Hello – I’m back and I thought it was time to dispel the myth that only red roses will do on Valentine’s Day!
Now don’t get me wrong – tradition is a lovely thing, but it can lead to high demand and therefore high prices plus it can become rather boring and as far as I am concerned, this seems to be the case for red roses. I can tell you that my love affair with red roses is well and truly over.
For the purposes of this article, I am writing to TMK’s female readers, therefore it is not my intention to appear rude, insensitive or sexist, but florists have been banging their heads against a brick wall, I mean trying to persuade their (mostly) male customers for years, that they do not need to send red roses on Valentine’s Day. Unfortunately though, it appears the male species cannot be swayed and for the most part, seem determined to uphold this oldest of traditions. So much so, that I actually wonder if they are born with this automatic response, dare I say it, instinct, to buy red roses rather like they are born to leave the toilet seat up, not notice your new hair cut or sleep soundly through a newborn’s crying ….
Anyway, I digress. What, I’m telling you right here, right now ladies, is that I wish men would bloomin’ well get over the red roses thing. Quite frankly it’s becoming rather tedious and I’m pretty sure that I am not the only florist who wishes their customers would have a change of heart.
But in order for these changes to take place, we need the women in their lives to tell their men to be more adventurous and more daring, to think outside of the box and to be inventive. And if they can’t be, then they should visit their local florist and let them do what they do best and that is get creative with nature’s blooms.
However, if the man in your life wants to treat you to some gorgeous flowers this Valentine’s Day (or any day for that matter), be sure they already know what kind of flowers you love – tell them what style you like and what colours make your heart sing. I think I can say quite safely here, hand on heart, that if you don’t tell them, they probably won’t guess correctly and won’t even think to ask. I should know. I’ve been married for nearly 25 years.
Anyway, after some research and a bit of rummaging around the old t’interweb, I have found a great article by Readers’s Digest that offers not just one or two alternatives to the old ropey red rose bouquet, but SEVEN! Discover how carnations, tulips and a host of other varieties of flower can make the most beautiful of bouquets or floral arrangements. You can read the article here.
Of course I realise that not everyone’s budget will stretch to some of the floral designs shown in the aforementioned article but if he is determined to go down the red roses route, rather than receive a limp, lack-lustre bunch of cheap red roses from the garage forecourt, why not point him in the direction of your local garden centre and drop subtle hints that you fancy a beautiful potted rose for the patio or maybe a rambling rose tree for the garden.
I suppose what I am trying to say here is that your man can be traditional in a non-traditional way …
Wishing you luck in your quest for fabulous flowers this Valentine’s Day.
Love and blue skies
L x
Words: Louise Bowditch, Bouquets and Blooms
Photos: Bouquets and Blooms
[stextbox id=”tmk-box”]Louise is both photographer and florist. She loves photography but is passionate about flowers. Visit Bouquets and Blooms here.[/stextbox]
