The clock face contains approximately 15,000 to 20,000 individual plants depending on the specific seasonal design.
The hour and minute hands are made of stainless steel and weigh 225 kilograms and 300 kilograms respectively.
The design of the carpet bedding is planned months in advance using specialized horticultural software.
The clock was gifted to the Niagara Parks Commission by the Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario to mark the construction of the Sir Adam Beck Power Station.
A spiral staircase inside the rear tower leads to the mechanical housing, though it is typically restricted to staff.
The clock mechanism is synchronized with a signal from the National Research Council in Ottawa to maintain accuracy.
The Floral Clock is one of the largest decorative clocks in the world, measuring 12.2 meters in diameter. Located along the Niagara River Parkway, it features a face intricately planted with thousands of seasonally changing flowers. The clock mechanism is powered by an underground electrical system, with its hands designed to be weight-balanced for precise movement. It was commissioned by the Niagara Parks Commission and first unveiled in 1950. A glass-enclosed tower stands behind the clock face, housing the internal clockworks and a speaker system that chimes on the hour. The display design is refreshed twice annually to accommodate seasonal plant variations. The structure is maintained by the Niagara Parks gardening staff as part of a larger horticultural display program.
Position yourself at the designated observation platform directly across from the clock face for a centered, full-scale shot.
Visit during the early spring or late summer to see the transition between floral planting cycles.
Walk to the rear of the clock structure to view the mechanical tower and get a different perspective of the landscape.
Park in the adjacent designated area and cross the road carefully, as traffic on the Parkway can be fast.
Do not attempt to climb or lean on the clock structure; it is a delicate horticultural display.
Floral displays are actively maintained from late spring through autumn; plantings are removed in late fall for winter.
Stay on designated paths and do not walk into the flower beds.
