Floral owner: Red roses never seem to go out of style for holiday

With Valentine's Day coming up on Tuesday, some last-minute shoppers may be wondering what gifts are popular for this year's holiday.

According to Donice Strickland, the owner of Strickland's Floral & Gifts, red roses never seem to go out of style for Valentine's Day.

"This year, I'm trying different things like preserved roses," Strickland said. Preserved roses are more expensive, she said, but they last longer than normal roses. She said chocolate, as always, is also big for Valentine's Day, as well as teddy bears and hearts.

"Thank goodness for Valentine's Day," Strickland said. "It's what keeps us busy."

Strickland's isn't the only local business staying busy during the season of love. For Sharla Sharbutt, the owner and designer for Forever Blooms, some customers will place orders months in advance.

"We predict Tuesday will still be very busy," Sharbutt said.

For her business, Valentine's Day is a staple, and she enjoys getting to see a lot of customers. She said the holiday is a nice switch up from the orders she completes for funerals, which is on a much more regular basis.

Valentine's Day allows her to create for a more lighthearted and happier occasion.

"It's super busy, a lot of people wait till the last minute," Sharbutt said.

For her, tulips and lilies and, of course, roses are always the most popular. She said she's gotten orders for candy bouquets and stuffed animals.

"I've had a couple requests for fruit baskets, but that's not common for me," Strickland said.

Strickland and Sharbutt agreed, Valentine's Day and Mother's Day are some of the busiest days that take the most preparation for their stores.

"Flower shops typically make their money for the year for Valentine's Day," Strickland said.

And if you think it's too late to place orders, Strickland assures, it's not.

"Of course, the sooner they come in, the better. But, even if they come in on Valentine's Day, we'll come up with something for them," she said.

According to these two owners, seeing customers that care about their "sweetheart" come in to place orders is what makes the hard work for the busy holiday all worth it.