Today, I packed up my computer, glasses, and phone and made my twenty minute drive to my regular parking space off of Duke University Road. As I walked up Chapel Drive, I noticed some potential students taking tours of the campus and a few others walking in the direction of the Chapel. Electric buses whizzed past me as they usually did and it appeared to be a normal day on campus.
But when I made it to the quad, I noticed only a few students compared to the many I usually encounter. And then it dawned on me. Spring break. And with the break, the library would be closed. And sure enough, as I opened the door of the Rubenstein, I was greeted by a darkened space.
Oh well. No time for focusing on what I had lost. I thought for a moment and decided to do something that I had wanted to do for months. So instead of take the walk back down Chapel Drive, I turned to the left and walked down the hill where I was greeted by the entrance to the Sarah P. Duke gardens. As I walked into the meadow, I was overwhelmed by the beauty that surrounded me.
A flood of memories came tumbling through my mind as I walked upward to the gazebo and looked down at the rows and rows of flower beds and strange birds standing beside the pond. For a minute, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of this place.
Once I reached the gazebo, I looked down and found a plaque that made me smile. A daughter’s love for her mother was the inspiration for these beautiful gardens.
As a young girl, I made the walk from my house to these gardens, not really appreciating the effort that has gone into this magical place. But today, each section I walked through made me grateful for this hidden treasure found right here in Durham. A treasure that I would encourage everyone to take the time to experience.
The Duke Gardens are a gem especially this time of year. You made it special with your memories.
Enjoying your writings about Durham and today Duke and Duke Gardens. Brings back some memories of my childhood as well. What a gift these gardens are!