SASKATOON — Saskatoon’s historic Mann House, located at 1040 University Dr., just a block past Ronald McDonald House off Clarence Avenue, is both a pollinator paradise and a mental wellness retreat. Its dazzling annual display of posies signals that every petal tells a story.
The ultimate garden party is now on display through spring and summer as the dynamic duo tending to the tulips and other flowers have made it their mission to pay it forward through their spectacular garden.
Clinton Ekdahl, one of the space’s creators and gardeners, says, “We love seeing people from all walks of life enjoy this beautiful flower garden. In fact, we extend a personal invitation to program managers for retirement homes across Saskatoon, and Saskatchewan, to come out and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while embracing the beauty in this peaceful space."
While the lush perennial garden is completely free to experience, the local landscapers who care for it note that anyone wishing to donate can do so via the . Donations can be made in the name of "The Mann House" under "Add a Dedication."
This bountiful block of blossoms will also be part of the Saskatoon Perennial Society Tour and the Saskatoon Nest Secret Garden Tour.
What visitors may not know is that 7,000 new bulbs, including tulips and daffodils, were planted in the fall of 2024, bringing the total count of these two flower varieties to an impressive 19,700.
In addition to the tulips and daffodils, the garden boasts 1,500 lilies — 140 of them daylilies — and 100 Monarda (bee balm) plants. The stunning display also includes lupins, anemone, balloon flowers, hostas, irises, peonies, sunflowers and other varieties, ensuring blooms throughout the growing season, with tulips kicking off the season.
Garden blooms from snowmelt to snowfall
Ekdahl told SaskToday, “We strive to have flowers blooming beginning as soon as the snow melts all through the summer and up till it snows again. For the whole season there is something blooming. When one type of flower blooms and goes to seed, another type of flower takes its place.”
The Saskatoon “bulb master” says they’ve been developing the garden over the past four years, with 2025 marking its fifth season.
“We love doing it because there is an inherent social aspect to having such a garden, and one in such a prominent location now draws thousands of visitors each year. Last year there were 13 tour buses or vans from various retirement or group homes around the city. My partner is an excellent bricklayer and has made the sidewalks extra wide so walkers or wheelchairs can get through easily.”
The Mann House garden has welcomed visitors from the nearby Luther Tower Retirement Home, and the garden creators say they feel a special fondness for seniors who make the effort to enjoy the blooming paradise.
“In addition to that, we also received two wedding parties last year that wanted to take their wedding photos with our flowers as a backdrop. One of the wedding photographers made a spectacular video of our flowers and the house. That video can be seen on our Facebook community page called, ‘The Mann House,’” added Ekdahl.
Visitors from Ronald McDonald House often stop by while their children are at hospital. The peaceful garden offers a living canvas of colour and creativity, showcasing nature’s finest artistry.
Ekdahl says some visitors have shared, “Today I just needed to see this,” or “Thank you for all these flowers, it has been tough lately, but this has made me feel happy today.”
People are encouraged to join their Facebook group, which also offers perennials for sale in spring and fall. “When you plant this much, you need a wholesaler,” said Ekdahl.
Nursing staff walking to or from nearby Royal University Hospital often stop to admire the garden or de-stress after long shifts.
“We have on many occasions received thank-you notes from such people that love gardening. Thank-you gifts are also left in the mailbox on occasion,” said Ekdahl. “One such person wrote us a letter explaining how watching the flowers grow through the season [they were] able to get her over her depression, get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and have a reason to come back the next day. I am not ashamed to admit that I cried when I read that. To know that our efforts have helped so many people is very humbling.”
The gardening team affirms they maintain the garden without regret, even though some people have dug up and taken plants.
Flower beds share grounds with local history
The site was designated a municipal heritage property in 2016. The designation came separately from the couple’s gardening passion.
“Simply put, I love history and so I researched everyone who has ever lived here. Including the Mann family who lived here longer than anyone (which is why we had the house renamed after Owen Mann). But there were other notable people that lived here such as the architect of the house: Norman Livingston Thomas. He was a well-known architect in the boom years in Saskatoon’s early history,” said Ekdahl.
Dr. Thomas A. Watson, a renowned doctor and researcher whose work helped establish the University of Saskatchewan’s international reputation for research, also lived at the house. Along with another medical doctor and engineer, he helped build the cobalt radiation therapy unit.
This vibrant spring and summer oasis also serves as a certified pollinator habitat.
“In fact, we had it designated a wildlife habitat and a YXE pollinator paradise a few years back. Our yard has attracted hummingbirds, hummingbird moths, yellow swallow butterflies, monarch butterflies, about a dozen different types of bees and bumblebees, and other pollinators like the painted lady.”
Ekdahl says 2024 was the first year he tracked visitor numbers, since he was often seated at a table selling seeds, perennials and other items.
“I got to see how many people really come by. I estimate over 2,000 people came to see the gardens just on weekends, averaging 80 visitors a day. Some came from other countries and heard about the ‘tulip festival of Saskatoon’ and came by to check it out. Others came from other provinces, other cities, but most were local. During the weekdays there were fewer visitors, but still about 40 people a day. I estimate roughly another 2,500 — totalling approximately 4,500 visitors, give or take 500.”
The garden is funded out of the homeowners’ own pockets, with some support from bulb and perennial sales to offset costs.
While it’s difficult to pick favourites, the pair says, “We both absolutely love the joy the flowers bring to people, especially the elderly who come out on days they might have otherwise stayed indoors. We also love all the nursing and hospital staff that come by to de-stress after a trying time at work. And I have never felt closer to a community as I do now. So many neighbours come by on a regular basis and we have made so many friends along the way. Also, other like-minded gardeners come to see inspiration.”
When it comes to planting, Ekdahl jokes, “We have a ‘More is More’ mentality. Most people would think we could not squeeze another plant in… but we always find room. This is no minimalist garden — it is planted solid from sidewalk to sidewalk to the walls of our house. If we see a space, we correct it in short order.”
Flower theft has decreased significantly since the installation of a 360-degree motion sensor security camera and signage.
Many visitors return multiple times a year, finding solace in the blooms and joy in the shifting colours of the season.
“We would love for anyone to stop by. Bring your children, bring your parents, bring your friends. Feel free to take pictures from the sidewalks and if you ring the doorbell, I will come and give you a tour and show you my favourite flowers of the day. Our gardens are wheelchair-friendly and we love people from any walk of life. If you love gardening, wildflowers, pollinators or chaos planting (lol), come on out. Pictures posted on social media are most welcome with the hashtag #TheMannHouse.”
