Adult Programs

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 remaining programs for April through early July, 2024. 

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.

Flower Portraits
Saturday, May 25, 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.

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.

Triangle Bonsai Society Bonsai Expo
Saturday & Sunday, July 6 & 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Presented in partnership with the Triangle Bonsai Society
Fee: free; no registration required. Drop-in exhibit for all ages.
Location: Doris Duke Center.

 

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.