Roses, Thongs, and Unexpected Romance: A Florist's Unique Valentine's Day Tale

Fiona Penny, a florist based in Weymouth, Dorset, shares her experience of unusual Valentine’s Day orders received over her 30-year career. As Valentine’s Day approaches, her studio fills with roses, elaborate ribbons, and personalization through greeting cards. Despite the upswing in festive orders, Fiona highlights some of the bizarre requests she’s encountered, including bouquets with £50 notes, engagement rings, and even thongs among the flowers.

Valentine’s Day is a particularly busy season for her, bringing both enjoyment and pressure, as traditional orders for a dozen red roses continue alongside the demand for quirky additions. Fiona mentions the challenges posed by Brexit regulations, which require extensive paperwork for importing plants and flowers, thus affecting freshness and availability. Although her Valentine’s order volume remains steady each year, she anticipates a last-minute rush from customers hoping for same-day deliveries.

Fiona’s story captures both the creative joy and logistical challenges florists face during peak floral seasons like Valentine’s, alongside the humorous yet heartfelt ways people express love and affection through their choice of floral gifts.