<P> Each year the Governor and other dignitaries present the winning jockey with a bouquet of 60 long stemmed roses wrapped in ten yards of ribbon . </P> <P> For several years, owners of the Derby winner also received a silk replica of the garland, but since Grindstone's 1996 victory, the actual garland has made the trip to Danville, Kentucky to be freeze - dried . Some owners have even gone as far as to have a flower dipped in silver . A silver dipped flower from the garland of Gato del Sol, the 1982 winner, is on display in the Kentucky Derby Museum . </P> <P> The Kroger Company has been the official florist of the Kentucky Derby since 1987 . After taking over the duties from the Kingsley Walker florist, Kroger began constructing the prestigious garland in one of its local stores for the public to view on Derby Eve . The preservation of the garland and crowds of spectators watching its construction are a testament to the prestige and mystique of the Garland of Roses . </P>

Who makes the kentucky derby garland of roses