More than 18,000 plants have been arranged into floral celebrations of Aberdeen in the city’s most famous park.
The council’s horticultural team designed and created the two new crests for Union Terrace Gardens.
The biggest, measuring 270sq ft and spelling out “Transforming Our City Centre”, was designed to represent the city’s “flowering” under the council’s masterplan.
It contains 10,200 plants: 5,600 Alternanthera, 3,600 Sempervivum and 1,000 Antennaria Alba.
The second crest, which is 140sq ft, 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.
Council leader 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.”
