Romance overcomes challenges this Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day yesterday threw up some major challenges for the second year in a row for local florists.
Last year it was a snap five-day state-wide lockdown due to COVID 48 hours before the big day; this year it was a shortage of long stem red roses due to reduced air flights bringing in imported roses necessary to meet normal demand.
But restaurants that 12 months ago had to close their doors to customers that had booked Valentine's Day dinners were able to offer full service yesterday.
It has been a stark contrast over the past few days for Warragul Flower Shop proprietor Sheree Kerr and her staff compared to a year ago.
Yesterday the shop was open from 7am until Valentine's Day stocks were sold although COVID provided another curve ball with one of her staff in isolation because a family member had contracted the virus.
Some family members stepped in to help with the influx of customers and on Sunday when long hours were spent preparing for the day.
Although normal supplies of red roses weren't available other mixed floral arrangements and irises, that have become popular on Valentine's Day, moved quickly.
A year ago it was a mad rush from customers trying to get their flowers a couple of days early as the shop remained open and busy until the midnight deadline.
Ms Kerr said Valentine's Day was one of the busiest of the year for florists alongside Mother's Day, Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.