LOVE IS IN BLOOM

FLORISTS ARE WORKING OVERTIME TO FILL VALENTINE'S DAY ORDERS. Local florists and gift shops are preparing for the last minute rush of Valentine's Day customers.

"We are virtually working around the clock trying to keep up with orders," Daniel's Den of Flowers owner Hal Daniels said. "I know we will be taking orders tomorrow (Wednesday) and definitely all of Thursday for people waiting until the last minute to shop for Valentine's Day."

Vehicles are currently getting prepared for several runs around the county on Valentine's Day, one of the biggest days of the year for florists.

"We have been ready for this day for a quite a while," Daniels said. "It produces a lot of business and we hope to serve our customers with the best service possible."

Last year, the popular plants of choice were pink and lavender roses, as people added sentiments of grace, gentility and enchantment to the usual "be mine."

But this year customers are simply wanting to show their love by sending the classic red rose.

"People are throwing the meaning of the color of a certain rose out the window this year," Jackie Alford of JonEllen's Flowers and Gifts said. "This year, it is all about love...that is why we are seeing so many orders for red roses."

Stuffed animals, balloons and chocolate candies have also flown off the shelves as certain customers decided to go the extra mile for that special someone.

"We had several stuffed animals and balloons sell out quickly due to customers wanting to put a unique spin on Valentine's Day this year," Alford said.

"It is important to guys to know what their loved one likes," Anita Poole of Daniel's Den of Flowers said. "By purchasing such items instead of those that are more traditional, it truly shows the measure of their love for that person."

Tulips have also been found to be a popular purchase.

"Sometimes roses can run close to $70 for a dozen," Poole said. "But some see tulips as a good option carrying a similar message."