Local florists prepare for Valentine’s Day
St. Joseph residents are getting ready to celebrate a day full of love and local florists are doing the same.
”We have, you know, three digits...I mean 500 orders, or so right now,” said Stacy Fisher, Garden Gate Flowers owner. ”We’re a small shop, I’m sure some have seen more, but for us, that’s still a pretty darn good number.”
Fisher explained that Valentine’s Day preparations usually begin a year before the holiday. However, plans don’t typically fall into place until approximately three to four months before the major holiday.
”My first round of flowers, actually for pre-order were due right after Christmas,” said Fisher. “So we’ve been planning for this for quite a while really.”
Not only did the shop have to face the obstacle of Super Bowl LIX, Fisher also had displeasing weather to contend with.
Fisher did express mild frustration because Valentine’s Day 2025 lands on the Friday following Super Bowl LIX.
“Somebody needs to call the NFL and tell them to move the Super Bowl, I’m just saying,” said Fisher. “I say it every year.”
Despite numerous complications, Fisher said she is fully prepared for any last-minute orders.
“We’ll see a whole bunch of orders come in on the day before Valentine’s,” said Fisher.
Although the phone has been ringing ‘off the hook’ Fisher advises customers to try to avoid last-minute requests.
“We always encourage folks to try very hard to get your orders in early to ensure you get the flowers that you want,” said Fisher.
For Valentine’s Day 2025, the shop has ordered over 2,000 roses and expects to completely sell out due to the influx of orders they have been receiving.
Fisher explained that because of the limited storage capacity at the shop, she felt it necessary to order a truck for flower storage.
Although the cold weather has helped in keeping flowers fresh for lovers on Valentine's Day, with temperatures reaching below freezing at times, it can cause an issue.
However, the extra space means that Garden Gate Flowers can continue to work around the clock, putting together Valentine’s Day orders.
