TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- Valentine's Day. You need the chocolates, teddy bears, even balloons... but the top of the list has to be flowers.
So what happens after you place an order for that special someone?
We headed behind the scenes of bouquet making at A Country Rose Florist.
Owner Annette McGuffey says when it comes to ordering roses, red is the traditional color for love, and is very popular for Valentine's Day.
Creating a beautiful bouquet actually starts with making a mess!
McGuffey and staff are sure to remove the thorns from rose stems. She cautions you not take too much of the stem itself off when removing a thorn.
Also be sure to cut the end of each stem on an angle. McGuffey likes using a knife to make that cut instead of scissors, because it helps keep more of the base open.
A classic bouquet of red roses typically last five to seven days, but you can get more time if you change the water everyday.
When it comes to actually putting the piece together, McGuffey starts with leatherleaf to bulk up the base a bit. She uses those stems to create a small weave, then starts putting the roses in, one by one, on an angle through that pattern.
McGuffey says Valentine's Day is her shop's busiest time of year, and since all bouquets are handmade, she recommends putting in your February 14 order about a week in advance.
She's been creating flower arrangements for nearly 30 years, so just relies on her professional eye and creativity for putting something special together. Be sure to let her know if your significant other has a favorite color or flower you want to showcase.
Also for any procrastinators - as long as you're willing to pick up the flowers yourself or chose one of the pre-made bouquets on display, McGuffey has you covered.
A Country Rose is located at 250 E. 6th Ave. in Tallahassee.
For more information or to place your Valentine's Day order, call (850) 877-8294 or click here.
