ROANOKE, VA – It may be Super Bowl Sunday, but for florists nationwide, the real game day is just around the corner—Valentine’s Day!
George Clements is the owner of George’s Flowers in Roanoke.
He’s in the midst of a floral frenzy preparing for Valentine’s Day and joined us in the studio Saturday.
He offered advice on selecting the perfect flowers for that special someone in your life and how to keep them fresh for as long as possible.
Clements encourages everyone to shop local this Valentine’s Day, highlighting that local florists provide a more personalized experience.
He says his often results in fresher blooms that last longer.
Additionally, local shops offer expert advice, same-day delivery, and arrangements crafted with care.
Below, you’ll find his tips for shopping locally and ensuring your flowers stay vibrant longer.
George’s Tips For Keeping Your Flowers Thriving:
- Use clean water and flower food.
- Keep flowers in fresh, cool air, away from direct sunlight.
- Keep flowers away from heat sources.
- Clean your vases thoroughly.
- ‘Scrub the crud’ by washing your vases between uses.
- Cut your stems.
- Freshly cut stems help pump water up to the flower blooms.
- Keep foliage out of the water and remove any yellowing foliage.
- Change vase water often.
- The water should be clear, not cloudy or smelly.
- Recut and rinse stems during water changes to extend their lifespan.
- Submerge bent-neck roses or wilted flowers in room-temperature water with fresh cut for 20-40 minutes.
George’s Tips for Buying Flowers:
- Cut out the ‘middleman’, and buy directly from a local shop.
- Search for shops using our zip code
- Carefully review online florists.
- Make sure they have a local address, an ‘about us’ section, good reviews and their own product images (i.e. not all stock images)
- Avoid Ordering from the ‘Send Flowers’ sections on Funeral Home Obituary pages.
- George says a middleman adds a no-value, market up to florist prices.
