GOVERNMENT HOUSE GARDENS SHOWCASE WESTERN RED LILY

Released on June 21, 2005

The flower beds around Government House will pay tribute to our provincial floral emblem thanks to a new planting of western red lilies.

About 1,000 western red lilies – grown at the SaskPower Shand Greenhouse, as part of the Western Red Lily Centennial Project – will be planted in the Ceremonial Circle area in front of The Queen Elizabeth ll Centennial addition on the Government House Museum and Heritage Property.

"I am extremely pleased that we are able to showcase our provincial flower at Government House," Lieutenant Governor Lynda Haverstock said at a groundbreaking ceremony today. "These beautiful red lilies symbolize the persistent and creative First Nations and pioneers who founded our province. Our many visitors to historic Government House will enjoy their bright splash of colour throughout our centennial and for many years to come."

"These lilies serve to commemorate our province's 100th birthday, as well as the work done through the Western Red Lily Centennial Project," Minister responsible for SaskPower Frank Quennell said. "Through the project, the Shand Greenhouse has been able to address environmental concerns regarding the decline in the lily's natural habitat and highlight the significance of our province's floral emblem."

"One of the goals of our Western Red Lily Centennial Project is to raise awareness of our provincial flower and the need to protect its natural habitat," SaskPower President and CEO Pat Youzwa said. "The gardens at Government House provide an opportunity to display this magnificent flower and will serve as a reminder of the importance of environmental responsibility."

The SaskPower Shand Greenhouse initiated the Western Red Lily Centennial Project in 2001, in response to the decline in Saskatchewan's lily population. Through the project, approximately 80,000 lily seedlings have been distributed to environmental and horticultural organizations, as well as Saskatchewan schools, for use in planting projects in communities throughout the province. Lilies were also made available to the public through a draw.

The western red lily was designated Saskatchewan's floral emblem in 1941. It is now protected under The Provincial Emblems and Honours Act, which prohibits picking, digging or destroying all or part of a western red lily in Saskatchewan.

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For More Information, Contact:

Larry Christie SaskPower Regina Phone: (306) 566-3167 Cell: (306) 536-2886

Healther Salloum Office of the Lieutenant Governor Regina Phone: (306) 787-4415