By Jeanette Settembre
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Let love bloom this Valentine’s Day this year. While there are plenty of floral services to arrange the perfect bouquet for that special someone, it’s important to factor in fresh flowers and where they’re coming from before you click order. “The care upon arrival will be different at a supermarket versus a flower shop where they will have their stems cut to absorb water better and fed nourishing Floral Life [a flower food] so that they adjust to their new surroundings before being put into an arrangement,” advises Jill Brooke, editorial director of Flower Power Daily, a blog about flowers, adding: “This really affects the quality and life of a rose or flower and its lasting staying power.”
For those who want to get creative with non-traditional V-Day arrangements, opt for alternatives to roses that are equally fragrant and festive, says Suzanne Falk, an interior designer at Suzanne Falk Interior Design, tells MarketWatch Picks. “When choosing the right blossoms, I take into consideration my loved one’s style and space,” says Falk: adding: “While the default of long-stemmed red roses is pretty, the [too] traditional is just boring.” Here are some of the unique bouquets to consider to keep your love growing strong.
Roses, with a twist UrbanStems' unique rose bouquets
Online flower delivery company UrbanStems stands out for creating one-of-a-kind arrangements. So rather than give your spouse the same-old red rose bouquet, check bouquets like “The Manor,” which offers “a medley of soft pinks and ivories mingling alongside fresh greenery” ($68) or “The Unicorn,” which is “a vibrant mix of purple, lilac and pink blossoms.”
Bright and happy Picnic from The Bouqs Co.
If you’re significant other has an eco-friendly bent, and loves fresh flowers, this bouquet may be for her. The Bouqs Co.’s philosophy is “farm-direct, transparent sourcing,” and the flowers are gorgeous: This bright bouquet is comprised of lavender alstroemeria, yellow sunflower, and pink and peach roses. To ensure your blooms stay fresh, they may arrive in bud form to maximize shelf life and last as long as possible. It could take two to three days for new buds to blossom, the site says.
Support a local florist Date Night in a Bouquet from FTD
FTD sources blooms from local florists. This bouquet is light and bright with red carnations, light pink stock, pink lilies and roses designed in a clear cinched vase to add a little romance to your sweetheart’s living space.
For plant lovers Hoya Heart from The Sill
This green-shaped heart will capture the love of the plant aficionado in your life. The Hoya Heart is a single leaf and is partially rooted and does not have a node, so it will stay as a heart-shaped leaf for years – just water it every two to three weeks.
For a bouquet that will last forever Delphine Dry Preserved Flower Bouquet from BloomsyBox
This bouquet can grace your home for years to come. It comes in dusty blues and pastel pink and packs in tons of texture with pampas grass, limonium, billy button, leathern fern, achillea, ruscus, goldenrod and cocculus florals and botanicals. It’s a whimsical addition to any room that needs a pick-me-up.
Long lasting Always On My Mind Flower Bouquet from 1-800-Flowers
The Good Housekeeping Institute recommends this staple floral arrangement company for its long-lasting, quality stems it says last more than one week. The Always On My Mind Flower Bouquet is designed with pink roses, Gerbera daisies, Oriental lilies and larkspur, white snapdragons and lavender stock.
Keepskate Glow Garden at Lula's Garden
This earthy arrangement features two small size, pre-planted fresh succulents in a fuchsia hue. It arrives in an eco-friendly gift box.
