Major Mayhew (97), who played an important role in the liberation of the Dutch cities of Venray and Weert and in the battle of Overloon, baptised the tulip on behalf of all Allied Forces who were involved in the liberation of the Netherlands.

Representatives of British, Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, Polish and US forces were also present, as was  Major-General Hoitink, Director of Operational Readiness, on behalf of the Dutch Chief of Defence Staff.

The bulb planting ceremony was the latest milestone in a flower-themed commemoration project that will run until May 2015, when 70 years of freedom will be celebrated in the Netherlands. The Tulips for Liberators project is a collaboration of the Liberation Route Europe, Keukenhof Holland, JUB Holland and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the UK.

GTN Xtra looks forward to re-visiting Kew Gardens in April/May when the mosaic will be in full bloom.

Idea for Garden Centres:  Could you plant a mosaic of bulbs to greet your customers next spring?  We'd love to see pictures of your bulb planting ceremonies - and the results.  They would both make great local press coverage.