New floral crests add colour to Union Terrace Gardens
Two new crests have added a touch of floral magnificence to Union Terrace Gardens in Aberdeen.
Aberdeen City Council's horticultural team designed and created the displays using thousands of plants.
The biggest crest, measuring 270 square feet, celebrates the city's flowering under the City Centre Masterplan, spelling out "Transforming Our City Centre".
It contains 10,200 plants in all – 5,600 Alternanthera, 3,600 Sempervivum, and 1,000 Antennaria Alba.
The second crest, 140 square feet, represents Aberdeen Lions Club, a community volunteer group which is part of Lions Clubs International.
This display contains 7,900 plants– 3,900 Antennaria Alba, 2,300 Senicio Serpens and 1,700 Pyrethrum.
All the plants are low-growing species. Creating the displays – a technique known as carpet bedding – involved free hand drawing.
The team, comprising area supervisor Mike Chalmers, gardener Ian Griffiths and apprentice gardener James Graham, were supported by volunteer workers from city-based charity Alcohol and Drugs Action.
Aberdeen City Council leader Councillor Jenny Laing said: "Visitors to Union Terrace Gardens will enjoy marvelling at the new crests and at the skills of our staff and helpers.
"Our city is renowned for its floral splendour and this is a fitting way to mark the city's ambition and also the work of Aberdeen Lions Club.
"I'm sure these new designs, which complement the much-loved Bon Accord crest, will be well received by the public."
Peter Kennedy, president of the Aberdeen Lions Club, said: "Our crest recognises 40 years of service by Lions Clubs International to the local communities of Aberdeen. 2017 also marks the centenary of what is the world's largest service club.
"Over the years the city has been very supportive of its Lions Clubs and continues to be."
Outline plans for revitalising Union Terrace Gardens were approved earlier this year.
The scheme, drawn up by LDA Design, includes walkways and cafes, and is one of 50 City Centre Masterplan projects designed to transform Aberdeen over a 25-year period.
Main picture shows: Ian Griffiths (kneeling), James Graham and Council leader Councillor Jenny Laing. Aberdeen Lions Club crest below: