Growing up, I've always heard about the famous Flower Clock (L'horloge Fleurie) of Geneva and have wanted to see it in the flesh one day. That day came thirteen years ago and when I saw it I exclaimed to myself...
"Is this it??"
Underwhelmed, I have put it in amongst the most overrated tourist attractions out there. Attractions that have gained popularity and status much higher than the impact they actually produce once seen in the flesh. It's up there with The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen and The Mona Lisa in Paris (ducks for cover...).
But now, thirteen years from that moment, returning to Geneva older and (hopefully) more mature, I am more forgiving with my thoughts. It's not too bad. It's the symbol and principle behind it that counts the most I suppose.
The display consists of around 6500 bedding plants and is changed four times in a year, coinciding with the seasons. Here's a few more detail shots.
And I can tell you that it is still a very popular attraction. The photos looks like the area is deserted when it was actually far from that. It took so much effort and timing to take these tourist free photos and I managed to irritate a several other photo takers for being in their way for a....funny enough a tourist free shot.
Mission accomplished, photos taken, it was time to move on...
Mark :-)
This gardening blog follows our journey as we create our Tropical and Exotic themed garden. We hope you'll enjoy the journey as much as we do. We started our Exotic Garden in 2005 and this site will show its development, as well as our travels, both abroad and within the UK to gardens, nurseries and friends.
"Time" to move on? Things like that usually turn out to be of the "interesting, now check it off the list and move on" category. It's not that they aren't worth stopping for, just not a big highlight of the trip when there are many not so famous sights to catch our attention. Best to duck, I found the Mona Lisa fascinating for some reason.
ReplyDeleteThe stories, build up, countless publicity, art dissection, love songs, etc have contributed greatly to Mona Lisa's enduring popularity and makes it fascinating. How much reputation embellishment it has received through the centuries, difficult to know for sure.
DeleteI don't really see the attraction either, but as long as you were there...
ReplyDeleteI had a similar experience with Mount Rushmore a couple of summers ago. We were going to be driving past it, so might as well stop we thought. It ended up being one of the highlights of the trip, so you can never tell. :)
It ticks the box Alan, it's worth a few minutes to look at :) the city has loads of other attractions like the majestic Jet d'eau
DeleteNever a fan of Victorian style 'bedding out' schemes.But you have o give them credit that it is well done for what it is !
ReplyDeleteDitto Kathy!
DeleteWell it is a partucular style isn't it? It is pretty anazing the number of plants used.
DeleteI"n not really a fan either.
It reminds me of something you'd see in a display at Disneyland here. Impressive for the amount of labor required to create and maintain it but not something that sticks in your memory as the highlight of the trip.
ReplyDeleteIt's a cutesy thing more than anything, just a little part really of the highlights of their city centre.
DeleteYes exactly. Strange what rates as a tourist attraction.
DeleteI'm with Kris, impressive for effort but somehow underwhelming. But that's probably my prejudices showing.
ReplyDeleteIf only local councils here incorporate clock mechanisms on all their public borders...
DeleteYes it is interesting how we find cool displays there are outside of the U.K.
DeleteNot enough money and imagination.
Well I'd never heard of the flower clock so you've gone and introduced me to something fun...which I feel no need to see in person! When we were in Florence we both agreed seeing the David replica was enough, no need to stand in line to see the real thing. Wow. The look of total disappointment on the face of friends and relatives when we told them...it was priceless!
ReplyDeleteHaha I can just imagine!!
DeleteIt looks like the hands are turning, presuming the clock actually does tell the time?
ReplyDeleteIt does, and accurate too :)
DeleteDitto what Kris and Loree said. Impressive for what it is. Now I have no need to see it in person. I don't mind admitting that I'm strongly biased in favor of naturalistic styles and collector's gardens.
ReplyDeleteSame here, being collectors ourselves :)
DeleteI admire how much you travel! The clock is interesting and like the others, I appreciate it but don't feel the need to see it in person. What Evan said re style.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I love clocks and the idea of having a working clock in a garden just blows my mind. However, I can see how you would be underwhelmed with this display. You wrote that the plants change with the seasons... are these the Spring plants? They seem to be a little lackluster for such a colorful season.
ReplyDelete