Grower News

Commemorative Tulips. Photo: Van Noort Bulb Co. Ltd. PNG It was the spring of 1945 and the Second World War was still being fiercely fought, but the tide was turning in favour of the Allies, and Canadian troops were being sent to liberate the Netherlands. It was no easy task — more than 7,000 young Canadian servicemen lost their lives during the closing stages of the terrible conflict. The Dutch people have never forgotten the sacrifices our soldiers made 75 years ago this coming spring. On Veterans’ Day, every May 5, they remember. Recently, I was speaking with Carl Van Noort, one of the owners of the Van Noort Bulb Co., a major bulb supplier based in Langley and in Ontario, that provides our country with so many great Dutch bulbs. From him, I learned about the ‘Canadian Liberator’ tulip that will be available across Canada this fall. According to Van Noort, the Dutch Canadian community, especially here in B.C., felt very strongly that something should be done to commemorate the 75th anniversary of this heroic endeavour. So, the Dutch Canadian 2020 Liberation Society began organizing. They wanted something floral at their May 5, 2020 remembrance, and a tulip that would be in bloom on this date seemed to be the most suitable flower. As a symbol, this tulip was to be a recognition of liberation, an expression of deep appreciation and a means to create awareness among the younger generations of the role Canadians played. The goal of planting one million tulips in schools, parks and home gardens was set. The Dutch Canadian 2020 Liberation Society decided that this should be a not-for-profit campaign here in B.C. with the net proceeds going to the Royal Canadian Legion, B.C. and Yukon Command. Story continues below A red ‘Triumph’ tulip, one that was developed in the mid-1990s and named the ‘Canadian Liberator’, was deemed the most appropriate choice. However, only one grower, Cornel van Schagen, was growing them, and he was producing about 300,000 per year. To meet the quantity required, another ‘triumph’ tulip that was similar in colour and […]

Source: vancouversun.com