The Kentucky Derby’s Garland of Roses

Every year, many horse racing fans (or fans for a day) get excited about one major race. May 7, 2016, is the Kentucky Derby which means you’re going to see a lot of horses, roses, and Mint Juleps. One prominent fixture of the big event is the Garland of Roses. It’s essentially an exquisite work of art that’s constructed of roses and draped over the horse that wins the Kentucky Derby. If you’ve ever wondered how the tradition came to be or how long it takes to make it, keep reading for more info on the Garland of Roses.

The First Garland of Roses
Although roses were already a fixture at the Kentucky Derby for years, the Garland of Roses didn’t make an appearance until 1932. It was the 58th running of the event and Burgoo King was the first recipient. Samuel Culbertson commissioned it and it was designed by Grace Walker, the owner of Kingsley Walker florist in Louisville.

The Tradition Continues
In 1987, The Kroger Company became the official florist of the Kentucky Derby. They started the tradition of allowing the public to watch the Garland of Roses being constructed the day before the big race. This is their 29th year, and if you’re interested in watching it yourself, you can check it out at 12501 Shelbyville Road at the Middletown Kroger store in Louisville on May 6. It takes place from 4.00 pm to 11.00 pm but make sure to get there early as thousands of people show up to watch. If you would rather see it in its finished form, it will be displayed until May 7 at 8:30 am and will be taken to Churchill Downs an hour later.

The Basics
The Garland of Roses is constructed with amazing care, and it’s a lot bigger than it may seem on television. It weighs about 40-pounds and it measures 122 inches long by 22 inches wide. Greenhouse foliage is attached to the garland backing and more than 450 Freedom roses are attached on top. The Freedom roses have only been used since 2011; before that, they were using the Classy and Royalty roses. To make sure they stay looking beautiful, each stem is tucked into their own water vial. There is also a crown of roses at the center that features a single rose pointing upward; leaves and ribbons are also attached. To prevent from harming the flowers, when they stitch using a needle and thread, they go around them stem and through the fabric.

It’s incredible how much heart, time, and effort is put into this single, beautiful tradition of the Kentucky Derby. If you can’t watch the Garland of Roses being constructed in person on May 6, at least you’ll get to see it on television while it’s being draped around the winner the following day. Now that you know a little more about the Garland of Roses, you can impress all your fellow viewers with your knowledge if you’re attending a Kentucky Derby viewing party on May 7. Don’t forget your hat!