Walking to West Campus through the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, students probably have no idea that they tread along the same latitude line as China.
Yet with a detour through the renowned Asiatic Arboretum, it doesn't seem so surprising. Japanese irises and deciduous magnolias grace the slopes and highlight the traditional Japanese tea garden architecture.
Home to more than 5,000 varieties of plants, the Gardens showcase everything from the native Southern magnolia to the South American Victoria water lily and the saucer magnolia - set to bloom this month.
The Gardens is a constantly evolving fine art. Since its original construction in 1934, thanks to a gift from Sarah P. Duke, the Gardens has fused into a wide variety of rare species.
"The main challenge facing us is to be progressive, not denying change, while at the same time respecting what we have," said Kay Bunting, interim director and director of development for the Gardens. "We do not want to completely rework the Gardens, but take what we have which is highly valued and mold it."
The Gardens is divided into three sections based on the plants they contain: The Culberson Asiatic Arboretum, the H. L. Blomquist Garden of Native Plants and the terraces.
The Asiatic Arboretum comprises 20 acres dedicated to the development of Eastern Asian species. Species native to the South, including magnolias and Southern pines, thrive in the Blomquist Garden. The terraces, which date back to the 1930s and are the oldest part of the Gardens, display unique Italian architecture.
Each of the three Gardens is overseen by a head horticulturist who works with volunteers and gardeners and chooses which species to grow.
The horticulturists - many of whom have worked in the Gardens for over 30 years - rely on keen observations of Durham's climate in order to choose which species are suitable to introduce into the Gardens.
The full-time staff of the Gardens does not accomplish the monumental task of its upkeep alone, however. A volunteer program started 11 years ago now includes over 100 participants who are assigned a specific part of the Gardens and their own project to complete.
Husband and wife Desmond and Charity Cole, for example, have been volunteering consistently for over eight years, dedicating their time to the Perennial Allée near the terraces each season.
The Gardens have a long history of innovation and improvement, but officials are currently working on additional ways to please visitors and create a more serene atmosphere for students, faculty members and employees to enjoy.
The administration is currently searching for an up-and-coming architect to design a new master plan, which will incorporate a possible expansion, a conservatory, a children's garden and a memorial area.
Greg Nace, associate director of horticulture operations, is currently involved in several projects, including the development of an amphitheater and the White Garden behind the Doris Duke Center. By late spring, he hopes to create a courtyard behind the terraces, complete with a café and tables.
"One of my favorite spots in the Gardens is the pool and rock gardens near the terraces," Nace said. "There is a foot path you can follow up to the pools, and you can relax to the sound of water and listen to the birds."
Although many Durham residents enjoy the Gardens, Bunting emphasized that, "Duke University is our reason for being here."
The Gardens serve several complex roles, but the primary contribution to students is that of relaxation and renewal.
"The garden meets the deeper emotional needs of students," Bunting said.
Whether it be for studying, contemplation, mourning or tanning, the Gardens provide a much needed escape from the stress of academic life.
"I would say that the Gardens are the glorious front yard of the University," Bunting said.
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