Wellness Grows Here

Gardens offer more than beautiful landscapes—they create space to breathe, restore and reconnect.

Whether you are seeking a moment of quiet reflection, a mindful walk or opportunities to deepen your connection with the natural world, Duke Gardens provides a nurturing environment that supports health and well-being in meaningful ways.

A growing body of research demonstrates that time spent in gardens and other green spaces measurably reduces cortisol levels, lowers blood pressure, improves mental health and enhances overall mood. Gentle physical activity—such as walking on garden paths—has been linked to improved cardiovascular health, while sensory engagement with diverse plant communities can promote cognitive function. At Duke Gardens, these benefits come together in an environment intentionally designed to support wellness, offering visitors a living space where scientifically demonstrated health outcomes and the restorative power of nature intersect. 

Get grounded and stay grounded at Duke. Say the Thing and Duke Gardens have partnered to bring you wise words from great thinkers reimagined by Duke students and staff. Anchored in the awe of the outdoors, this meditation collection is curated to help you connect to your values, reflect on your life’s story, and get grounded. Each month we highlight a new meditation as we grow our collection. Enjoy this month’s special selection, and visit Grounded at Duke for more.

Voiced by Barbara Ofosu-Somuah, Videoed and Edited by Jimmy Paton, Recorded by Madison Daniel, Produced by the Rev. Leah Torrey.

We’ve assembled a collection of nature meditations to help you regain your focus and serenity—particularly when you’re unable to get outside, let alone take a deep breath of fresh air.

We also created a mindfulness map with suggested spots where visitors can spend some quiet moments meditating or tuning in to the beauty of nature at Duke Gardens.

Questions?

Please contact us at gardens@duke.edu.