I hope I am not giving away my age too badly, but I was a floral designer for almost 20 years. Valentines Day was always the biggest holiday.
I can’t believe that this year, I was sitting on the beach instead of stripping rose thorns, I used to work 24/7 at this time of year, instead I am enjoying the sunshine 24/7.
I hope that everyone, exhausted floral designers included, has a very Happy Valentines Day. If you want to see some of the arrangements I designed last year, you can here.
I am a floral designer living in a tiny condo in downtown Toronto, Canada's largest city. But on the weekend, I am a gardener/frustrated architect trying to keep up with a 3/4 acre garden in Owen Sound, Ontario, a warm (to Canadians, Zone 5b, and a cold (to Americans, Zone 4b) garden.
Green Theatre 
Garden Walk Garden Talk said,
February 14, 2011 @ 7:15 AM
So enjoy your time!
kilbournegrove said,
February 21, 2011 @ 8:00 AM
Thanks, I almost forgot about V Day this year, so much time is spent planning in advance, there is a constant reminder.
Carolflowerhillfarm said,
February 14, 2011 @ 9:03 AM
Deborah, You are living a far more sane life now!! I have never been too involved with this holiday . . . mostly weddings and events. It is a pretty crazy day but I guess it helps many small flower businesses survive the winter. Enjoy your wonderful life!! We are having a bit of a warm trend for a few days . . . from snowy New England. Happy Valentine’s Day!
kilbournegrove said,
February 21, 2011 @ 8:01 AM
So true, it is a crazy day for most florists, but it does keep them going for many months.
Edith Hope said,
February 14, 2011 @ 9:47 AM
Dearest D, What a difference a year makes!! Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Ian. Enjoy!!
kilbournegrove said,
February 21, 2011 @ 8:02 AM
Dearest E, I never pictured myself in Barbados this Valentines Day, funny the twists and turns your life can take.
Rosie@leavesnbloom said,
February 14, 2011 @ 1:17 PM
I was thinking about you Deborah as I was writing the post as I remember that big box that you got sent to you last year with all those wonderful snowdrops. I have enjoyed looking through your Barbados photos – Have a wonderful Valentines Day.
kilbournegrove said,
February 21, 2011 @ 8:03 AM
Thanks Rosie, I cannot wait to see those snowdrops bloom, trying to plan my trip now and keeping a close eye on the weather.
Anna said,
February 14, 2011 @ 5:02 PM
What a difference a year makes! Hope that you are enjoying the slower pace of life and that the two of you have been able to enjoy some time together today 🙂
kilbournegrove said,
February 21, 2011 @ 8:04 AM
Life is crazy, you never know where it will take you. This is the first year that Ian and I ever spent the day together.
Barbara H. said,
February 14, 2011 @ 5:12 PM
I’m so glad you are getting new perspectives and a well-deserved chance to re-charge yourself. It’s important when we get those life slowed down breaks to fully appreciate them as the important part of the life cycle that they are – sort of what the garden does every year. When we swing back into action, it’s with renewed vigor. I hope Ian is getting some of this down time, too!
kilbournegrove said,
February 21, 2011 @ 8:06 AM
No Barbara, Ian has to work and support me in the manner to which I want to become accustomed to, lol.
Helen at Toronto Gardens said,
February 14, 2011 @ 9:20 PM
Enjoy every sun-filled minute of it. But wear that sunscreen, girl. Happy V-Day!
kilbournegrove said,
February 21, 2011 @ 8:06 AM
Nice to need sunscreen!
Rebecca @ In The Garden said,
February 14, 2011 @ 11:56 PM
What a difference!!! No more thorn stripping this year, glad you are enjoying your time. 🙂
kilbournegrove said,
February 21, 2011 @ 8:07 AM
Most relaxing V Day ever!
Andrea said,
February 15, 2011 @ 4:26 AM
good for you, you can now afford to rest and do whatever you want especially on Valentine’s Day. have fun, life is too short not to reap its bounties.
kilbournegrove said,
February 21, 2011 @ 8:07 AM
Thanks Andrea, life is short, and I am going to enjoy every moment of it.
Carolyn @ Carolyns Shade Gardens said,
February 15, 2011 @ 8:15 AM
Deborah, Orange roses, especially with a little red in them, are my favorites. Late Happy Valentines Day. Carolyn
kilbournegrove said,
February 21, 2011 @ 8:08 AM
They are a pretty colour, my fav seems to change daily.
Robert Webber said,
February 15, 2011 @ 11:10 AM
So your 35 !
Enjoy the rest.
Best
R
kilbournegrove said,
February 21, 2011 @ 8:08 AM
Tee hee, how did you know!
Barbara said,
February 15, 2011 @ 11:54 AM
Happy belated Valentine’s Day. What a treat for you that you don’t have to bind a bunch of rose bouquets this year, and instead can lounge around on beaches taking beautiful photos of sunsets. Barbara
kilbournegrove said,
February 21, 2011 @ 8:10 AM
It was a treat Barbara, I will never be able to go back to work now, I am getting lazy, lol.
Holley said,
February 15, 2011 @ 5:05 PM
Yes, I always feel sorry for florists as they work overnight trying to make everyone else happy. Glad you’re getting some rest and relaxation. Happy (belated) Valentine’s Day!
kilbournegrove said,
February 21, 2011 @ 8:11 AM
Holley, I am glad that someone appreciates how much work it is, most customers do not realize. Thanks for the good wishes.