Duke Gardens Foundation.

On October 15, 1958 the Duke Gardens Foundation was incorporated with the purpose of "developing thereon agricultural, botanical and horticultural exhibits for the purpose of scientific experiments and of public inspection, instruction, education and enjoyment." Over the period of six years, Doris Duke was personally involved in the physical design of the Indoor Display Gardens, in which various gardens were carefully designed, planned, and developed from the point of view of authenticity. The gardens were opened to the public in 1964, and included 11 unique gardens for visitors to enjoy. Doris Duke continued her involvement with her gardens throughout her life, bringing designers with her to modify them during the summer season when they were closed to tourists. The Duke Gardens Foundation was officially dissolved November 13, 2001 and the gardens closed to the public in 2008

A visit to Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania prompted Doris Duke to find a new purpose for the empty greenhouses that had fallen into disrepair at her Duke Farms estate in Somerville, New Jersey. Originally established by her father James Buchanan (J.B.) Duke, the greenhouses were constructed to grow various fruits and flowers, particularly orchids. In the 1950s, Doris Duke set about modernizing and repairing the structures and on October 15, 1958 incorporated the Duke Gardens Foundation with the purpose of "developing thereon agricultural, botanical & horticultural exhibits for the purpose of scientific experiments and of public inspection, instruction, education & enjoyment." Over the period of six years, Doris Duke was personally involved in the physical design of the Indoor Display Gardens, in which various gardens were carefully designed, planned, and developed from the point of view of authenticity. Although she lacked specific botanical knowledge, she had a clear vision of the spaces and features she wanted to create and designed all but one of the gardens, incorporating her interests in color, design and fragrance. The gardens were opened to the public in 1964, and included 11 unique gardens for visitors to enjoy. Doris Duke continued her involvement with her gardens throughout her life, bringing designers with her to modify them during the summer season when they were closed to tourists. The Duke Gardens Foundation was officially dissolved November 13, 2001 and the gardens closed to the public in 2008.