Las Colinas Flower Clock - Irving, TX
N 32° 52.023 W 096° 56.680
14S E 692305 N 3638420
The Las Colinas Flower Clock is at the southwest corner of the intersection of the John Carpenter (TX 114) service road and N O'Connor Rd in Las Colinas, Irving, TX.
Waymark Code: WM1286N
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 03/26/2020
Views: 6
The very name, "Las Colinas", means "hills" in Spanish, and the Las Colinas Flower Clock is very prominent on a small hill at this intersection, bearing the community's name. Yes, the clock does work, it is illuminated at night, and the City of Irving provides a wonderful
description of this "Working Wonder":
Constructed in 1981, the Las Colinas Flower Clock was inspired by the outdoor floral clocks seen in the beautiful gardens of Europe. The clock was originally conceived by Ben Carpenter, a pioneering real estate developer from the Dallas area. He is best known as the creator, principal planner, and developer of the entire Las Colinas community. In addition to the Las Colinas Flower Clock, Carpenter conceived of the Mustangs of Las Colinas and commissioned sculptor Robert Glen to create the monumental equestrian sculpture at Williams Square in Las Colinas.
Like the Mustangs sculpture, the Las Colinas Flower Clock is a sight to behold. The clock measures an impressive 37 feet diagonally, and the minute hand alone is 12 feet long end to end. The makeup of the rich floral arrangement is equally impressive. The shrubs and steel edging that outline each segment of the clock feature 525 Dwarf Yaupon Hollies, 140 Dwarf Burford Hollies, and 608 feet of steel edging. Collectively, this combination of flowers and foliage creates an impression of perfect order and beauty, with the name Las Colinas immaculately spelled out in front of you. Tall trees flank the clock, giving the space a park-like feeling.
Flowers planted beneath the colossal hands of the clock must be of a miniature variety, as must the greenery which comprises the inner star, since there are only 14 inches of clearance between the face and hands. The flowers are meticulously maintained and changed four times every year to provide a constant array of color, from reds and yellows to blues and purples. Visitors and locals alike love being welcomed by such a beautiful arrangement all year long.
Ben Carpenter was the son of John Carpenter, whose name is on TX 114 and TX 183 through the area. Carpenter père was no slouch himself, a prominent developer and businessman.
Depending upon the flight path, travelers to and from DFW Airport can see the clock from above, which could make for an interesting visit photo. Those on the ground can park on the shoulder across from the clock, which is less safe, or head up to the shopping center a bit south of here, park, and walk down for your photos. They do tow, so either be a customer or move quickly.