Pictures and story By: Chandra Smith
In August 2016, The Hillsborough Womens Institute group was awarded one of the 150th Celebration Gardens to promote Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017 from the Garden Council of Canada. Their application included that they would like to honour the Father of Confederation, William Henry Steeves who was born in Hillsborough and also a life time member of the WI group Dora Braam, who immigrated from Holland in the 1940’s. She has been an active member in the Hillsborough area and is well known in the community.
In August 2016, The Hillsborough Womens Institute group was awarded one of the 150th Celebration Gardens to promote Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017 from the Garden Council of Canada. Their application included that they would like to honour the Father of Confederation, William Henry Steeves who was born in Hillsborough and also a life time member of the WI group Dora Braam, who immigrated from Holland in the 1940’s. She has been an active member in the Hillsborough area and is well known in the community.
After receiving the 1000 red and white tulip bulbs it was arranged to have a planting event on Oct 5th 2016 at the Peace Park in Hillsborough. The local school gardening club along with members from the Steeves Family museum, North of 55 group, other dignitaries and members of the community planted the tulips in expectation of their official blooming in the spring of 2017.
Despite the rain it held off for the blooming celebration held on May 15th with dignitaries Brian Keirstead MLA, Deputy Mayor Jeff Jonah bringing greetings to those gathered for the celebration. Kay Kyle curator of the Steeves Museum brought a brief commentary to the local school children present concerning the Fathers of Confederation. A local girls’ choir conducted by Joyce Kaye sang the anthem “O Canada” and Happy Birthday to Canada.
Despite the rain it held off for the blooming celebration held on May 15th with dignitaries Brian Keirstead MLA, Deputy Mayor Jeff Jonah bringing greetings to those gathered for the celebration. Kay Kyle curator of the Steeves Museum brought a brief commentary to the local school children present concerning the Fathers of Confederation. A local girls’ choir conducted by Joyce Kaye sang the anthem “O Canada” and Happy Birthday to Canada.
The Hillsborough Women Institute would like to thank the corporate sponsors: Canadian Garden Council, Vesey’s bulbs, Canada Post, Niagara Parks, and Canadian Nursery Landscape Association. Our gratitude also goes to the Hillsborough Village who arranged for the beds to be prepared for the bulbs.
As one attendee commented these tulips at the Peace Park will continue to mark this historic event of 150 years for a long time as they will bloom annually.
As one attendee commented these tulips at the Peace Park will continue to mark this historic event of 150 years for a long time as they will bloom annually.
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