Edinburgh's historic floral clock redesigned to thank NHS workers

The message will read: “Edinburgh thanks all key workers.”

Edinburgh’s city centre floral clock has been redesigned as a tribute to NHS workers for their efforts in fighting the coronavirus.

The team responsible for creating the floral landmark, located in West Princes Street Gardens, has unveiled the new design which includes the message: “Edinburgh thanks all key workers.”

The design was originally a commemoration to the 350th anniversary of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE).

The floral landmark's new design and the clock in previous years (1903 and 2002)

But moves were made to change the clock’s message in April to show thanks to those who have kept the city, and the nation as a whole, moving during the COVID-19 outbreak which has been fully supported by RBGE.

It will take a team of three gardeners six weeks to plant the 35,000-plus flowers and plants used to create the clock, which will be in bloom until October.

There will be more than 20 different plants included in this year's design including numerous Echeverias, Sedums, Saxifrages and Pyrethrum.

Unfortunately it will not be a fully functioning floral clock at first as important parts, due to the ongoing pandemic, are not available.

City of Edinburgh Council leader Adam McVey said: "Our legendary floral clock will be paying tribute to the ongoing hard work of the NHS and key workers who we’re so proud of.

“People love to see the clock every summer and it's undoubtedly one of our Capital’s most cherished attractions. My hope is – once it is safe to do so – the clock can be enjoyed by all.

“Huge thanks to our fantastic parks team who have put together the design and are currently hard at work to realise their vision.”

The clock, which dates back to 1903, is one of the oldest of its kind in the world.

Since 1946 it has been designed in honour of various organisations and individuals, including the Girl Guides Association, Robert Louis Stevenson and the Queen, for her Golden Jubilee. In the clock's centenary year in 2003 it won a Gold medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

When in full bloom the dramatic floral displays can reach a circumference of up to 36ft and a diameter of 11ft 10in.