SAVANNAH, Ga (WSAV) — Roses are red… violets are blue… and with Valentine's Day ahead… flower shopping is in full bloom! Valentine's Day is just around the corner… and local flower shops are gearing up for one of their busiest times of the year.
With bouquets flying off the shelves, one Savannah florist is working hard to meet the high demand. The John Davis Florist shop has been helping Savannah residents say "I love you" for decades.
The shop has been open for nearly 37 years. John Davis opened the shop around 1988 wanting to own his own business.
This year, they've ordered more than 2,000 roses. This year's top order is mostly red… surprisingly yellow roses are the second most popular request. The shop sources flowers from Mexico, California, Costa Rica, and Puerto Rico - ensuring a vibrant selection for last-minute shoppers.
Nationwide – Valentine's Day flower prices have increased, with a dozen long-stem red roses costing $90.50. In Georgia, prices are among the more affordable while neighboring South Carolina ranks among the highest.
"We do have to order flowers in December for Valentine's Day. It's a guess and we kind of base it on what we did last year," said Connie Ross, the Manager of the John Davis Florist shop. "It is very important for our business too. It boosts our business for the beginning of the year when it is kind of a lull for businesses."
After John Davis passed away in 2021, Ross stepped up to help manage the flower shop. The shop is still owned by the family. When asked about how she became involved in the business, Ross smiled and said it all began over a bouquet of flowers.
"I came in to get my daughter's wedding flowers in 2001, and in 2002 I retired, and Mr. Davis said, 'why don't you come help?' and he trained me to where I am today," Ross said while reflecting.
If you do get flowers for the holiday, you should know how to make them last longer for a better bang for your buck. This includes using flower food, making sure your vase is clean, and changing the water and trimming the stems every two to three days.
If you missed ordering your bouquet, it's not too late. The John Davis Florist shop here in Savannah is ready for last-minute orders. Whether it is a classic bouquet of roses, or something more unique, they have plenty of options.