Botanic Garden Celebrates Spring With Ladybirds and Surprises

Spring is celebrated annually at the Dunedin Botanic Garden with Rhododendron Day, and, this year, the event has blossomed into a Garden Festival with something for everyone.

The Rhododendron Dell’s four hectares of beautiful big blooms, spring bulbs and perennial flowers will entice visitors into nooks and crannies they may not have noticed before. To encourage people to explore, 15 tourism students dressed as ladybirds will provide a trail of clues for people to follow.

At surprise locations en route, visitors will discover entertainers offering music and performance. There will be a fairy harpist, a saxophonist, a juggler, singers, African drummers and a martial arts display.

The annual Plant Sale will run from 10am till 2pm, selling plants, home and garden products, food and crafts. Having been run successfully for about 40 years by the Dunedin Horticultural Society and the Dunedin Botanic Garden, the plant sale has an established reputation.

Specialist Botanic Garden staff will guide a tour and lead a demonstration of rhododendron care. Both of these events require bookings and there is a $20 charge for the demonstration. Bookings can be made at 03 471 9275.