Valentine's Day Roses| Toronto Flowers| Flowers

For the special people in your life.

VALENTINE’S DAY

FEBRUARY 14^TH

LET LUV SHINE

MEANING OF ROSES

Did you know that every different colour of a rose has a distinct meaning?

The Language of Flowers originated in Persia in the 15th century, and was brought to Europe in the 18th century. In the 19th century, this code became popular and people sent messages in bouquets to each other. Since each flower, colour, and number had a specific meaning, conversations between lovers took place without a single word being used. Roses were the most commonly used and are perfect to convey your different feelings

... so you'd better know what message you are sending before you send it!

RED Rose - the traditional symbol for love and romance, and a time-honored way to say "I love you." The red rose has long symbolized beauty and perfection.

PINK Rose - Grace and elegance, happiness, the pink rose is often given as an expression of admiration

YELLOW Rose - The warm feelings associated with the yellow rose are often akin to those shared with a true friend, your best friend

WHITE Rose: White roses represent innocence and purity and are traditionally associated with marriages and new beginnings. The white rose is also a symbol of honor and reverence.

GREEN ROSE: The green rose, though fairly rare, is a beautiful unique flower. It's symbolism is deeply rooted in nature. The most popular meaning of the green rose is life, growth and the constant rejuvenation of spirit. In popular culture, the color green is often considered an aphrodisiac but it is more commonly associated with new beginnings and luck.

Did you know even the way roses are arranged or the quantity can convey something to the recipient. For instance...

Two roses joined together with a ribbon represent engagement.

Red and white roses arranged together means unity.

1 rose: Love at first sight

2 roses: Deeply in love

3 roses: I love you

6 roses: I want to be yours

9 roses: Eternal love

10 roses: You are perfect

11 roses: You are treasured, the one I love the most

12 roses: Be my steady

13 roses: Secret admirer

15 roses: I am sorry, please forgive me

20 roses: Please believe me

21 roses: I am devoted to you

24 roses: I am always thinking of you

33 roses: I love you with great affection

36 roses: I will remember our romantic moments

A rose is a rose is a rose,” … Gertrude Stein

Is a rose just a rose? Don’t be fooled.

What is the difference between the 40 cm off grade rose that you find for $30- $50 a dozen and a Premium Long Stem Rose? Is there a difference?

Firstly, a rose should never be referred to as a “long stem rose” unless it has reached 60 cm in length. Despite this fact many times you will see 40 to 50 cm roses referred to as long stem roses, especially around Valentine’s Day. Another issue is quality. Low grade roses are off casts that have been rejected in the grading process because their quality is beneath even Standard quality. These are the roses that can be found for lower prices. They tend to have defects in colouring, petal counts, shape etc and yet again near Valentine's Day are often misrepresented as Premium. Consistent with that is a very short vase life.

Like all flowers, roses are graded from Fancy to Standard to Premium. Premium graded roses are the BEST roses in the world. They are more expensive and of superior quality than lesser grade ones and have been produced by only quality growers. They are hand graded to meet rigid specifications for head size, head shape, head look, stem strength, leaves and consistent colouring. The longer the rose the bigger and better the flower head. Roses should only be referred to as “PREMIUM LONG STEM” roses if they meet the criteria of 60 cm or longer and the quality of the bud size. Premium long stem rose will be also noted for flower heads of an inch or larger. Of course the combination of quality and length takes more time and attention to grow which also explains the price point.

Other facts you should know about roses:

Roses love love LOVE WATER. They hydrate (intake of water) through their bark, stem, thorns and petals. The quicker the rose is immersed in water the better. The more in contact with water the entire rose is the longer it will last, so watch that water level. Research has shown that a molecule of water can move from the base of a 24-inch cut rose to the petals in 30-seconds or less.

What to do when receiving or purchasing roses?

Make sure your roses are never left in an area where they may freeze or overheat. Do NOT place your roses in the trunk of your car and or leave in an unheated vehicle in the winter. The damage once done is irreversible. However do make sure your roses are not in direct contact with the heating vent of your vehicle or in your home. Keep them away from drafts, vents and direct contact of lighting. Flowers are delicate and require special care and consideration in order to have an extended vase life.

What are the steps to care of roses?

For the one giving the roses or any flowers not to repeat ourselves but really really, when we say do not leave the roses in the trunk, in an unheated car or next to the heating vent in the car we really really do mean it. Beautiful roses/ flowers can suffer cold/ heat shock within minutes, a symptom that is irreversible. So run your errands before you pick up your gift of flowers so they arrive happy and are received well.

Step 1. Upon receipt, open the box/ wrapping and give your roses attention. If you cannot attend to your roses immediately, open the wrapping and place it in a cool dark place until you can take a few moments to properly care for your gift of roses. Make sure your roses are never left in an area where they may freeze.

Step 2. Remove any leaves that might be under water when you place the roses in your container. Be careful not to cut through, nor scrape, the green bark on the outside of the stem. Air can enter the water conducting passages through the injuries and restrict water uptake. Bacteria in the water can clog stems.

Step 3. Mix floral preservative in warm water (about 100F or 37.80C). Place the solution in your vase. If you have some extra preservative solution, save it in a specially marked container to add to your roses later.

Step 4. With a sharp knife or shears, cut about an inch off the end of each stem. IMPORTANT: HOLD THE END OF THE STEM UNDER RUNNING WATER, OR UNDER WATER IN A CONTAINER, WHILE YOU MAKE THE CUT!!! This will avoid the stem-end drawing in air rather than water.

Step 5. As soon as the cut is made, place the rose in a clean, deep vase filled with warm preservative solution. If possible, then place the roses and container in a cool, dark room, for 2 to 4 hours.

Step 6. Remember to repeat the process every 2 days to prolong the life of your roses.

Display fresh cut rose arrangement in a cool area out of direct sunlight and drafts. Premature wilting – bent neck- in a new arrangement usually indicates that air is trapped in the stem and the preservative solution cannot flow properly up the stem. The end of the stem may be blocked. Look for a cut or scrape in the bark above the water level. Re-cut the stem above the injured section under water and then submerge the entire rose in a shallow pan of warm water (about 100 degrees Fahrenheit). Be sure to keep the stem and head straight. A rose will usually revive within a few hours and can be placed within the arrangement.

Now that you know the care, facts and quality of roses, all you need to decide is what quality and colour of rose is right for you.

Please note, hours, order & delivery information for Valentine's Day is posted on our contact page

* For Valentine's Day deliveries to business will be conducted during regular business hours. *

Home deliveries will be throughout the day to late afternoon early evening.

All efforts will be exhausted to deliver orders in a timely fashion.

If the recipient is not home we will attempt to leave with a neighbour.

If no one is available to accept we will contact the recipient for direction.

If they are unavailable the order will be redelivered the following day.