Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and everyone is out looking for that perfect gift to tell those closest to them how special they really are. Research shows that flowers are perceived to be a personal and intimate gift believed to have taken a degree of consideration in their selection.

Approximately 110 million roses, the majority red, will be sold and delivered within a three-day time period around February 14th. However, for Valentine’s Day, roses are not your only option.

 If  “friends first” is your strategy, try an arrangement of giant ‘designer daisy’ gerberas in a variety of reds – from dark maroon to orange-red – your tribute a tonal palette of appreciation. By contrast, red tulips suggest intimacy with all the ‘two lip’ possibilities.

Why not give what many people crave as the ultimate love token – a posy of seasonal, scented flowers in a glorious rainbow of colours.  According to research carried out by the Flowers & Plants Association, scent is very important in conveying sentiment.  Spring favourites like sweet pea, freesia, hyacinths, lilies, and narcissi all have wonderful fragrances and are widely available as locally grown cut flowers at this time of year.

Studies show that 15% of women send themselves flowers on Valentine’s Day. So, if you don’t think you’re going to get flowers from that special someone this year, why not buy a nice bouquet for yourself! Always a great way to spruce up your home.

Flowers are a vocabulary in and of themselves.  Finding out your sweetheart’s favourite flower or indoor plant would be a good first move for any would-be Valentine.

However you choose to express your floral sentiments on Valentine’s Day, remember that Ontario grown cut flowers and potted plants have longevity and freshness on their side.