Finest Public Garden

Sarah P. Duke Gardens
By Leah Chester-Davis

420 Anderson St., Durham
gardens.duke.edu | 919-684-3698

Inspiration abounds at Sarah P. Duke Gardens, a premier public garden on 55 acres of the Duke University campus in Durham.

The landscaped and wooded gardens accentuate Mother Nature’s beauty, offering a peaceful environment to relax, walk, explore, photograph eye-catching plants, or learn about gardening and plants on one of the educational programs or tours. Bold plantings, thousands of plant species, terraces, sculptures, and water features make up the gardens. With five miles of allées, walks, and pathways, visitors get a chance to enjoy four distinct garden areas.

This garden backs to the Duke campus and Duke University Hospital. It’s a great reprieve for college students or hospital workers on lunch break. It’s nice for family photos, a wedding, or a family stroll.

—Grace Denton, Durham, a member of Piedmont Electric

About the Author

Carolina Country Contributing Editor Leah Chester-Davis loves to explore North Carolina. Her business, Chester-Davis Communications (chester-davis.com), specializes in food, farm, gardening and lifestyle brands and organizations.