FLORAL CLOCK REVEALS A WILD SIDE TO MARK EDINBURGH ZOO CENTENARY
Edinburgh’s famous floral clock has been given an animal theme to mark the 100th anniversary of the city’s zoo.
A team of gardeners used 40,000 plants and took two months to painstakingly create the stunning design of the zoo’s special centenary logo.
The clock, which is sited in Princes Street Gardens, has been completed after Edinburgh won a place in the Britain in Bloom UK finals. Judges will visit various community projects as well as the city’s parks and greenspaces in August, and the floral clock will play a key part in the bid for a prize.
The historic display has been a much-loved feature in the gardens since park superintendent John McHattie designed the world’s first floral clock in the Capital in 1903.
Deputy Lord Provost Councillor Deidre Brock said: “Our talented gardeners have created a stunning piece of horticultural art, and their careful work will be admired by the many visitors and locals who enjoy this feature every year.
“Protecting and enhancing parks in Edinburgh is a priority for our Capital Coalition so that they can be enjoyed by all.”
Simon Jones, Curator of Plants and Head of Sustainability at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “We’re delighted that a green landmark of historical significance in the Capital is also honouring the Zoo in its centenary year. Horticulture is intrinsic to Edinburgh Zoo, both historically and today.
“Long before the 1913 inception of Edinburgh Zoo, the site was home to Thomas Blaikie whom designed the famous French gardens of La Bagatelle and was also the understudy to Capability Brown. Today Edinburgh Zoo boasts beautiful display gardens and one of the most diverse tree collections in the Lothians, which we also combine with the discipline of zoo horticulture, focusing on habitat creation and growing food stuffs for animals.”
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