Gardens Policies

Welcome to Sarah P. Duke Gardens! We are open from 8 a.m. until dusk, 365 days a year.

Please remember:

Dogs are only allowed before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. More information here.
No other pets permitted
Plants should be left for all to enjoy - please do not pick or cut any part of a plant
Stay on paths
Groups must follow all group use policies.
Portrait and special occasion photography is by permit only
Drone photography is not permitted, in order to ensure Gardens visitors' safety and privacy
It harms the wildlife to be fed food intended for people (bread, etc.)
Walk bikes through the Gardens—don't ride them
Carry out what you carry in
Supervise children

Please note that the following are prohibited:

Sports equipment, balls, balloons or kites
Climbing trees, swimming, wading, boats
Scooters
Smoking (including electronic cigarettes)
Alcohol
Cooking or fires
Amplified music
Fishing
Hammocks or tents
Tables or chairs
Weapons
Confetti or glitter

Special note:

The produce from the Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden is donated to benefit local families through community partnerships.  Please do not pick any part of these plants. We ask that you leave them for others to enjoy and learn from, and for the benefit of our neighbors.

Promotional photos & photo policy

Duke Gardens may photograph visitors and program participants on occasion for promotional purposes. By entering Duke Gardens, visitors are granting their permission to be included in such photographs. Please see our photo/video policy for more information about photographing at Duke Gardens.