Ever wondered where the Kentucky Derby's Garland of Roses comes from? Since 1987, Kroger’s master floral designers have crafted the iconic blanket of blooms — aka theprize awarded to the winning horse and jockey — in-store.

Kroger works with Rainforest Alliance Certified flower farms to source roses that are grown and harvested using environmentally-friendly and socially-responsible practices (just like the flowers they sell every day).

With the help of volunteers, 400+ roses are hand-selected and individually sewn into backing. The final product is 122 inches long, 22 inches wide, and 40 pounds. After the seven hour process, the garland is transported with a police escort to Churchill Downs.

🏆 Garland festivities

Watch the Garland of Roses take shape at Kroger's Middletown store on Friday, May 3 from 4:30-8 p.m. — and enjoy all-day festivities like samples, vendors, and visits from local artists + celebrity chefs.

Feeling inspired? Pick up fresh-cut roses from Kroger's floral department to bring a piece of history home for your Derby Watch Party.

See the "Journey of the Roses"