and builds community.

Since its dedication in 1939, Duke Gardens has developed dramatically and beautifully. It now features four distinct areas: the original Terraces and their immediate surroundings, known as the Historic Gardens, including the Mary Duke Biddle Rose Garden and historic Roney Fountain; the H.L. Blomquist Garden of Native Plants, a representation of the flora of the Southeastern United States; the W.L. Culberson Asiatic Arboretum, devoted to plants of eastern Asia; and the Doris Duke Center Gardens, including the new Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden.

There are five miles of allées, walks, and pathways throughout the gardens. We hope you enjoy learning more about the world-class botanic garden that has blossomed at this world-class university through the decades.

Questions about Duke Gardens?

Please contact us using this form or call 919-684-3698.