Plans for the celebration were not finalised, but Dunedin Botanic Garden curator Alan Matchett said a progression of events would lead up to the anniversary on June 30, 2013.
Events proposed included a celebrity debate, themed flower bed displays being planted at the railway station and Albany St plots, and Bio Blitz, a "botanic stocktake", in which experts visited the garden and viewed the flora and fauna. The garden was also hosting its regular events Hort Talk, Sunday Bandstand and Rhododendron Day.
Mr Matchett said the garden had achieved some major milestones recently.
"The camellia garden was named a camellia garden of international significance. The botanic garden was named a garden of international significance by the New Zealand Gardens Trust. It is the only public garden in New Zealand that has that [distinction]," he said.
New Zealand's oldest botanic garden, it was established in 1863 on an Albany St site which is now occupied by the University of Otago.
Because of flooding, the garden - including a royal oak planted in 1863 to commemorate the Prince of Wales' marriage - was moved to its present site in 1869.
The garden was extended in the early 20th century and Mr Matchett said people involved with the garden since then had maintained the character established during the extension.
- Timothy Brown.
