By ANNA GILGOFF

Special to The Press

When Cupid makes his brief visit on Valentine’s Day, local florists will be ready with a wide variety of blooms to suit every taste.

Ross Plants and Flowers, Orefield, and Fogelsville, has a wide range of options.

This year, the shop is launching a new offering called the “Gnome Body Loves You Like I Do” arrangement, said Monica Yurconic-Groff, owner.

“These little gnomes are actually placed in the arrangement with the flowers,” Yurconic-Groff said, with a laugh. “We were in the middle of creating one for Valentine’s Day when somebody just came in and bought it.”

The popularity of gnomes continues to grow.

“Typically, there were garden gnomes, but they’re everywhere this year,” said Keitha Pavolko, a florist at the shop. “They’ve jumped from gardens to Christmas and from Christmas to Valentine’s Day.”

“They’re for all ages,” added Sammy Schmoyer, Ross greenhouse manager.

Many other items are on display at the shop.

“We have these really pretty charms that we’re adding to our vases so that after the flowers die, the charm remains as a reminder of affection,” Yurconic-Groff said.

“We’re trying to find creative ways and different items in addition to the traditional ones, pairing candies with flowers and even a line of soaps we sell that we’re connecting with a vase of flowers.

“After all, we’re a gift shop and a flower shop.”

Yurconic-Groff said their goal to add more value has been a challenge this year.

“The cost of flowers has gone up, so our challenge is to give people what they’re used to at a price that works for them,” she explained.

“Roses are one of our biggest sellers, probably because the rose is a symbol of love,” Pavolko said.

“Everybody wants roses, but this year they are at a premium price.”

Live plants have become a popular Valentine’s Day option, according to Schmoyer.

“Just because they’re still beautiful long after the holiday is over,” Schmoyer said.

“[For that reason], we do many succulent gardens,” Pavolko said.

“They’re becoming a very popular item.”

Clustered in one corner of a display at Ross were a bunch of small pots, each holding a what looked like a green heart.

“People are already talking about the hoya heart, which is a succulent we sometimes use in dish gardens,” Pavolko said. “We do exotic arrangements as well. It all depends on what people are looking for.”

Yurconic-Groff said while flowers are their main focus, they are trying to pair them with other things.

“For the plant lover or the flower lover, we offer things that are a little unique,” she said.

“We have it covered for every sweetheart on your list, from grab-and-go to custom designs,” Schmoyer said.

Debbie Ragosta, florist at Weis Market in Schnecksville, agreed that roses are by far the most popular choice for Valentine’s Day.

The large variety of color and size is not the only draw.

“You can’t beat our prices on roses,” she said.

Fresh roses are not the only option.

“We have these beautiful rose globes for $20 for those who are allergic to flowers,” she explained.

“I’ve had one for three years and it still looks beautiful.”

Many other varieties of flowers crowd the front of the store, offering their fragrance to anyone passing by.

“Our mixed bouquets go like crazy,” she said.

“There’s a $60 bouquet this year. I saw a picture of the bouquet and it was huge.”

The flowers at Weis attract a good deal of traffic.

“I’ve been at this store for eight years,” Ragosta said. “This store does really well. People are not afraid to buy flowers around here.

“This store is a full-service flower shop. We do everything from weddings to funerals.”

Ragosta said she has been a florist for 30 years.

Before coming to Weis, she taught floral design and greenhouse management at Lehigh Career and Technical Institute, just down the road from the store.

These florists are bracing for what likely will be one of the busiest weekends of this year.

“It’s always last minute for Valentine’s Day,” Pavolko said.

“You’re dealing with weather and men,” Schmoyer said with a smile. “And, we’re ready.”