The popular annual event was cancelled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but was back and brighter than ever, new Friends of Dunedin Botanic Garden president Sam Moncur said.
"We are really looking forward to seeing everyone at our plant sale in the upper garden car park, where the Friends and 11 other organisations will be selling plants and related products," Mr Moncur said.
There would also be a barbecue and coffee for sale at the event, which will run from 9am-1pm.
"We are encouraging people to bring their own bags and boxes, and will have a ‘pot drop’ for people to bring back any clean pots they no longer want."
As part of Rhododendron Day celebrations, retiring rhododendron curator Doug Thomson will lead a tour of the rhododendron dell, departing the azalea garden entrance at 10am (weather permitting).
Proceeds of the Rhododendron Day plant sale will go towards projects the Friends are supporting at the Dunedin Botanic Garden, including helping to support garden staff on educational trips for career development.
A member of the Friends of Dunedin Botanic Garden and its social media manager since 2019, Mr Moncur took over from Sue Lambie as president at September’s AGM.
"It’s great to have Sam come in as president. His skills and energy will help to continue raising the profile and activity of the group," Mrs Lambie said.
Along with the Rhododendron Day event, one of Mr Moncur’s first tasks as president is to put out the call for volunteers to help out at the information centre in the lower gardens.
"We have had quite a high turnover of volunteers during the pandemic, so we would love to hear from people who can share some of their time to help out," he said.
For more information, visit friendsdbg.co.nz, or find the Friends of Dunedin Botanic Garden on Facebook.
