Tomorrow, for those not paying attention to the calendar, is Valentine's Day — the holiday of the heart when the object of one's affection is traditionally showered with flowers, chocolates, cards and jewelry.
For those unsure of what to look for at the florist, Carl Roehrich is a veritable encyclopedia of all things flora. And, at this time of year, such sage advice can truly help love blossom.
The Roehrich family, which operates City Line Florist in Trumbull, has been selling flowers since the late 1800s.
Q. Why are roses the traditional flower of choice for Valentine's Day?
A. "They're thought to be the most romantic and most personable flowers, and also one of the most prestigious flowers. I think that goes back to the time when it was so hard to get them in the winter. I think if you really researched it, it goes way back to Roman times."
Q. What do the different color roses mean?
A. "It depends on which etiquette book you use; they all have different meanings, some of it contradictory.
"Take Emily Post. She says yellow is friendship while another book says yellow is jealousy. The only one that is pretty universally accepted is red for love. People will call and say they got roses, what does the color mean. I say, 'It means someone cares for you.' "
Q. What is the average cost for a dozen roses?
A. "They really haven't changed over the last five years. Ours are $85 a dozen, that's the biggest long stems. A shorter stem is $75 a dozen and we'll have a rose special — no frills, no delivery service, just cash and carry — under $30, maybe even $25. Usually, those roses are not in red. We usually sell out of the $85 roses; we hardly ever sell out of the lowest priced ones.
"In any metro area, like New York, Washington or Chicago, the prices may be more than $100 to $120 a dozen.
"It's the classic case of supply and demand. They only grow a certain number of roses. "The basic flower cost year-round has not changed, what's gone up is insurance, gas, labor, all the other components that make up a dozen roses."
Q. What is the largest single order for roses you've ever received?
A. "We had one gentleman last year who sent 15 dozen roses to the same lady. We couldn't even arrange them all in one vase; you wouldn't be able to move it. We broke it down into three or four vases. Last year, we probably had over 20 people who sent three dozen or more."
Q. What should you look for in a rose?
A. "The color. If it's red, it should be true to the color. Depending on the variety, some are red, some are dark burgundy. Make sure there is no bluing, no other color in it. That means it's been stored too long.
"We always buy for quality."
Q. What's the best way to make roses last longer?
A. "The most important thing above everything else is they have to be fresh. Next, you have to have a grower that uses a preservative all throughout the growing life. You should be given a packet of preservative, which does two things — it has some nutrients and it has a bacterial chemical that keeps bacteria from growing.
"When a rose bends its head over, that means there is an air bubble trapped in the bottom of the stem. If you submerge the stem under water and recut the about an inch and a half and put it back into the water, usually within 10 minutes it will stand back up.
"Heat will also cause roses to open up sooner.
"They say the average life of a rose is three to five days, but we think that's low. We think you should get at least a week to 10 days.
Q. Traditionally, it's the men who buy the flowers for girlfriends, spouses, mothers, etc. Is that changing at all?
A. "There's always been a good percentage of women, 20 percent maybe, and it's increasing a little bit.
"A lot of people coming in for the cash-and-carry roses, a lot of those people are women who are not afraid to send the men roses. Guys actually like it when they get flowers at work — 'Look what I got' — they like to gloat."
Q. Are there any other flowers that are becoming more popular for Valentine's Day?
A. "Tulips and not necessarily just red tulips. They could be any color."
Q. What is your recommendation for someone who wants to send something other than roses?
A. "The first thing we do is tell people to stay within their budget. A mixed bouquet is popular. Every florist makes up one of their own versions."
Q. Do most people order their Valentine's Day flowers in advance or wait until the last minute?
A. "More people do order in advance. But traditionally, people will also stop in as they're arriving home from work. From 4:30 p.m. on, the line starts at the front refrigerator and wraps around the store. It's amazing how patient people are.
"It's probably the busiest single day of the year."
— GENEVIEVE REILLY Connecticut Post 02/13/2006
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