Valentine’s Day is only two days away and what type of flowers or gifts you buy depends on what you want to say.
Whether you are friends, just starting to date or have been married for 50 years, flowers, candy and other gifts are sure to please. Sharon Ewing, owner of Designs by Sharon, 703 Commercial St., said roses are always popular during Valentine’s Day. There are times, however, when other flowers are purchased. Gerbera daisies are good for people just starting a relationship or just friends.
“They are vibrant colors,” Ewing said. “They look like a big daisy.”
Balloons also are popular as add-ons, Ewing added.
Ewing said she sells a lot of single- to three-rose arrangements in early relationships. In relationships that have been going on for a while, a half dozen or a dozen roses are popular. A dozen roses are popular with the 20-to-40 age group.
People who have been together for many, many years tend to go for other flowers.
“People who have been together for 50 years or more get the mixed flower arrangements,” she said.
Ewing added a piece of history to her conversation. She said the first flower ever given for Valentine’s Day was a violet.
“...They could actually put them in dirt and they could grow,” she said. “As their love grew, so did their flower.”
Alice Bliss, assistant manager of Emporia Floral, 1127 West St., offered her take on flowers for Valentine’s Day.
“One thing is consistent,” Bliss said. “A red rosebud means I love you.”
Bliss added that red and white roses often symbolize unity.
For early relationships, Bliss suggested customers go with mixed arrangements.
“With reds, whites, pinks and purples,” she said. “If it’s somebody you’re thinking of getting serious with, go with the same thing but add a rose or two in it.”
For long-term relationships, red roses are appropriate, Bliss added.
“But most women would prefer a rose of another color,” she said. “Men generally go for the brighter, bolder colors. Women generally go for softer colors. Of course, there’s exceptions to any rule.”
Plants are appropriate as well.
“My personal preference would be cut flowers,” Bliss said. “But there are those who want a plant because they are more substantial and last longer.”
Bottom line, Bliss said — know who you’re buying for.
“The main secret is to know your woman,” she said.
Bliss also suggested plush animals and candy for Valentine’s Day. Vickie Triemer, president of Riverside Gardens, 607 Rural St., said plush gifts can be mixed with flowers.
“A lot of them are liking the stuffed animals,” she said. “We have teddy bears, puppy dogs and fish.”
Riverside Gardens even has a singing stuffed red car.
“We’ve got crazy things,” Triemer said. “I think the guys are really liking those because they are different. The younger at heart go for the plush items.”
Triemer said when she has a customer call about flowers, she asks them who they are shopping for.
“The rose always means love,” she said. “The quantities of roses are certainly up to them. The significance depends on the relationship for sure.”