Florists master creativity for crafty creations

Brides are obsessed with them, they help wives forgive their husbands, they convey thanks or best wishes and they have graced the arms of countless first-place athletes and runway models. Fragrant, colorful flowers can bring tears or smiles — but it all starts at a florist’s shop.

Victoria Floral manager and florist Teresa King and florist Sharon Peale entered the flower business looking for part-time jobs. Years later — eight for Peale and four for King — the two women still are happily employed.

"I was looking for a part-time job," Peale said. "But I like gardening and crafty things. So, I enjoy [being a florist] very much."

Craftiness is a valuable trait in a florist. Although there are classes a prospective florist could take to sharpen his or her skills, learning the art of working with flowers is largely accomplished through experience.

"[Learning to be a florist] is all watch and learn for me," Peale said. "Our distributors have shows and that helps, or you can take horticulture classes. Mostly being crafty helps."

With roses, lilies, orchids, daisies and bowls of plants called "dishgardens" on hand throughout the year, Peale, King and other florists have plenty of fodder for creativity. Every day, around 20 orders "trickle in" throughout the day, Peale said.

"Not every day is the same," King said. "It depends on the weather, funerals, lots of things."

Because of the perishable nature of flowers and the fluidity of everyday sales, King must make an educated guess to re-stock the store.

"We like variety," King said. "But since we get flowers in every day, we can order specific ones and get it in the next day."

Although Victoria Floral orders from wholesalers in Washington, D.C., and Roanoke, the flowers themselves have a longer journey. Flowers are airmailed from California, South America and Holland before they rest wilt-free at the store in coolers set to 37 - 40 degrees.

And when certain holidays approach — Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day being the busiest — florists order more than only flowers.

"We get more stuffed animals, baskets, candy and balloons," Peale said. "More so especially during Valentine’s Day."

Valentine’s Day marks the height of business at Victoria Floral, and King and Peale have come to expect long hours at work.

"Everything is wrapped up in one day, and we can only get flowers so far in advance so they’re still fresh," King said. "We do everything in three or four days."

And during those days, florists spend more time with scissors and flowers than in their own beds. King admitted that most of the Valentine’s preparations take place between 4 and 6 a.m. in order for everything to run smoothly on Feb. 14.

"We live for it to be over," Peale said.

But, the happiness flowers bring makes the overtime worthwhile. From counseling clueless boyfriends and admirers on Valentine’s Day to bailing husbands out of the doghouse, being a florist has its rewards, Peale said.

For King, there is a sense of satisfaction in being a talented florist.

"Flowers aren’t perfect," King said. "But you yourself can be perfect in your arrangements."

For more information, stop by Victoria Floral, located at 191 S. Main St. or call 434-1222. Also, go online at www.victoriafloral.com.