Secrets safe with florists

Nichol's florist Sharon Wassell holds some roses in preparation for Valentine's Day, accompanied...
Nichol's florist Sharon Wassell holds some roses in preparation for Valentine's Day, accompanied by Lenny (left) and Murphy from the store’s pet centre. PHOTO: JESSICA WILSON
Florists will not be sharing your secrets this Valentine’s Day.

And they can even help you write a heart-felt message for your loved one.

Estelle Flowers owner Jolene Wilkinson said if some customers had their way, the card would have a very simple message inside.

"We actually go a little bit crazy on Valentine’s Day so we usually have a bit of a laugh helping some of the blokes [write] messages in their card," Ms Wilkinson said.

Many customers initially wanted something along the lines of "Happy Valentine’s Day, love Jeff" written,

she said.

So, the florists tried to embellish the messages, either with something in French, a poem, or something more personalised and romantic.

It usually paid off, as they often received a thank you from the receivers a few days later.

Since Valentine’s Day landed on a Sunday this year, Ms Wilkinson was preparing for a massive few days.

"We expect to be busy Friday, Saturday, Sunday," she said.

Nichol’s florist Sharon Wassell said confidentiality was key to being a florist.

Many people were nervous to share their message with the florist in person, but were more comfortable to do it over the phone or online.

"But people, especially guys, don’t know what to write and we have to come up with something for them quite often.

"You do have to talk it out of them."

If a card was being sent to a workplace it was stapled shut so only the recipient could read what was inside, Ms Wassell said.

And the florists would never tell.

"You can say anything, it’s not going any further.

"Nobody else is going to read this."

A new trend was sending gifts or treats to a friend or pet on Valentine’s Day.

Not as many people sent flowers anonymously these days, Ms Wassell said.

Although, if they did and the receiver wanted to know who sent them, it was up to the sender to tell them.

"There is a level of confidentiality.

"Quite often florists are the first to know about any new relationship."

Amaryllis for Flowers florist Susan Broadley said red roses were still the most popular flower to give — typically from a male to their partner.

Most of them also included a nice message in a card, too.

"Some people do put a lot of thought into it."

While they sent the odd bouquet anonymously, florists were sworn to secrecy as to who sent them.

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