The Floral Clock in Niagara is truly a spectacular sight. It is one of the few floral clocks in the world yet it boasts one of the largest clock faces, spanning 40 feet in diameter. A beautiful water garden curves around the base of the clock where anyone can toss in a coin and make a wish (all coins are donated to charity). More than just a show-piece, this clock does actually keep real time. At the back of the clock is a small tower that juts out which plays the Westminster Chimes every quarter of an hour (the same that play at Big Ben in England).
The face of the clock is made up of anywhere from 15,000 to 20,000 different types of plants. Depending on when you visit the clock you might see something quite different than someone coming a few months before you. The reason for this is that the face of the clock is changed out twice a year. By far not a small feat, but something that is needed to keep the Floral Clock looking its best. The changes normally happen around the Spring and late Fall months. Every year the Niagara Parks Horticulture staff choose a new design to arrange the plants in, which keeps locals and tourists alike to keep coming back to Niagara Falls and enjoy the new 'face' of the clock each time. You will find the Floral Clock situated just after the Sir Adam Beck Generating Station II (if coming from Niagara Falls).
It was originally built in 1950 by the Ontario Hydro company. To date Ontario Hydro still maintain the wonderful structure, but since 1977 the Niagara Parks Horticulture staff are the ones that maintain the clock face. These amazing people are the ones that change the face of the clock and keep it well groomed. If you were to ever visit the Floral Clock you will notice that the area around the clock and the clock itself is kept immaculate. The clock hands are made of stainless steel and are kept in good repair. An amazing sight to see whether as a local or a tourist.
References
Niagara Parks Site: http://www.niagaraparks.com/garden-trail/floral-clock.html
InfoNiagara: http://www.infoniagara.com/attractions/floral_clock/index.aspx
Happy Reading,
-- See Sight Tours Team
