What, no roses for Valentines?

Red roses have long been the symbol for love. As far back as the Ancient Greeks in fact. It was believed that the red rose grew from the ground watered by Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love’s, tears and the blood of her ill-fated lover Adonis.

Rich Romans would fill their bedrooms with roses, and in Christianity the red rose was associated with the Virgin Mary. The garden cultivation of roses actually dates back to China about 5,000 years ago. So, it’s no wonder roses have continued to be a symbol of romance through the years from Shakespeare and Robert Burns’ work to now.

So, why am I not selling them on Valentine’s Day, the most romantic date of the year? They’re not actually in season!

Of course, if you wish to buy roses there’s no judgement here; but as a seasonal florist offering only locally grown flowers, I like to give a sustainable option where possible.

My Valentine's bouquet includes tulips, eucalyptus, narcissi, alstroemeria and anemones,

252 million roses are grown for Valentine’s Day every year. For us Brits, these will be flown in from as far as South America and Africa coming along with a huge carbon footprint. Plus, there’s no knowing how ethically these were grown or well paid their workers are.

Some flowers that are in season that you could buy instead are: tulips, narcissi, daffodils, alstroemeria, hellebores, anemones and maybe a few ranunculus.

Or there are tonnes of beautiful dried flowers for sale saved from last summer’s blooms! A dried flower posy would make a lovely gift for a partner or a Galentine’s gift for your friends.

Looking for flowers for Valentine's/Galentine's? Pre-orders are open now for the seasonal fresh bouquet or choose from a huge variety of dried flowers! www.flowersbyimogen.com/shop