Valentine's Day Floral IdeasWhen you think of flowers for Valentine's Day, it's a safe bet that the first thing into your head is going to be roses. But the rose is just one of the beautiful blossoms in nature's bounty, and many different types of flowers can just as easily convey your feelings of passion and romance. If reaching for roses on Valentine's Day has become an automatic and expected act, it may be time to leap out of your floral rut and make some bold new choices.
Floral designer Mark Held, co-owner of Mark's Garden, is known for creating floral décor for some of Los Angeles' most glamorous events, including the Academy Awards Governors' Ball. His wedding designs are well known throughout the western United States and he has a long list of celebrity clients, including Denise Richards and Charlie Sheen, whose recent nuptials featured Held's designs. A frequent guest on network and cable television shows and a much sought after speaker, Held offers some ideas for unique Valentines Day flower choices:
- Baskets and bowls.
Held knows that roses will always be the kings of Valentine's Day, but suggests trying more creative options, like baskets or bowls filled with flowers or an arrangement presented in glass. A square glass container filled with a single type of flower, such as red tulips, could make a great gift for your loved one.
- A beautiful fragrance.
Held would also recommend a vase of white freesia; they'll look great and give off a remarkable fragrance that's sure to make them a hit with your sweetheart.
- Long vs. short.
If you must buy roses, Held suggests cutting the stems short. Long stemmed roses are the standard with many people, but Held loves the look of the shorter stems. He also claims that trimming them will help the flowers last longer, as they can easily draw more from the vase to the head.
- Supply and demand.
Roses are in high demand on February 14th, and this drives the prices sky high. If you look for alternatives, you may be pleasantly surprised by how economical other types of beautiful flower arrangements can be.
- Shop around.
Remember that you want your flowers to be special, so don't just pick the first arrangement that you see. Shop around a little bit, ask questions, and try to find something that seems to express what you feel about your valentine.
For more information about flowers and floral design, check out the following organizations or websites:
Society of American Florists: About Flowers
www.aboutflowers.com
FTD.com
www.ftd.com
Flower Arranging 101
www.perfectentertaining.com
Flower Arranging Tips
www.inbloom.com | 
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