THUNDER BAY – Pioneer Ridge Long Term Care Home is going to be in full bloom for Canada’s 150th birthday next summer.
Pioneer Ridge Home for the Aged and Thunder Bay’s Soroptimist International Friendship Gardens were chosen out of 400 applications to receive 1,000 red and white tulips honoring Canada’s approaching 150th birthday.
A planting celebration was held Thursday afternoon at Pioneer Ridge’s Butterfly Memory Garden.
“This is a special thing to look forward to for the residents,” said therapeutic recreationist Judy Walters.
“It’s very special, a lot of these residents have been gardeners, and they will be able to watch this and enjoy the garden.”
The celebration served as a symbol of friendship and national kindness, principles valued by the Pioneer Ridge Home.
The Darwin Hybrid red and white tulips were specially bred for Canada’s 150th birthday.
Walters said gardening is important to the residents and provides them an opportunity to be outside in nature.
“It’s harmony, and for the residents it relaxes everybody and brings you at peace,” Walters said.
“They all enjoy sitting out here listening to the birds, waterfalls, and watching the chipmunks and squirrels.”
She added that some residents planted tomatoes and herbs, and the Butterfly Memory Garden was a wonderful experience this past summer.
Pioneer Ridge resident Doris Love said she’s never seen a tulip garden comparable to the new Canada one at Pioneer Ridge before.
“I feel like most of (the residents) are coming out and enjoying themselves (in the garden),” Love said.
She believes planting these bulbs are a wonderful way to celebrate Canada’s birthday.
The tulip bulbs were distributed to 150 applicants across the country by the Canadian Garden Council.
