By Sharifah Nong-Jasima
KUCHING: As the world gets ready to celebrate, Valentine’s Day, widely celebrated among the younger generation or the romantics, and they are more than willing to splurge a little more than usual on their significant other.
However, this year’s Valentine’s Day is unique, aligning with a joyous festivity. The Lunar New Year is a time of familial reunion merged with a marvellous convergence of cultures and traditions and is off to a beautiful and romantic start.
Tucked in a quaint corner at Hilton Kuching, Pretty Petals, a renowned florist established in 1990, has already accepted orders for flower bouquets early in February, making it a busy time for the establishment.
During the festivities, Madam Lynda, the founder of Pretty Petals, believes that many young people will come back to spend time with their families during the holidays.
“Since Valentine’s Day is on the same week as the Lunar New Year, these young people would take the opportunity to buy flowers for their girlfriends, wives, even parents, especially for their mothers.
“Although the sale for Valentine’s Day is more or less the same as for the sale for festivities like the Lunar New Year, the only difference for us is our workforce. Some of the workers may have taken leave to spend time with their families,” she told New Sarawak Tribune.
Madam Lynda imports flowers such as baby’s-breaths, lilies, hydrangeas, gerberas, tulips, peonies, and roses from China, India, Kenya, Ecuador, and Columbia.
Although the prices are high, these are some of Pretty Petals’ most requested flowers. She also said that roses are still popular for Valentine’s Day bouquets, followed by baby’s-breaths.
The bouquets range from RM80; some can cost up to RM700 depending on the customers’ request.
Nowadays, some of the more popular styles are English and Korean, but Pretty Petals primarily uses English-styled bouquets, and the colours of choice are purple, pink, white, and a little green.
Pretty Petals accepts orders through their website or WhatsApp. Customers can deliver their flowers through the florist’s van or Grab services.
Although Pretty Petals would prefer advance orders, they would gladly accept last-minute customisations in the event of a sudden inspiration from their customers.
“We custom-make bouquets so every bouquet looks unique because these bouquets are for somebody’s special someone. It depends entirely on the person’s preferences,” Madam Lynda said, adding that Pretty Petals can accommodate their customers’ budgets.
However, Valentine’s Day bouquets tend to cost three times more than the normal everyday bouquets.
Pretty Petals can also include plush toys, chocolates and greeting cards to express the giver’s feelings to the receiver.
“For flower care, a person must cut the bottom of the stem at a 45-degree angle and change the water daily. Flower food can also help extend the life of flowers.” Madam Lynda advised.
