Seven hundred tulip bulbs were planted at Stayner Collegiate Institute Friday in a round garden that represents a circle of friendship and learning, said principal Janice Ellerby.
Students, staff and dignitaries placed the bulbs in one of 140 Dutch-Canadian Friendship Tulip Gardens being planted across the country to mark the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Holland at the end of the Second World War.
SCI was among those who successfully applied for a portion of the 100,000 tulip bulbs being donated by Prince Edward Island based Veseys and distributed through the Canadian Garden Council. The application was submitted by Ellerby and green industries teacher Mike Wheatcroft.
The bulbs are planted beside the greenhouse and outdoor classroom. In the spring, the tulips will emerge red and white, a symbol of the lasting bond between the two countries.
During the Oct. 23 planting ceremony, students told the story of Holland’s first gift of tulip bulbs.
In 1945 the Dutch royal family sent 100,000 tulips to Ottawa to thank Canadians for harbouring Princess Juliana and her daughters during the war. In 1943, Juliana gave birth to Princess Margriet at the hospital in Ottawa and in 1946 sent another 20,500 bulbs with a pledge to send another 10,000 each year during her lifetime. The Canadian Tulip Festival is held in Ottawa each May in celebration of these gifts.
Simcoe County District School Board chair Peter Beacock said the garden is important to keep these memories alive.
“It is important for students to understand this history and this is an important step in doing that,” said Beacock.
A blooming ceremony is planned for the spring and people are welcome to spend time in the garden and enjoy the blooms.
“It gives a sense if hope when the tulips come up in the spring,” said director of education Kathi Wallace. “Thank you Stayner and thank you staff for making this happen.”
Deputy Mayor Barry Burton thanked the school for helping to foster a strong sense of community.
He said Clearview Township will have a second friendship garden. The municipality is partnering with the Stayner Horticultural Society.