Spring is an exciting time at Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, NC. This 55 acre botanical garden on Duke Campus is alive with blooms and colors. A wide path flanked on both sides by Cherry Trees creates a dramatic entrance to the Garden.

The entrance leads to a circular rose garden with a magnificent fountain in the center. A path to the right of the fountain leads to a pond with thoughtfully placed benches and scenic spots to stop and enjoy for a moment or longer. Of course, ducks are always paddling their way from one point or another out on the pond. The path offers views of a beautiful red arched bridge, offering access to the far side of the pond. People love to stop on the bridge for photo opportunities or just to enjoy the moment. Being surrounded by nature, and artisticly designed garden features and architecture, it’s easy to feel like you’re in a Claude Monet painting.

The Garden is so big, it’s easy to get lost, but it’s a nice place to be lost for an afternoon. There are garden paths throughout, some are gravel and others of various stone pavers. The crew in charge of the stonework at Duke Gardens are truly first rate, master craftsmen.

There are numerous water features throughout the gardens. Some are pond sized, large and elaborate, and include a waterfall.

One of the most beautiful parts of Duke Gardens is the terraced garden, featuring a beautiful, wisteria covered gazebo at the top and a Koi pond at the bottom. The gazebo is a perfect spot for a Spring wedding. Between the gazebo and the Koi pond are terraced curved rows of planting beds featuring a variety of brilliantly colored tulips during the spring. Along the perimeter of the terraced rows sits the Terrace Café.