Roses just can’t be beaten

By Lia Bichel
A DOZEN red roses are hands-down the most popular choice for people wanting to surprise that special someone this Valentine’s Day.
Cranbourne Florist Cath Maguire said phones had been ringing off the hook this week with requests for the traditional bouquet.
“It’s been a very busy week, the phone keeps ringing, and emails flying in, and most people want roses,” she said.
Ms Maguire said her store had been swamped this week with people of all ages preparing for the special day.
“I have noticed men and women are both buying flowers. Most of the people that come in are quite elderly, but a lot of young people come in as well,” she said. “Primary students have come in and looked for gifts for their special friend, and then got mum to pay for it!”
For those celebrating Valentine’s Day without a Valentine, Ms Maguire said there were a variety of options to get friends or families.
“Different colours of roses mean different things,” she said.
“Red means passion and romance, but pink means charm, tenderness and grace; yellow means friendship and peace, white is purity, honesty, and innocence; cream is charm and admiration, and mauve is fantasy.”
Ms Maguire said while everyone coming into her shop this week had been excited for the big day, she had had others in the past who hadn’t showed the same enthusiasm.
“We haven’t had any strange requests this year, but last year we had a girl come in, order a dozen roses and ask us to chop the heads off and send them to a gentleman,” she said.
“I told her I will give her those roses, but she will have to do the rest herself!”