To prepare for that demand, says Kempthorne, growers start cutting back long stems in the last week of December. Photo / Thinkstock
The most romantic day of the year is a problem many men and women throw money at. Yet there are plenty of ways to save money on Valentine's Day and still be romantic.
If you're having a meal out, use a GrabOne voucher or ask friends who have an Entertainment
Book if you can nab a two-for-one voucher from that.
On the flowers front, buy fewer. A single rose says, "I love you".
If the apple of your eye expects the most expensive bunch available, trade him or her in for a less entitled model. It might be a lucky escape. Ian Kempthorne, of K&L Nurseries in Christchurch, recommends lovestruck Kiwis on a budget get one really good red flower and use other (cheaper) flowers to complete the bouquet.
Flowers cost more at this time of the year thanks to demand, says Samantha Hammond, of Teleflora, which also owns the Petals brand.
