Duke University’s Sarah P. Duke Gardens, known for its extensive botanic gardens and walking paths, are in full bloom despite changes as the gardens and grounds undergo construction expected to last until spring 2026.
Duke University’s Sarah P. Duke Gardens, known for its extensive botanic gardens and walking paths, are in full bloom despite changes as the gardens and grounds undergo construction expected to last until spring 2026. According to the Sarah P. Duke Gardens website, the Garden Gateway Project will address the increasing popularity of the gardens through initiatives like a revamped welcome center, more green areas and more spaces for dining, learning and events.
The Garden Gateway Project webpage notes The Duke Gardens are still open during construction with limited changes to the entrances and parking lots. The main entrance at 420 Anderson St., parking lots and the visitor center are closed. Visitors can instead enter at 2000 Lewis St. or the gates to the garden located at Flowers Drive. Parking is offered at Duke’s H Lot on weekends.
Lauren Hong, the marketing and communications director for Sarah P. Duke Gardens, said the Garden Gateway Project is meant to accommodate for the increase in visitation to the gardens in the past few years. The gardens have become particularly popular within the community since the COVID-19 Pandemic. They are especially popular in March when the iconic cherry blossom trees bloom.
Hong said the new spaces are being added on top of a driveway and parking lot on Duke’s campus so none of the existing garden spaces will be affected. The project includes an emphasis on the promotion of sustainability. Around 10,000 square feet of new green space will be added.
“The garden sits within Duke’s structure under the Office of Climate and Sustainability and we are very much a part of the Climate Commitment at Duke and really want to make sure that we are doing as much as we can to expand green spaces, to be more sustainable and to educate our visitors about sustainability,” Hong said…