An artist rending of the full project in bloom (Credit: Freedom Park Conservancy) (Credit Freedom Park Conservancy)
ATLANTA - On the eve of what would have been the late Congressman John Lewis's 81st birthday, Georgians erected a blooming tree tribute in Freedom Park.
The three-day project, organized by Freedom Park Conservancy, Trees Atlanta, and The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, saw volunteers planting 15 and 30-gallon trees surrounding John Lewis Plaza.
City leaders and the late civil rights icon's family attended a commemoration on Saturday.
SEE MORE: Memorial to John Lewis replacing Decatur Confederate monument
Over 300 blooming trees, flowering shrubs, and a field of daffodils are planned for the multi-year project. All the plants were chosen for their early blooming around February in order to celebrate Lewis's birthday with a blooming event annually.
Organizers say this living memorial, called the "Flowering Forest," will serve as a love letter to Lewis and the city he served.
MORE: 'Earthwork' tribute to John Lewis unveiled in Atlanta
"Freedom Park has an important legacy in the areas of art, activism and nature, and this tree installation will honor John Lewis and allow us to reinforce his legacy for future generations," Freedom Park Conservancy Chair Harriett Lane said.
Leaders say the project will be recognized each year during Black History Month.
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