Valentine buzz as love blooms in city streets

Workers at Maridadi flower farm in Naivasha prepare roses for export ahead of Valentine's Day when demand for the flowers is at its highest. [Antony Gitonga, Standard] As the clock ticks towards Valentine's Day, love is in the air and it is getting warmer. The temperature of affection seems to be rising and the mood of love is filling every corner. Friday, is the day when love takes centre stage, but Nairobi City is already buzzing with excitement. Flowers and scents are stealing the show with vibrant blooms crowding the streets and the shelves of shops, creating a colourful display of romance. These flower shops have become a hive of activity and this is evident at the Westgate Mall's basement. White vases neatly arranged with colourful flower bundles make it impossible to walk by unnoticed. A flower stand placed next to the mall's elevator welcomes shoppers with a sweet floral scent that lingers in the air. Ivy Rono, the florist behind Blooming Blooms Flower Shop, is busy preparing for what she calls the peak season in the flower business. The act of giving flowers has been a timeless tradition, a language of love passed down through generations. But having sold flowers for a decade, Rono says she has seen how flowers have evolved from being just aesthetic pieces to serving medicinal, wellness, and even insect-repelling purposes. "Flowers are not just about love. They have so many other benefits," Ivy says as she carefully arranges a bouquet. "People buy eucalyptus for sinuses or to freshen up bathrooms. Tuberose helps chase away insects, and some flowers are meant to lift one's spirits and make one feel good," she adds. Despite these benefits, she acknowledges that the Valentine's season is all about aesthetics; whether it is a simple red rose, a grand bouquet, or a modern money bouquet, the message remains the same, love is meant to be shared, celebrated, and cherished every day. She indicates that the demand for red roses, in particular, is at an all-time high. "I love this time of the year. What excites me the most is that Kenyans have embraced flowers in a whole new way. It is no longer just about Valentine's Day, people now express love through flowers every day." Rono said. She believes that celebrating love should not be limited to February 14. Love, she says, should be cherished and shared daily, whether when a baby is born, during a proposal, or simply to show appreciation. "We celebrate love every day in different ways. Valentine's Day just gets the most attention because many people focus on it," she adds.

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