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The 2016 Tulip Time Festival was launched on Tuesday, wih the theme for this year's event being Alice in Wonderland.
The launch included planting of the first bulbs the festival to be held from September 13 ro 25.
This year's festival charity partner is the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, and it's ambassador had a personal connection.
Marcella Zemanek's husband Stan was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer 10 years ago to the day on Tuesday, and she said coming to see the flowers in the Southern Highlands was soothing for them both.
"We found the patchworks of colour healing," Mrs Zemanek said.
Marcella knew that partnering with Tulip Time this year was the right choice when she saw butterflies in the gardens.
"On the day of my husband's funeral, we were at the crematorium, and my grandson touched the flowers on the coffin," she said.
"A butterfly flew out of the bunch, and my grandson said, 'He's not in here anymore, he's a butterfly now.'
"When I came down to meet [with Tulip Time committee members], we walked through the gardens, and two butterflies followed us.
"I felt connected to my husband, and I knew this was right."
The Alice in Wonderland theme helps to connect to the fact that brain cancer is the biggest disease killer of children and adults under the age of 40.
Event organiser Debbie Pearce said the idea came like "a rabbit out of a hat".
"Brain cancer kills more kids than any other cancer, so we wanted a fun theme they could relate to, to tie it in," she said.
Destination Southern Highlands manager of tourism and events Steve Rosa said the theme was all about fun and colour.
"It's all about life, colour and hope, and hopefully at the end of the day we'll raise some funds as well," he said.
Along with the regular events, there will also be a Mad Hatter's Tea Party.
People should look out for Alice, the Mad Hatter and the Rabbit around the gardens.
Weather pending, there will also be cranes, the logo of the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation.
"By raising awareness and funds, we hope there will be a 50 per cent survival rate by 2023," Mrs Zemanek said.
"I believe we can do it."
The Tulip Time Festival was recognised as the world's best tulip festival last year.
100,000 tulips will be planted in Corbett Gardens, and other gardens in Moss Vale and Mittagong.
For more information, visit www.tuliptime.net.au.
