Here’s a novel way to create your own timepiece – if you have a garden!
Mirabilis jalapa – The Four O’Clock flower
In 1751, Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus suggested that by planting flowers which open and close at different times of the day in a particular pattern, you could tell the time just by observing the petals.
Plants have biological clocks which are linked to the circadian rhythm that regulates processes such as metabolism, release of fragrances and movement – which is roughly based on 24-hour intervals.