Kroger floral designers prepare to craft “The Garland of Roses”

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WTVQ) – Visitors will be able to watch Kroger floral designers create the 113th Kentucky Derby’s “Garland of Roses” on Friday, May 5th at the Kroger store on 12501 Shelbyville Road, in Louisville.

“With the Garland of Roses being such an important part of the Kentucky Derby tradition it is a true honor for our team of floral designers to be involved,” said Carol Belser, Manager of the Kroger Floral Center in Louisville.

Organizers recommend the hours between 4:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. as the best time for visitors to get a look at the work.  The Garland will then be on display until 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 6th. Last year, more than 6,000 people came to experience this all-night event.

The history of the Garland dates to 1932, when the first one was designed by Louisvillian Grace Walker at the request of Churchill Downs. It replaced a horseshoe of roses that had been presented to previous Derby winners.

The Derby Garland is 122 inches long and 22 inches wide, and weighs approximately 40 lbs. More than 400 Rainforest Alliance Certified “Freedom” roses are placed on the garland. Each stem is inserted into its own water vial hidden inside the garland backing and carefully hand sewn into place, on a layer of thorn-less greenhouse foliage.