Fortunately the lead-up to summer has been more positive for the industry and she is hopeful the community and customers will enjoy themselves this week (Wednesday is Valentine’s Day) and spoil their loved ones.
Michelle Elliott, owner of Wild Stems Florist on Peel Street, is also looking forward to a successful day.
“With the devastation of last year’s cyclone, we lost a lot of fresh stock and weren’t able to trade,” she said.
One positive outcome that came about was that through being forced to look elsewhere for stock due to highway closures, they were now sourcing the majority of their flowers from local growers.
“We have a range of beautifully grown flowers in the Gisborne district and have built relationships with these talented growers who produce export quality flowers,” Michelle said.
“We are looking forward to spreading the love around Gisborne on Valentine’s Day without interference from a natural disaster this year.”
History reveals there were some other happenings on February 14 over the years.
Alexander Graham Bell filed a patent application in Washington DC for the first telephone in 1876.
Captain James Cook was killed in 1779 in a confrontation with Hawaiian natives at Kealakekua Bay.
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, wearing a red wool dress and a triple strand of pearls, gave a one-hour televised tour of the White House to 56 million viewers which earned her a special award at the Emmys.
Whatever way you choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day, red roses remain an all-time favourite as Chantelle will attest.
“Always red — red roses, red wrapping, red hearts . . .”
