Page 3 - WhatWomenWant_RVO_feb2015

According to the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association, florists take in around $400 million in revenue on Valentine’s Day, and for good reason — flowers can be used to convey love, friendship, compassion or desire.
“Buy from your local florist,” said Re- ita Johnson, the owner of Daisy-A-Day Florist & Gifts in Greenbrier. “We tend to have the freshest flowers. Shop local.”
In Victorian times, flowers were given specific meanings because only a few exotic flowers were readily avail- able, and many of these meanings have withstood the test of time.
“A lot of people care more about col- or than the meaning [of flowers], but we have a handful of customers that want to know the meaning and will choose to go with [a flower] because of the meaning,” Johnson said.
Below are a few of the most popular — and meaningful — flowers that are best sellers on this holiday.
Gerbera daisy
Historically said to de-
pict beauty and inno-
cence, Gerbera Daisies
are a common Valen-
tine’s Day request. Avail-
able in orange, green, red and pink, just to name a few varieties, these flowers can be given as a single stem or with others. “I think the Gerberas appeal to the younger generation,” Johnson said. “I think the younger girls prefer something a little more modern and less traditional.”
Hydrangea
These big blooms,
representing perse-
verance, add texture
and volume to any ar-
rangement. Hydran-
geas are available in white, green, blue, purple and pink. “These are a high- er-end flower and are typically kept for my higher-end arrangements I offer at Valentine’s Day,” Johnson said.
Tulip
Tulips are available in a
wide variety of colors,
ranging from white and
pastel hues to vibrant
shades of magenta and
purple. Each color holds a different meaning. For instance, purple is said to symbolize royalty, while red represents true love. “I think these also appeal to the younger generation,” Johnson said.
Lily
An elegant and classic
choice, these trum-
pet-shaped blossoms
are available in two va-
rieties: a large-headed
type and a miniature version. Lilies are also available in multiple colors, includ- ing white, which is commonly associat- ed with purity. “We use these in fresh mixes, but sometimes we will do just an arrangement of lilies,” Johnson said. “They have a really strong fragrance.”
Iris
Thought to exemplify
inspiration, irises come
in several colors, with
the most common vari-
ations being blue, white
and yellow. “We typically use these in our fresh mixed flowers that have a little of everything,” Johnson said.
Carnation
Another popular choice
is the carnation, which
has a variety of mean-
ings based on color —
pink is said to mean
gratitude, white is associated with re- membrance, and yellow commonly de- picts cheerfulness. “The carnation is an old standard but somewhat geared to the older generation,” Johnson said. “A lot of time, the younger girls don’t like [carnations]; it is sort of generational.”
Roses
Of course the red rose,
which is said to repre-
sent true love, is a classic
stand-by for Valentine’s
Day, but many oth-
er color options are available. “Yellow means friendship, orange is fascination, pink has multiple meanings, pale pink means grace and joy, and dark pink is thankfulness,” Johnson said. “Lavender is enchantment, white is innocence, and peach is modesty.”
Sunday, February 8, 2015 • An Advertising Supplement to the River Valley & Ozark Edition of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette • What Women Want • 3VV
Lilac, commonly thought to represent first love, is another popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS
Explore flower meanings for valentine giving
BY WENDY MILLER SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER
In a matter of days, florist delivery trucks will make the rounds through neighborhoods across the country. The trucks will transport bouquets, plants and other floral arrangements as gifts for Valentine’s Day.
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