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Written by Marty Hair, MCT
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Monday, 12 February 2007 |
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With Valentine's Day approaching, keep that ATM card handy.
The National Retail Federation estimates 63 percent of us will be celebrating, with the average lovebird shelling out $119.67 on gifts for Feb. 14.
Men outspend women $156.22 to $85.08, the retail federation reports. And what will those guys be buying? Flowers, cards and a night on the town are top choices.
Choosing cards and making restaurant reservations are up to them.
As for the flowers, we can help.
Here's a look at what's new and news to use this Valentine's Day.
MY GIANT ROSE
How big is your love?
Organic Bouquet (877.899.2468, 10 a.m.—8 p.m. weekdays) has a limited number of 5— to 6—foot—tall red roses with 4—inch flowers. They are $249.95 a dozen plus $59.95 shipping. Availability changes by the day so even though the Web site (www.organicbouquet.com) says they're sold out for Valentine's Day, it's possible some new orders may be filled, a spokeswoman said.
While they don't require similarly deep pockets, a dozen normal—sized roses can cost $40—$75 or more at Valentine's Day. That's because this is the year's peak demand for cut roses. It's also when costs of heating and lighting greenhouses are highest, along with costs to transport fresh flowers and protect them from the cold. Cost is, apparently, not a deterrent: It's estimated more than 190 million stems of roses will be purchased for Valentine's Day.
LOVE IS RED
Ever call the Turkey Hot Line for bird help at Thanksgiving? Well, you can get your bouquet advice next week from the flower hot line offered through the Flower Promotion Organization.
For Valentine's Day emergencies, like what to do with that mysterious packet of powder that comes with bouquets, Michigan State University horticulture professor Bridget Behe and others will be available for questions from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. Call 888.356.9763 or go to www.flowrmd.com.
One tip from Behe: Red is traditional for Valentine's Day but pink, and even sometimes white, are also popular.
BUDS 101
Besides roses, there are lots of other floral possibilities. Gerbera daisies, lilies and carnations are attractive and affordable alternatives — an FTD gerbera daisy bouquet started at $29.38 during a recent check.
Add one rose to a bouquet of mixed flowers for a touch of tradition while still keeping down the price.
It doesn't matter where you shop so much as what you look for, Behe says.
Buds should be blemish—free and showing some color; tight, green buds may never open. Foliage should look green and healthy, not brown or crispy.
Pull the bouquet up out of the bucket and sniff the stems. They should smell clean and the water should be clear, not slimy.
If you're taking the flowers out into the cold, ask the seller to wrap the top as well as the bottom to protect the delicate petals from the winter weather. And ask for several extra packets of floral preservative powder.
I CARE 4 U
When you get cut flowers, find a clean vase, fill it with room — temperature water and add floral preservative according to directions on the packet. The powder contains food and inhibits fungi and bacteria. Remove leaves that will be below the water line.
Then fill a bowl or the sink with water and put the lower 2-3 inches of stem under water. Use a knife to cut off the bottom one inch of stem. Then put the stems in the vase of water. Cutting the stems under water gets rid of air inside so the stem can more easily take up water, Behe says.
If the water in the vase starts to look cloudy after a few days, dump the water, clean the vase, add fresh water and floral preservative. Then recut the stems under water and put them back in the vase.
Keep cut flowers out of direct sun and away from hot or cold drafts. With proper care, many cut flowers will stay attractive for at least five to seven days. If they don't, return to the retailer immediately and explain the situation. They may replace the flowers or otherwise make amends.
BE GRACIOUS
If you give flowers, don't be surprised if the recipient smiles. According to a study by Rutgers psychologists published in 2005, a gift of flowers makes people feel happier. Part of the research was funded by the Society of American Florists, also likely to feel happier when people give flowers.
BE GREEN
Amy Stewart's new book, "Flower Confidential: The Good, the Bad and the Beautiful in the Business of Flowers," is hitting stores this week and it's a fascinating read for flower lovers, as well as people who are already fans of fair — trade coffee and organic produce. There's a chapter on the origin of the Stargazer lily, that fragrant number likely to show up in many Valentine's Day bouquets. The book also discusses conditions for workers and the environment in countries with major cut—flower industries and a new organic certification program called Veriflora (www.veriflora.com). "Flower Confidential" is $23.95, from Algonquin Books.
MY DELICIOUS BOUQUET
For those who want to have their centerpiece and eat it, too, Edible Arrangements offers arrangements of fresh fruit, including some dipped in chocolate, for Valentine's Day, with prices from $53 to $200. For a store directory, go to www.ediblearrangements.com. | Only registered users can write comments.
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