History of the garden
The Dutch Memorial Garden, at the intersection of Huron, Mornington and William streets, commemorates the friendship between Stratford and Dutch troops stationed here during the Second World War.
In 1940, the Dutch royal family, with many citizens and military personnel, fled the Netherlands for England ahead of Nazi occupation. In 1941, the army regrouped in Canada, and the Dutch royal family relocated to Ottawa.
Many Dutch soldiers were billeted in Stratford in a repurposed furniture factory that became known as Juliana Barracks.
A close connection developed between the soldiers and Stratford residents. The monument in the Dutch Memorial garden, depicting the Netherlands as a bird being supported by Canadian hands, was dedicated in 1959.
Stratford and District Horticultural Society President and a Second World War veteran planting a tulip bulb next to the memorial statue.
Royal friendship
Friendship between the countries continues. The Netherlands’ Princess Margriet (who was born in Ottawa when the royal family lived there during the war) came to Stratford in 2017 to rededicate the monument.
For more information about the friendship between Canada and the Netherlands, see the historical marker near the sculpture installed by Garden Stratford.
Why tulips?
Tulip planting is a tradition dating from the monument’s installation, when the Netherlands sent Stratford 1,300 tulips to plant at the site.
Garden Stratford volunteers installed the gardens and the initial planting at the memorial. We acknowledge the contribution of A Touch of Dutch Landscaping. The City of Stratford currently cares for this garden.
Along the Avon River
While visiting the Dutch Memorial garden (particularly if you have found a good parking place), you may wish to follow the path along the Avon River a bit further to visit the Pergola, another public garden just past the dam/bridge leading to York Street. Details about the Pergola Public Garden can be found on our Public Gardens page.
