One of the world's leading plant explorers, horticulturists and gardening authors, Dan Hinkley, will make his first visit to Dunedin later this month.
Mr Hinkley, a United States citizen who has a new garden at Windcliff near Seattle, has hunted for plants in many countries and regions, including China, Bhutan, and Southeast Asia, as well as in Mexico, South and Central America, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
On one occasion, he had a close encounter with several bears while retrieving a rare plant specimen in the US.
He will give a paid-entry talk at the Burns lecture theatre complex, at the University of Otago, on April 28, as part of a lecture tour of New Zealand organised by the New Zealand Gardens Trust.
His visit to Dunedin has been underwritten by the Friends of the Dunedin Botanic Garden and the Dunedin Rhododendron Group.
He has received several prestigious awards, including the Royal Horticulture Society's Veitch Memorial Medal for his contribution to the advancement of the science and practice of horticulture.
His book, The Explorer's Garden: Rare and Unusual Perennials, received the 1999 book of the year award from the American Horticultural Society.
Friends of the Dunedin Botanic Garden president Frank Buddingh' said Mr Hinkley's botanical knowledge was "absolutely profound" and his visit to Dunedin provided a "unique opportunity" for city gardeners to hear his talk, titled "Plants for Gardens: Dan Hinkley's Friends and Foes".
More information about his visit is available via the internet at www.friendsdbg.co.nz.
