Turn Blackstone Yellow: Planting for Mental Health Awareness
Yellow Tulip Project Brings Mental Health Awareness to Blackstone This Fall
Blackstone will plant 500 yellow tulip bulbs on October 4, creating a living symbol of hope and mental health awareness. The planting, which takes place just as Mental Illness Awareness Week begins (October 5 to 11), is part of the Yellow Tulip Project—a nationwide effort that uses bright flowers to spark conversations around mental health and suicide prevention.
This year, Blackstone was selected to receive tulip bulbs from the Women’s Network group at the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce. On June 3, the Board of Selectmen unanimously voted to support the effort, setting the stage for Blackstone to take part in this growing movement of Hope Gardens across the country.
The Yellow Tulip Project uses yellow tulips as a visual reminder that mental health matters. Plantings like this encourage conversation, awareness, and hope for everyone in the community.
A Hope Garden for Blackstone
The tulips will be planted on the berm near the bike path, creating a visible message of hope for residents and visitors alike. During the September 8 Parks and Recreation meeting, the upcoming planting was confirmed as part of the town’s efforts—highlighting the project and setting the stage for community awareness and involvement.
High school students will also participate, helping plant the tulips and connect directly with this meaningful initiative. Students have shared that mental health can be challenging, emphasizing the importance of visible reminders that hope is out there for everyone.
A Splash of Purple?
During the last Parks and Recreation meeting, it was mentioned that purple tulips might also be planted to symbolize Alzheimer’s awareness. While not yet confirmed, this addition would beautifully complement the town’s school colors of purple and yellow and add deeper meaning for the community.
Mental Health Impacts Everyone
Although students’ voices have brought attention to mental health challenges, this project is for all residents. Mental health matters to everyone, and initiatives like the Yellow Tulip Project help open conversations, reduce stigma, and create a community of support.
You Can Help Hope Bloom in Blackstone
Want to take part? You can help turn Blackstone yellow next spring—by planting yellow tulips at home, at school, or anywhere hope is needed. Yellow tulips are a universal symbol of hope. When people come together, dig in, and talk openly about mental health, something powerful happens: hope blooms.
This October, Blackstone will plant 500 yellow tulips, but the impact is bigger than the berm—it’s about community, conversation, and hope. Whether you volunteer, help spread the message, or plant your own tulips, you can be part of the movement.
Join the movement. Let’s make Blackstone bloom yellow.
Start your own Hope Garden and be part of a growing network of people committed to smashing the stigma around mental health.
Together, we can send a message that mental health matters—and no one is alone.
Let’s come together this fall to plant yellow tulips and help create a brighter future for our neighbors, friends, and families.
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