Fun floral display outside Hamilton City Hall turns heads

A new Hamilton resident is garnering a lot of attention.

Ralph started turning heads Wednesday afternoon, as he was being installed outside Hamilton City Hall.

It’s a creation by the city’s horticulture staff, inspired by an Ottawa park display that was installed for Canada’s 150th birthday.

Something interesting is happening at City Hall…stay tuned as our fabulous Horticulture staff continue working this week…#HamOnt pic.twitter.com/gHka63Mpdu

— City of Hamilton (@cityofhamilton) May 30, 2018

“It’s just meant to be a playful and fun floral display,” said Marcia Monaghan, Hamilton’s horticulture superintendent.

Ralph will be joined by a butterfly and tennis ball.

“It goes to the playfulness of the dog – chasing a ball, going after a butterfly.”

Ralph’s “fur” is Carex, a type of grass the city says requires little maintenance and is drought-hardy.

The butterfly and tennis ball will require a little more water and regular clipping.

“It’s a great gathering space here and Hamilton is a great city,” said Monaghan.

“I think it’s just helping to show what a nice city it is and also the talent that the staff that work for the city have. This was really a group effort.”

The display will be finished on Friday.

#HamOnt An advance look at the latest work of art from the incredibly talented @cityofhamilton horticultural Staff! They should be part of the @rosebowlgame pic.twitter.com/Hqi5LIzR4E

— Fred Eisenberger (@FredEisenberger) May 30, 2018