Busy time for florists

Florists on the Peninsula are gearing up for their busiest time of year as Valentines Day approaches.

Orders were coming in for thousands of bouquets, bunches and bundles of blooms and foliage, according to local florists.

Flower growers were expecting a bumper crop of most flower varieties.

Ms Paula Lawry from Blackwall Road Florist said that along with the traditional red rose, Gerberas are a local favorite.

"If people can't afford roses they might go for a mixed bunch.

"As long as they're red and white, they still look impressive," she said.

She urged people to get orders in as soon as possible.

"People tend to order on the day or the day before, but its best to order as soon as you can," she said.

Paula said that in previous years orders had included headless roses, proposals written on cards and jewelery inserted into bouquets of flowers.

Valentines Day on the Peninsula may not be romantic for all though.

Recent statistics show that more than 30 per cent of all households are lone-person households, more than three times the Sydney average.

Relationships Australia is urging couples to look past the commercialism of Valentine's Day to find sincere gestures to convey their feelings and nurture their relationships.

Relationships Australia CEO Anne Hollands said that Valentine's Day should be about celebrating relationships and seizing the opportunity to express feelings.

"The commercialism of Valentines Day suggests that love will be measured by how much you spend," she said.

"But for many couples even the cost of a dozen roses can strain the budget."

For those who cannot afford a big balloon ride or a midnight cruise, Relationships Australia is providing many low cost ways to give a Valentines Day gesture.

Their suggestions for creatively celebrating love in a relationship include re-enacting your first date, making a banner, writing a love letter, making a book of lover's cheques, full body massages, beach picnics, meeting as strangers, sharing a fantasy, leaving hidden messages and sharing a bath, spa, or skinny dip.

Florist Paula Lawry said that, while these ideas were all very good, flowers were traditional for Valentines Day.

"The red rose resembles the meaning of Valentine's Day," she said.

Alison Branley, press release, February 6