Art: Fountain Square Floral Carpet

Outdoor flower displays signify the return of spring, but this year the P&G Flower Carpet on Fountain Square celebrates all four seasons. Cincinnati-based graphic designer Joel Knueven envisioned 24,000 pansies assembled in spherical patterns, radiating out over 7,000 square feet. Walk close-up to appreciate the carpet’s beauty, then the Carew Tower observation deck provides the greatest altitude for viewing the display. For a $2 admission, the huge carpet looks more like tiny droplets from the 49th floor. The flowers are divided into groupings of cool colors (blues and whites, representing winter) and warm tones (reds and oranges). The islands of color are bordered by rows of lettuce, which, at least for the moment, look crisp and ready to snap off and eat. The flowers are here for Cincinnati’s enjoyment through April 25 and then viewers can add a piece of the carpet to their home gardens. On April 26, workers will dismantle the Flower Carpet beginning at 8 a.m., and visitors are welcome to take the pansies home for free. Get details here.