Bunches of reasons why Valentine's love blooms | Manawatu-Wanganui News | Local News in Manawatu-Wanganui

Roses were the hot seller in Wanganui yesterday as men ordered for Valentine's Day today, and mothers came in to buy for their sons' girlfriends.

Sonya Dunlop had adorned her window at In Bloom @ Ngan Kee florist with a bike, which she said evoked the notion of a romantic picnic in the country for two.

"I think it is quite sweet there are still romantic men around," Ms Dunlop said.

They were "flat out" yesterday, putting together orders. Every year Valentine's Day sales were brisk and they sold out most years.

A bunch of six roses for $60 seemed to be the preferred number based on price, she said. All were gift-wrapped and greenery added.

Red roses were always popular, but so were mixed bunches of flowers with roses and lots of soft toys and chocolates.

Ms Dunlop said being a florist was a lovely job every day.

Further along Victoria Ave, Tracey Lethbridge in the Flower Room said their day was nice and steady. Ms Lethbridge said the "amazing mums" who bought red roses for their sons to give to their girlfriends deserved special mention. "The boys send their mums in because they don't want to be seen coming into a florist."

And while the shy younger males were not yet able to do the deed, it was mainly men who were buying roses, Ms Lethbridge said, though some women were also buying.

The Flower Room sourced New Zealand-grown roses from Moffats in Christchurch, she said.

A dozen red roses cost $110 and a dozen white $100, which also included greenery and a gifted presentation.

About Valentine's Day

Saint Valentine's Day, commonly shortened to Valentine's Day, honours one or more early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine.

It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards.

The day first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

It was first established by Pope Gelasius I in 496AD, and was later deleted from the General Roman Calendar of saints in 1969 by Pope Paul VI.