Summer Internships at
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Summer 2008
The Sarah P. Duke Gardens as Duke University
announces its summer internship program for students interested
in gaining a “hands-on” experience in a public botanic
garden. The Sarah P. Duke Gardens, located in Durham, NC, is a
55-acre display and education oriented botanical garden located
on the campus of Duke University. The Gardens are divided into
distinct sections that include the Blomquist Garden of Native
Plants, the Culberson Asiatic Arboretum, the Historic Italianate
Terraces and South Lawn and the new Doris Duke Visitor Center.
The Gardens hosts many university and community programs and attracts
about 300,000 visitors annually.
Our program offers 4 Horticulture Internships
and 1 Education Internship.
Horticulture Internship
Interns will learn an in-depth introduction to various aspects
of horticulture. Interns will work in all areas of the Gardens,
which includes: The Blomquist Garden of Native Plants, the Culberson
Asiatic Arboretum, the Historical Terraces and the new Doris Duke
Visitor Center Gardens. Interns will also work in the themed gardens
such as the rose garden, white garden, azalea court and the perennial
border. The hands-on horticulture intern will work directly with
the Gardens staff throughout the summer; assisting with planting,
watering, weeding, pruning, mulching and overall daily garden
maintenance.
Interns will gain insight to garden design through visits to local
gardens and nurseries and a three-day trip to major botanic gardens
and nurseries along the Atlantic Coast. We also try to provide
a broad experience to the different aspects of the “green
industry” from growing plants to the design and implementation
of gardens. Interns will also be involved with completing an independent
project with the possibility of it being implemented in the garden.
Education Internship
Assist the Education Department with development, implementation,
instruction and evaluation of educational programs and materials
for school groups, adults, families and visitors. The education
intern will also be included in the internal horticultural workshops
given by various staff and all of the field trips.
Education: botany, horticulture, ecology,
environmental studies or closely related majors.
Compensation: Duke Gardens pay $9.00/hr. and hours are M-F 8:00
– 4:30. Locating housing is available.
To Apply: Send a resume and three letters of reference with a
completed application form
to the email address below. You can also come by the gardens to
fill out the information or call for an application. We will receive
applications until March 13th, or until the positions are filled.
Contact Mike Owens by
Michael S. Owens, Coordinator of Interns
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Box 90341
Durham, NC 27708
919-668-1703
5 positions are available and college credit can be arranged if
coordinated through your advisor.
