The Floral Clock

Princes Street Gardens, beautiful at this time of the year especially on a day like today when basking in sunshine under deep blue skies. But what makes the Gardens even more enticing right now is the amazing Floral Clock, the oldest in the world. Immaculately tended, visually stunning, colourfully creative - and it also tells the right time. If you watch carefully you can actually see the hands moving, driven very quietly by an electric motor. Those who are gazing at this masterpiece as each hour draws to a close will witness the cuckoo pop out of its nest and herald the coming of the next.
Every year a new display is planted incorporating a topical theme. The Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the Olympic Games, Robert Louis Stevenson, they have all taken their place amongst the Gardens many features. This year, the centenary of Edinburgh Zoo, one of the city's most popular attractions with both locals and visitors alike, has taken centre stage. And it is indeed a work of art in every sense of the word. A dedicated team of gardeners used a staggering 40,000 plants to slowly and carefully bring to life this breathtaking tribute to the Zoo. And they will equally as painstakingly tend their creation to ensure it remains at its very best throughout the summer. Beautiful. Everyone should pause a while to wonder at this horticultural masterpiece. A touch of pure genius for all to see.