Duke Gardens, at 420 Anderson Street in Durham, is considered one of the 10 top public gardens in the United States and is free to visit. It’s open every day, 365 days a year, from 8 a.m. to dusk. It features a rose garden, sundial and butterfly garden, terraces and fish pool, and much more.

In addition to the free admission every day (please note that there’s a small charge for parking) the gardens offer many events and some of them are free.

Important Note: Duke Gardens are temporarily closed to visitors. Enjoy the pictures and video in this post as you look forward to returning.

Scroll down to see a list of some of the upcoming free (virtual) events, and to see pictures of Duke Gardens in spring, summer and fall. There’s even a video we took in the winter.

Free Virtual Events with Sarah P. Duke Gardens

The WOW Factor
Wednesdays, May 6th and 13th
3 p.m.
Free

Weekly live Zoom discussions hosted by director of horticulture Bobby Mottern. Each program will have different focus to add that “WOW” to your home garden. Participation is free.

Join via this link: https://duke.zoom.us/j/91883880414

Themes by date:
May 6: colors
May 13: containers

Virtual Program–Seasonal Celebrities: Plants for N.C. Gardens
Saturdays, through May 30th
10 a.m.
Free

In these free weekly virtual programs (via Zoom), Jan Little will introduce a palette of beautiful plants for your gardens. You will learn which native plant seed is supposed to bring luck, and more. Jan Little is the director of education and public programs at Duke Gardens. Join for one or all Seasonal Celebrities programs here: https://duke.zoom.us/j/97470989726

Sarah P. Duke Gardens in the Winter

There’s no wrong time of year to visit Duke Gardens. In the winter, Duke Gardens provide an especially peaceful experience. There are plants in bloom every season, and in the winter you can enjoy them without any crowds.

There are endless paths to explore, and plenty of benches along the way to rest and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

Visiting Duke Gardens in the winter gives you a chance to notice the plants and landscaping that might get overshadowed by the wealth of flowers in the spring and summer.