Robyn Cameron tried to put a brave face on it at the Friends of the Dunedin Botanic Garden plant sale on Saturday.
''We usually come every year, but we try to come early, because quite often we get some specimen rhodies, but we didn't know about it this time, so [we didn't get to come early],'' she said, despondently.
The Camerons have gardened on their 2000sq m of land in Leith Valley for the past 10 years, husband Lindsay Cameron said.
''Fifteen, 15 years,'' Ms Cameron interjected.
''The Friends'' sale at the garden raised money for the group, founding member Louise Kilby said.
Some of the plants were donated by local nurseries, for which the friends were grateful.
''And [we're also grateful for] the help and support we get from the garden staff,'' she said.
Supporting the Friends was an important part of why Mr and Ms Cameron came to every plant sale, Ms Cameron said.
''We just find it really, really good. We like to come and try to support it. You always get a bargain.''
