Community Corner

A Florist's Advice For Your Valentine's Gift

Looking for advice about buying flowers for your significant other? We went to a local florist for some tips on how to buy, and take care of, the right flowers.

Laura Mormile knows a thing or two about flowers.

Having owned on Halstead Avenue in Harrison for 11 years, she's matched her share of boyfriends and husbands—and even girlfriends and wives—with the perfect gift in the days leading up to Valentine's Day.

Outside of Mothers Day, this is the busiest holiday for her store, but Mormile said she still enjoys taking the time to work with customers to find the perfect arrangement to fit their needs.

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"We try and make it sweet and special," she said. "We try to make women smile on that day."

As she makes final preparations for the big week ahead, Mormile shared some tips and pointers for folks who will be making their way to flower shops this week.

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Here are a few to get you started:

Know what you are looking for

You typically get what you pay for when shopping for flowers. Although less expensive, flowers from the local grocery store usually won't blossom once you bring them home, Mormile said. Properly treated flowers, however, will grow after purchase and their heads will expand in your home. These flowers will also have stronger stems that extend the life of the flower.

Don't be afraid to ask questions

How flowers are treated goes a long way in how long they will last after you buy them. Mormile said most flowers come from South America and the types of farms they come from vary. So don't be afraid to ask if the flowers come from a "Fair Trade" company, meaning the growers don't mistreat employees or the environment. These farms are also more likely to produce quality flowers.

Roses are more expensive this time of year

If, like me, you don't visit flower shops as often as you should, it's important to note that roses are universally more expensive in the weeks before Valentines Day. Mormile said she reminds customers to consider other options if they are working on a budget.

For example, she said in most stores mixed flowers are half the price of a dozen red roses.

Ask about how your flowers have been prepared

Bacteria kills flowers faster than anything, Mormile said. So make sure that flowers have been cleaned, refrigerated, cut and placed in a clean vase before you buy them. She said most florists are good about this, but it never hurts to check.

I made my choice and brought the flowers home, now what?

If your flowers didn't come in a vase, it is important to get them to water as quickly as possible. But make sure and trim the bottom so the roses can access the water.

Move quickly though, the stems of most flowers re-seal within about three seconds of the cut, so make sure you place them in water immediately. If you wait, Mormile said air bubbles could get into the stem and block the flowers' access to water.

Once in the water, repeat this process every couple of days while you enjoy your flowers.


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