HAVE TULIPS-THANK THE DUTCH

On my Bucket list is a trip to the Netherlands when the fields of Spring Bulbs are blooming. Meanwhile, enjoying the Spring locally with all the varieties popping their heads in the garden.

Over the years I have taken so many photos of tulips, I could fill a book.

Of course that wonderful trip to the Tulip Festival in Ottawa-2011!

Tulip art!

So this May the Queen of the Netherlands is visiting our country for our 150th. You do know the history. Yes she was born in safety in Ottawa during World War Two. In return, the Dutch donate copious amounts of bulbs to our country. So Thank the Dutch!

#tulips#spring#dutch#tulipfestival

CANADIANS HELP THE NETHERLANDS CELEBRATE THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF LIBERATION

Watching some of the remembrance service live from the Netherlands at the Holten War Cemetery, a time of reflection and remembrance is needed. Watching young and old honour this day spoken in Dutch, English and French. The Dutch people really survived a terrible time. When the Allied Forces came to them especially the Canadians it was time to end the war in the Netherlands which was leading to the end of World War Two. Our Prime Minister was there today laying the wreath for all Canadians as well as members of our own Armed Forces. We remember to honour those who served. The Dutch people are thankful, As everyone knows we receive tulip bulbs every year for our Tulip Festival in Ottawa for housing the Dutch princesses during the war. There will always be a connection between our two nations. Many Dutch people immigrated to Canada after the war. As a young girl, two neighbours on the street were from Holland. Many of the Veterans visiting there have said it will be their last time- just old or realizing they are nearing the end of their lives. So getting ready for work as I remember too of the sacrifices of all during that terrible conflict. Trying to learn history's lessons so to try to eliminate future conflicts. Take a moment to remember today.

REMEMBER D-DAY AND THE SACRIFICES FOR OUR FREEDOM

D-Day will stand out as a significant day in history. As with other famous battles, it was the beginning of the invasion of Europe to restore the freedoms to the countries there from the Nazi rule. An international effort that included many Canadians. Juno Beach was our beach. In World War Two, Canada played a major role. In time , we helped to liberate the Netherlands. Although we have Remembrance Day in November, today is another time to reflect on this very important day. By remembering, it helps us to fight even harder for peace in this world! Do you have someone from your family that was there? What is the story? Write it down! If the person is still alive, say thank you! If you encounter someone from the Armed Forces, say thank you! In order to have our freedoms we have today, others made sacrifices for us!

TULIPS-THANKS TO THE PEOPLE OF NETHERLANDS

Every year in Ottawa  Canada we celebrate the tulip festival. During World War Two, the Dutch royalty was housed in Canada and as a thank you the people of the Netherlands gave Canada tulip bulbs.

From Ottawa and to the East coast then to the West coast and everywhere in between, tulips are popping up in Canadian gardens.

So it is possible to have our own little tulip festival in our own yards. Do you have tulips in your garden? Aren't they so beautiful?

THE HYACINTH

Grows in the Spring gardens. It has many different colours- purple-my favourite, pink and white. It is known from ancient times. In Greek mythology, Hyacinth was loved by Apollo and when he died, was saved from Hades and made into a flower. In Iran, the Hyacinth is important in Persian culture. A Persian wedding includes the flower in the celebrations. During Norouz, the Persian New Year, the Hyacinth is a significant symbol of rebirth which comes with the start of the New Year.

As a member of the lily family, it had its origins in Asia and made its way to the Netherlands. Along with other spring bulbs it was cultivated and included in their flower industry. In our North America gardens, it is a hardy flower that survives the severe winter and emerges each Spring. It is the most fragrant flower in the garden as the colours are a welcome sight amongst the brown dirt.
I love it as it is just a beautiful addition and like other bulbs does not last long enough. Do you include hyacinths in your garden? Do you love the fragrance?

TULIPS-THANKS TO THE DUTCH

Canada has had a linkage to the Netherlands since World War Two when the Dutch Royalty was housed in Ottawa. Thus, the big thank you to Canada of tulips and the annual Tulip Festival there. I just love tulips. They come in an array of colour, shape and sizes. Some start to bloom in April and others throughout the month of May. Along with the other spring bulbs they are such a welcome site in the garden. Over the years I have taken many, many photos of my tulips. It is my oldest daughter's favourite flower. So here's to the Dutch!! Do you have tulips in your garden? Have you been fortunate to be able to go to th Netherlands to see the Spring Flowers? It's on my bucket list to go there one day.