The Olds Hospital Ladies Auxiliary (OHLA) has been chosen to plant one of 150 gardens that will be planted across the country this year to help celebrate Canada's 150th birthday in 2017.
The project is being coordinated by the Canadian Garden Council in collaboration with Vesey's Bulbs of Prince Edward Island.
The celebration garden, consisting of 500 red and 500 white tulip bulbs donated by Vesey's Bulbs, will be planted on Monday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. in the Long Term Care Gardens at the Olds Hospital and Care Centre.
Planting will take place rain or shine and the public is invited to attend the planting ceremony. Those planning to attend the event are asked to enter the gardens off Shannon Drive, because parking at the hospital is limited.
Once complete, the garden will have a symbolic link to celebration gardens throughout Canada, including a flagship garden in Niagara Falls, Ont.
“Containing 1,000 tulip bulbs, the international symbol of friendship and an enduring symbol of our national ethos of kindness and hospitality, the 150th Celebration Garden is a terrific way to say ‘happy birthday' to our home and native land,” an OHLA news release says.
“We feel very fortunate to have received one of these gardens, as we understand that the Canadian Garden Council -- the organization behind the 150th Celebration Garden program -- received more than 400 applications from across Canada,” says Olds Hospital Auxiliary member Ruth Hanson.
“Our garden will also be featured on Canada's Garden Route, online at www.canadasgardenroute.ca, which is a great way to increase Olds exposure. We are a terrific community of volunteers and caring citizens.”
In the spring, the garden will be showcased during a bloom tour, Hanson adds. Further details about the tour will be shared with the community when dates and times are confirmed.
"The 150th Celebration Garden is a terrific way to say 'happy birthday' to our home and native land."OLDS HOSPITAL LADIES AUXILIARY
