Romance blooms- Carmel Maskiell of Hampton Park Florist is looking forward to Valentine’s Day. 76871

By Bridget Scott
VALENTINE’S Day is the most enjoyable day of the year for one Hampton Park florist.
Hundreds of passionate people of all ages across Casey would dig deep to impress their desired Valentine.
Carmel Maskiell, owner of Hampton Park Florist in the Hampton Park Shopping Centre, said hundreds of orders were placed in the run up to Valentine’s Day.
She said she made the most sales in the days leading up to 14 February, and called it the most exciting day of the year. Ms Maskiell said many people entered the doors for last-minute gifts for their loved ones, with red roses being the most popular purchase, along with gerberas and tulips.
Ms Maskiell said other options for gifts aside from flowers included jewellery, mostly engagement rings, with some men set to pop the question on the most romantic day.
While many people stick to tradition, Ms Maskiell said one of the quirkiest requests from a customer was “a rose for every hour of the day” for his valentine.
Ms Maskiell said this year, younger people including newlyweds, were flocking to her store, but attributed it to the large young crowd in Hampton Park.
Her advice for those attempting to impress a loved one on Valentine’s Day was to “buy within your budget.”
Still a popular occasion, Valentine’s Day doesn’t appear it will lose its flare in Casey for a long time yet.