I Hate Valentine's Day -- But Here’s a Better Way to Buy Flowers
Hear me out...
Yep, it’s true. Sorry, not sorry, but Valentine’s Day is the most stressful holiday ever! Well, at least for farmer-florists… Let me explain!
Historically, I’ve never been a huge fan of the holiday. To me, it’s always felt like an over-commercialized, cheesy occasion. I didn’t give it much thought—case in point: my husband and I accidentally had our first official date on Valentine’s Day without realizing it. Whoops!
But once I became a farmer-florist, my mild distaste turned into full-blown dread. Why? Because Valentine’s Day is the biggest flower sale event of the year in the U.S., followed closely by Mother’s Day (which, in my opinion, is the real MVP of flower holidays!). Great news for romantics, right? Not so great for those of us trying to source high-quality, local flowers amidst an industry flooded with imports.
The Madness Behind a Valentine’s Day Flower Sale
Walking into a floral wholesaler in the days leading up to February 14th feels like stepping into a floral version of The Hunger Games. It’s a battleground of desperate florists scrambling for the last remaining bunches of high-demand blooms. Shopping carts turn into chariots, floral snips become weapons. It’s a chaotic dance: weaving through aisles, sifting through endless bunches, and snatching those last blush-colored David Austin roses before they vanish into another competitor’s grasp. It’s survival of the floral fittest, where only the boldest walk away victorious with buckets brimming with blooms.
Okay, so maybe I’m exaggerating a little, but if you know me, you know that crowds, confrontation, and imported flowers are three things I try to avoid at all costs.
A Better Way to Buy Valentine’s Day Flowers
So this year, I’m opting out—and I invite you to do the same. Instead of supporting the mass-market Valentine’s Day flower sale chaos, consider shopping small, local, and sustainable. Skip the bouquet battles and celebrate your loved ones with fresh, organically grown, seasonal flowers!
I offer several unique options for those looking to gift meaningful flowers this season:
Seasonal Flower Subscriptions – A beautiful way to give the gift of fresh, locally grown blooms beyond just one day.
Personal Bouquet Design Classes – A fun, hands-on experience for you and your loved ones.
Heirloom Chrysanthemums – Stunning, specialty blooms you won’t find in traditional floral shops.
Gift Cards – Perfect for those who love flowers but prefer to choose their own.
And if you’re still set on gifting a Valentine’s Day bouquet, please visit my dear friend Jill at Tanglewood Flower Farm in Olney. She’s been lovingly cultivating organic flowers all winter in her grow room and heated hoop houses, ensuring a fresh, sustainable alternative to imported flowers.
Support Local This Valentine's Day
Let’s redefine what a Valentine’s Day flower sale looks like. Choose sustainability, support local farmers, and give your loved ones something truly special this year.
Happy Valentine’s Day, however you choose to celebrate!
(C) Copyright 2025- Branches & Batches Flower Farm
