Last weekend I had the pleasure of creating stunning rose arrangements for a Kentucky Derby party. We decided to go with traditional Derby flowers, red roses, but in a modern presentation per the request of the hostess, to reflect her style and home. We were also invited to enjoy the festivities...Mint Juleps, Best Hat contest (I hand made mine with feathers of course!), raffles and all. It was a beautiful day for a party, and to watch the controversial 145th race.
The history on how the rose became synonymous with the Kentucky Derby goes back almost as long as the Derby itself. In 1896 the rose garland first appeared with the winner was given a floral arrangement of pink and white roses, and in 1904 the red rose became the official flower of the race. Now, each year, a garland of over 400 red roses is sewn into a green satin backing, and is adorned with a "crown" of roses, green fern, and ribbon. The garland is draped over the winning horse of the aptly nicknamed "Run for the Roses".
I love working on event flowers...for this occasion it was all about finding the balance of keeping with tradition, while creating something fresh and new. The large scale cement containers, mixed with flowing fern and other grassy greens, along with the traditional deep red roses definitely created that wow factor we were looking for!
