Giant advent calendar counts down to Christmas at Botanica

Council’s fernery and conservatory, Botanica, on First Ave is getting into the Christmas spirit in a unique way this year with a giant advent calendar.

“We’re always excited about the festive season here at Botanica Whangarei and this year we’re counting down the days with a giant advent calendar,” says Council’s Cemeteries and Conservatory Manager Helen Cairns.

“Each day sees another door on the calendar open to reveal the ‘give away of the day’ from fruit to seeds, bookmarks to plants.

“We’ve also got some smashing ideas for Christmas gifts that are easy and inexpensive to make at home and there’s really nothing nicer than a gift handmade with love.

“All this and our fabulous new dinosaur plants display complete with giant kauri snails makes a visit to Botanica a delightful, no-cost event.

“We’d love to wish lots of visitors a Merry Christmas in person, so we are encouraging everyone to come and see us. We’re wheelchair accessible, admission is totally free and we are open every day except Christmas Day and New Years Day.”