The Daffodil Project kicks off its 2017 planting season on Saturday. --SUBMITTED PHOTO
MedicineHat News
On Saturday The Daffodil Project launches its 2017 planting season.
From 8:30 a.m. to about 4 p.m. at the Medicine Hat College sign, accessed from the Cultural Centre parking area, about 10,000 bulbs will be put in the ground that day.
If you would like to participate there is a particular need for additional people in the afternoon. MHC will allow those participating to park without any fee at the Cultural Centre. From there signs will indicate the planting site.
The Daffodil Project has a goal of seeing a million bulbs planted by 2025 along the Trans-Canada Highway from Redcliff to Dunmore, about 10 kilometres. The purpose is simply to beautify the environment each spring.
This will be the third planting season and the focus is to plant on fairly level surfaces where the bulbs have bloomed best.
There are two other planting days this season.
On Sept. 30 planting of 2,500 bulbs will take place between the Trans-Canada Highway and Trans-Canada Way near Humpty’s Restaurant from 9:30 a.m. to about 11:30 a.m.
On Oct. 14 planting of 2,500 bulbs will take place in the triangular area between where the Trans-Canada Highway and Trans-Canada Way meet near Ralph’s Steakhouse and Napa Auto from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Contributing to the project is a great way to mark Canada’s 150th birthday. A donation of $150 buys about 700 bulbs. The Daffodil Project depends entirely on donations for the bulbs and every cent donated goes to purchase bulbs.
Local businesses can support the project by donating the use of equipment and items needed to facilitate planting. A big thank you Grand Rental Station, A+PLUS Equipment Rentals and Peavey Mart.
Donations for bulbs can be made through the project’s trust account at ATB Financial, account number 07329-00410789600. Email a copy of your bank deposit slip for acknowledgment of the donation with your name recorded on the website. A donation can also be made in memory of a loved one.
For more information, contact the Daffodil Project’s chair, Gillian Slade, 403-528-8635, email hatdaffodils@gmail.com, or visit medhatdaffodils.wordpress.com.