While the polar vortex has certainly frozen out any visions of spring beauty, February marks the season of love. With Valentine’s Day only days away and wedding planning season kicking into high gear, people are making tough decisions: What should I purchase my loved one for Valentine’s Day?
According to a 2014 survey by the National Retail Federation, just over a third of consumers will purchase flowers for their sweetie to mark the occasion. “Valentine’s Day will continue to be a popular gift-giving event, even when consumers are frugal with their budgets.
This is the one day of the year when millions find a way to show their loved ones they care,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. Fortunately, there are plenty of Black-owned flower shops in the Detroit area — many of which have been staples of the community for many years — with flowers in full bloom ready to be delivered to your special someone.
Ashley’s Flowers
With two locations in downtown Detroit, Ashley’s Flowers has created custom floral designs for weddings, funerals and other special events for 25 years, and owner Ashley Alexander has no intention of leaving the city.
“I’ve always had the same goal, to extend my territory. Capture more clients. The influence of buying patterns so people will buy local instead of the 1-800 numbers. There’s got to be at least 40 or 50 florists in the city of Detroit. Call people you know,” said Alexander.
When asked about the time honored tradition of giving flowers, Alexander replied, “They express a true sentiment. It doesn’t make a difference whether its love, I like you or you’re my boo.”
Ashley’s Valentines Day Special: $50 for an assortment of roses and hydrangeas.
As for rose alternatives, Ashley recommends “lilies because they accent roses so well.”
Byron’s Flowers
Nathaniel Duff purchased Byron’s Flowers in 1969, making it the first minority owned retail flower shop of Florist Transworld Delivery, (more commonly known as FTD), in the entire Midwest. Byron’s Flowers has provided floral arrangements for multiple major events around the city including Super Bowl XL, the Detroit Grand Prix and has been the exclusive floral designer for the NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner for the past 22 years.
Now in its second generation of ownership, the flower shop is experiencing a rebirth following a fire in 2010, which caused the business to have to operate out of the owner’s home. The new store is expected to open September 1 of this year on Woodward in Highland Park as Byron’s Flowers and Gourmet Market. Second-generation owner Damian Duff says the new store will operate similar to Whole Foods Market in that it will offer fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, a variety of fresh meat and an outside patio. “Where else can you go in Highland Park and sit outside and eat?” Damian said. He is confident that the new direction of his family’s company will be successful because Byron’s Flowers has long established itself as a staple of the community that offers a quality product.
“I’m going to take what my father taught me to another level. If you treat people right, and give them quality product not only will they come back, they’ll bring more people,” said Duff.
For Valentine’s Day, Byron’s Flowers will house a “cash and carry” stand on Troughbridge and Woodward. In addition to red roses, customers can also purchase stuffed animals, candy, rose petals, chocolate and balloons.
Specials of the day include $15.99 for a half dozen roses and $25.99 for a dozen gift wrapped in paper, $10 more for a vase.
Byron’s alternative to roses is stargazer lilies. “They have fragrance and roses have a fragrance. If you don’t get your women roses on Valentines Day their usually upset; every one wants red roses,” Damian says, “I always, recommend lilies because they last longer, they’re bigger and have a vibrant fragrance.”
Red Rose Florist
Deborah Nelson opened Red Rose Florist ten years ago, located in downtown Detroit at 1425 Woodward Ave. They are a full service flower shop offering flower arrangements for funerals, wedding bouquets and other celebrations. “Flowers always make great gifts, especially red roses because they symbolize love, and Valentine’s Day is a day of recognizing and showing your love”
The Red Rose Florist Valentine’s Day special includes a 10% discount to anyone who comes into the store and says they’re from the Michigan Chronicle or read the business story. For the wedding season the florist will also offer a 10% discount on wedding bouquets. The same will be extended to all funeral flowers, standing sprays, peace lily plants and special arrangements.
Nelson’s alternative to roses is “a nice mixed bouquet with a variety of flowers or some stargazer lilies.”
Terry’s Enchanted Garden
Terry’s Enchanted Garden has been a staple in Detroit for more than 35 years. Third generation owner Sindy Terry moved from California in order to take a more active role in her family’s business. “It’s the love of my mother who is deceased, it is her legacy and I want to keep it alive,” she said.
Terry’s Enchanted Garden also provides corporate service for Compuware Inc., MGM Grand Casino, Daimler Chrysler, Ford Motor Company and others. They have planned and provided floral services for many special events at the Detroit Institute of the Arts, for the mayor of Detroit and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Convention to name a few.
Terry’s enchanted garden valentines day specials include mailed value cards to regular customers; they get a percentage off.
Terry’s alternatives to roses are “orchids, they’re beautiful, they smell good and they’re from Hawaii.”
■ Dark Red: Desire, Passion, Strength
■ Orange: Energy, Enthusiasm, Warmth
■ Yellow: Friendship, Joy, Get Well
■ Blue: Peace, Openness, Serenity
■ Green: Health, Resilience, Youth
■ Lavender: Enchantment, Grace, Love at First Sight
■ Pink: Love, Gratitude, Appreciation
■ White: Purity, Innocence, Sympathy, Spirituality
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