Canada 150: One thousand red and white tulips bloom at Sudbury school

Hundreds of students at a Sudbury, Ont. elementary school celebrated Canada Day early with the unveiling of 1,000 red and white tulips on the school's front yard.

The garden is part of a nation-wide project called Celebration Garden. 

Across the country, 150 communities and organizations received 1,000 red and white tulips to plant in honour of Canada's 150th birthday this July.

"We were surprised how many 1,000 tulips ended up actually being when we decided what to do with them," said administrative assistant Darlene Melin, who was behind the idea.

School holds early Canada Day every spring

Melin holds a Canada Day celebration at the school every year before students leave for the summer, and decided they should do something extra special this year.

"We were lucky enough to have people who put extra muscle into it," she said, adding that older students helped to plan the garden and water it all spring.

"We made a beautiful Canadian flag with our red and white tulips," she said.

All students came dressed to the celebration in red and white, many wearing face paint, capes and stickers adorned with the Maple Leaf.

"It was really fun. Everyone planted at least one tulip in the entire school," said grade 5 student Chloe Vincent.

"My favourite part about being a Canadian is the freedom," added fellow grade 5 student Addison Johnstone. "We actually get to go to school and have good education."