In 1935, more than 100 flower beds were in glorious bloom in the area that is now the South Lawn. They included 40,000 irises, 25,000 daffodils, 10,000 small bulbs, and assorted annuals. But by 1936 severe rain and floods caused the original gardens to decline. But then April 1939, after years of planning and construction, Mary Duke Biddle, daughter of founder Sarah P. Duke dedicated the NEW Gardens. Now coming up on its 77th year of beauty, grace and instruction… the Sarah P. Duke Gardens thrive and continue to garner award after award.
