THUNDER BAY – Residents at Pioneer Ridge have been waiting and watching with anticipation for the red and white tulip blooms to burst forth.
It’s finally starting to happen.
On Wednesday, several seniors walked or wheeled their way into the courtyard, where a celebration took place in honour of the Canada 150 tulip garden, planted in the shape of the country’s flag.
It’s been pretty cool to watch, said 97-year-old Dorothy Love, who with the help of her walker spent part of the celebration dancing throughout the garden.
“I think everything is great,” Love said, having sat through the half-hour ceremony.
She wasn’t alone.
“I think they’re lovely and beautiful,” said fellow resident Jean Chase.
The Pioneer Ridge tulip bed is one of two in Thunder Bay, the other located at the Centennial Botanical Conservatory.
Across the country about 400 locations were chosen, with about 1,000 flowers – 500 red and 500 white – donated to celebrate Canada’s sesquicentennial anniversary.
It’s a pretty special feeling seeing them start to bloom, said Judy Walters, the facility’s therapeutic recreationist.
“It’s been a real good energy in the building and in the community. Lots of people have been helping us with this garden,” Walter said. “The residents have so enjoyed watching out the window. Every week they like to watch the progress of the tulips and there’s been so much talk about when are the tulips going to be blooming?”
Canada will celebrate its 150th on July 1.
