PHOTOS: 30+ local florists joined forces to create floral memorial at Rotary Trail

rotary trail flowers 3 scaled PHOTOS: 30+ local florists joined forces to create floral memorial at Rotary Trail
Bringing the magic to the Magic City. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now

Today, more than 30 local florists from Birmingham and the surrounding area came together to create a floral memorial in front of the Rotary Trail sign. Keep reading for a little inspiration, and make sure to stop by this weekend to see it for yourself.

Getting Creative for a Cause 💐

rotary trail flowers 16 scaled PHOTOS: 30+ local florists joined forces to create floral memorial at Rotary Trail
Make sure to stop by and admire the floral memorial before Monday, June 8. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now

Across the nation people are fighting for justice, praying for peace and searching for hope—including Birminghamians. This moment is important, and it’s encouraging to see people all over our city standing up for change and supporting each other.

This morning, Friday, June 5, more than 30 local florists came together to install a temporary floral memorial on the sign of Birmingham’s Rotary Trail.

Carolyn Chen—Birmingham resident and owner of Wild Things in Homewood—spearheaded the effort and the Rotary Club of Birmingham endorsed the memorial.

“We, as florists, know firsthand that flowers help to heal the soul. First, we hope this public installation helps us remember those in our community who have been victims of racism.

Second, we hope it will bring the community together to reflect, be inspired, and learn from each other about how to move forward in a way that makes our city and state more just and more equal.”

Carolyn Chen, Wild Things

Bringing Even More Good to Birmingham

rotary trail flowers 28 scaled PHOTOS: 30+ local florists joined forces to create floral memorial at Rotary Trail
Rotary President Philippe Lathrop even joined in. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now

Rotary President Philippe Lathrop joined the group of florists Friday morning as well.

“Who knows better about the healing power of flowers than florists?  Expressing hope and harmonious living, approximately 30 florists from the Birmingham area installed floral arrangements covering the Rotary Trail sign and entrance today. 

The Rotary Club of Birmingham is proud to play a part in this creative, constructive act of caring.  The setting for the installation is the Rotary Trail, our Centennial gift to the City of Birmingham, which was created as an act of community service to commemorate the club’s 100 years of service.

I am proud that the Rotary Club of Birmingham could play a role in this beautiful creation.”

Rotary President Philippe Lathrop

The floral memorial will be in place through the weekend and then removed on Monday, June 8th. Here are more photos from this morning’s installation:

rotary trail flowers 17 1 scaled PHOTOS: 30+ local florists joined forces to create floral memorial at Rotary Trail
Bringing color and life to Birmingham’s downtown streets. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now
rotary trail flowers 4 scaled PHOTOS: 30+ local florists joined forces to create floral memorial at Rotary Trail
All hands on deck to tackle this massive installation. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now
rotary trail flowers 7 scaled PHOTOS: 30+ local florists joined forces to create floral memorial at Rotary Trail
More than 30+ local florists lended a helping hand. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now
rotary trail flowers 24 scaled PHOTOS: 30+ local florists joined forces to create floral memorial at Rotary Trail
The project started around 8:30 AM Friday morning. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now
rotary trail flowers 30 scaled PHOTOS: 30+ local florists joined forces to create floral memorial at Rotary Trail
All smiles for a successful morning. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now
rotary trail flowers 36 PHOTOS: 30+ local florists joined forces to create floral memorial at Rotary Trail
And cheers for teamwork and solidarity. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now
rotary trail flowers 38 2 scaled PHOTOS: 30+ local florists joined forces to create floral memorial at Rotary Trail
So proud to see these local folks stepping up to bring some inspiration to our city. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now

Other local creatives have stepped up to show their solidarity by painting murals in front of Birmingham businesses. Here are few we’ve seen in Downtown Birmingham:

Know of more ways the Birmingham community is showing their support + solidarity during this time? Share them with us on social at @bhamnow on Instagram and Facebook, and @now_bham on Twitter.

Hannah Chambley
Hannah Chambley
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