The floral clock.

Looking good. An old friend of mine, sadly long dead, was a great “Parks Department” gardener and plantsman. He was involved in planting the Clock every year and was in his element there. Back in the day the Council grew the Clock plants in the greenhouses and walled garden at this location. The original landmark timepiece was installed 60 years ago.

The Clock and plant rearing facilities fell into disrepair a while ago; however in 2013 the walled garden became a place with a new purpose. The adjacent greenhouses were removed, and the “Walled Garden” project started. The enclosed space was restored and repurposed by individuals who had been sentenced to complete community payback orders, this overseen by Criminal Justice and the Cyrenians charity (they help excluded people back into society). The Clock was reinstated as part of their work in 2019, and it’s great to see it now re-established. I understand it contains 8000 plants.

Nowadays the old “Walled Garden” is a popular public space. Unfortunately it was closed when we walked past; it was the venue for a wedding. We saw the bride arrive (interestingly before many of the guests!). She passed the floral clock on the way in - although probably today didn’t pay it too much attention!

We watched the decider of the British and Irish Lions 2021 tour to South Africa. The Lions led at halftime, but showed some poor decision making in the second half. Late on Morne Steyn, veteran South African player, kicked a last-minute penalty to clinch the series for South Africa. He did the same 12 years ago. So, South Africa won the decisive third Test 19-16, the Lions winning the first only. Next British and Irish Lions Tour is in 2025.