PORTLAND, Maine -- Before the ground freezes up for winter, a special gardening project is being launched across Maine, WMTW-TV reported.

Two prominent women, both breast cancer survivors, helped plant a batch of 900 pink tulip bulbs at Deering Oaks Park in Portland last week.

Diana Allen, the wife of U.S. Senate candidate Tom Allen, dug around in the dirt with Portland City Councilor Cheryl Leeman.

Following their lead, about 40,000 bulbs were being planted statewide as part of an effort to raise $75,000 for breast cancer research and support.

The Pink Tulip Project was conceived by Portland businesswoman Robin Whitten while she waged her own battle against breast cancer.