Everyone has an opinion about Valentine’s Day. A Hallmark holiday? An opportunity to spread some love? Or just… ick? Whatever your stance, we think there’s a way to say it with flowers and have a little fun in the process.
A day charged with emotion doesn’t have to feel heavy. It’s really just another day, and ultimately it’s about the message and sentiment behind the floral gift. So let’s focus on that, and the different ways to say I love you.
A Bit of History
Saint Valentine’s Day has its roots in the 3rd century. One of the most enduring stories centres on Saint Valentine, a priest during the reign of Emperor Claudius II. Claudius banned marriages for young men, believing that single soldiers made better fighters. Valentine, clearly a romantic, defied the order and continued to perform marriage ceremonies under a cloak of secrecy. For this crime, he was imprisoned and later executed on 14 February.
Fast forward a few thousand years and the day still holds its roots in love and devotion, from exchanging traditional love notes to gifts and flowers.
Not so ick anymore? At Poho, we think there’s something to be celebrated and embraced in all of this history, drama and sacrifice.
The Note
Coming back to the idea of exchanging love notes and messages, we think of the traditional Be My Valentine sentiment many of us shared in our youth with a person of affection or desire, accompanied by that ever-churning question of whether the feeling would be reciprocated.
Fast forward to our current loves (or lustful desires), and we believe the most genuine and heartfelt way to express yourself is through a message, regardless of what flower or gift it’s attached to. Sometimes simple really is best, but we also love emotive words that show genuine love, care and connection. That said, a simple I love you can hit just the right spot.
The Red Rose
Moving in and out of favour over the years, we’re increasingly seeing people gravitate back towards red roses for Valentine’s Day. They’re having a bit of a renaissance moment right now, which certainly helps.
A flower that not long ago was seen as crass or mass-market is very much back in style. At Poho, we love beautiful local red garden roses, often with striking dark edges or delicate variegation through the petal. Our go-to long-stemmed rose, the Explorer Rose from Ecuador, stands tall with beautifully broad petals and a deep, velvety red complexion. Whether left natural or reflexed, it’s just plain sexy.
Classical mythology places the red rose firmly in the grip of Venus, the Roman goddess of love. Legend suggests red roses grew from the ground stained by the blood of her lover, Adonis. Getting the link now? Red has long symbolised romantic love and passion.
Gifting Flowers
Whether it’s a red rose or something else entirely, make it personal. Before heading in-store or ordering online at Poho, put on your detective hat. Find out your Valentine’s favourite flower, scent or colour, or simply think about their general style and aesthetic.
If you’re going to say I love you or Be My Valentine, make sure there’s genuine thought and sentiment behind the floral gift. Valentine’s Day is a mixed bag at Poho, from red roses to pretty pastels, elegant neutrals and even textural natives. We truly see it all. Unique gift bouquets for every unique Valentine.
You might also consider adding a Loco Love chocolate to your gift. With a cult following, they’re sure to impress just about everyone.
Plan Ahead!
For a florist, Valentine’s Day also comes with mixed emotions and a serious lack of sleep. We love creating all your special bouquets and fulfilling requests, but we need time to add that special Poho touch to each and every one.
Make sure you plan ahead and order online a few weeks in advance, or if visiting us in-store on the day, come early to have the best pick of the seasonal bounty.
Galentine’s Day
Each and every day we handwrite all your card messages, which gives us a unique insight into what people are expressing. Every year, we notice more friends sending flowers to each other on Valentine’s Day, or Galentine’s Day as it has affectionately become known, and we absolutely love this.
Whether you’re looking out for a single friend or simply taking the opportunity to remind someone special that they are loved, seen and appreciated, we think it’s a beautiful and contemporary interpretation of an age-old tradition.
With this simple guide, we hope you now have a little background and a fresh view of what Valentine’s Day at Poho could be for you.
