Overview
- Kroger is assembling the rose and lily garlands now, with fans invited to watch at the Middletown Kroger.
- Sewing starts in January, and the greenery work alone takes about 120 hours for the Oaks and 180 for the Derby.
- Nearly 6,000 roses and many lilies are inspected by hand, with picks based on size, color, and a clear center.
- Each flower gets a tiny water tube, and the finished garlands rest on ice at the track to keep them fresh for the horse.
- Flowers that do not make the cut are saved for repairs, made into boutonnieres, or donated to local nursing homes and hospitals.