Is romance still alive in Port Macquarie? Florist sees shift in Valentine’s Day trends

FROM classic red roses to native bouquets that last long after 14 February, locals embraced love in all its forms on Valentine’s Day this year.

While red roses remained a firm favourite, many customers opted for mixed seasonal bouquets and native arrangements.

Studio Verde owner Tilly Edwards told News Of The Area there was a noticeable shift in what people were choosing.

“Red roses are still a classic and definitely popular, but this year we saw a big shift toward mixed seasonal [and] native bouquets,” said Tilly.

“Many customers chose red roses mixed in with locally grown flowers, for example red dahlias.

“Natives were quite popular as well, and I feel they were popular as they can be dried out so the arrangement can last longer in a vase.”

Of the 170 red roses in stock that morning at Tilly’s shop only 25 were left at the end of the rush, and some 70 arrangements were scooped-up by starry-eyed lovers or the few seeking forgiveness.

Tilly said males still made up a large portion of Valentine’s Day customers, but the week also saw women purchasing for partners, friends and themselves; online as well as in person.

She recounted one couple’s romantic moment.
“A husband surprised his wife with a boxed arrangement as she waited for coffee, leaving her in tears and calling her children in excitement,” Tilly said.

Many fathers also bought roses for their daughters, creating some of the day’s sweetest moments.

When it comes to the romantic gesture of personally choosing flowers at the florist, it remains a cherished tradition with many customers rushing in to avoid disappointment.

“Most of our sales were done on Valentine’s Day with people still coming in at 1:30pm,” she said.

Judging by Valentine’s Day, the verdict on romance in Port Macquarie is ultimately something only devoted romantics can decide.

By Sis HIGGINS