A fifteen-mile drive from our house this morning placed us in the transformed world of Duke University’s Sarah P. Duke Gardens. This 55-acre public garden features four main sections, including the H.L. Blomquist Garden of Native Plants and an education center with specialized gardens (Doris Duke Center and Gardens).
We headed toward the oldest part, the Historic Gardens section with Italianate terraces, choosing a starting path that touches on the 1.5 acre W.L. Culberson Asiatic Arboretum.
W.L. Culberson Asiatic Arboretum
W.L. Culberson Asiatic Arboretum
Several other sets of visitors headed purposefully off to the right to feed the ducks and admire the Ayamebashi (Iris Bridge).
Ayamebashi (Iris Bridge)
As we looked straight ahead at the path, this red bridge was on our right. We turned our attention to the left to see another dramatic view. In the center is the Berini Bridge. Following the path until we could turn back to the left brought us close by the Berini Bridge and eventually put us directly under the large magenta crape myrtle.
Berini Bridge
Crape Myrtle at Duke Gardens
There were many more diversions along this route, but eventually we reached the Italianate terraces. They were bursting with color and inspiration.
And I saw a wonderful specimen of Salvia uliginosa ‘Blue Sky’ (Bog sage).
pbmGarden 
Gorgeous- love the iris bridge and the reflection in the water.
Thanks! I like them too. Next visit I’ll have to turn that direction. It’s been a while since I’ve seen it up close.
You have shown us some beautiful views and reflections. The first photo of the Italianate terraces reminded me very much of garden visiting when we went to Italy, everything a lovely cool green, no flowers because they would just burn up in the Italian heat, also lots of shade to escape from the sun.
Pauline, I can see why–that green is so cooling. Oh well, these terraces are almost always filled with color from perennials and annuals. In the photo you mentioned, the wisteria pergola in Spring is legendary and many weddings are held there. Unfortunately yesterday the effect of water was missing as the fountain was being cleaned.
Some lovely plant/colour combinations there. And a sense of space! Lovely!
I agree! I made many photos to use to study their plant combinations. Have a good day.
Such a great photograph of the Iris bridge.
Thanks P&B! It’s such a pretty sight in person.