From traditional to trendy, giving flowers is still in style

This year, get back to the roots of Valentine's Day and express your love with flowers. 

"Getting flowers isn't like getting a piece of clothing or something practical. A bouquet of flowers is romantically impractical," says Kathy Zortman, owner of Petal Pushers in North Sioux City. 

"A rose is a rose. They always smell the same, but on Valentine's Day, they're much more special." 

At Petal Pushers, Zortman says red or pink roses are her hottest orders for Valentine's Day. 

"Around here, Valentine's Day is pretty much traditional." 

If your sweetheart is a little less traditional, a garden-style arrangement with ranunculus is a twist on a classic bouquet of roses. 

"Ranunculus look similar to a rose, but have a higher petal count. They're very full," say Mercedes Ivener, owner of Honeysuckle Hollow in Sioux City. 

For this Valentine's Day, Honeysuckle Hollow is stocking up on flowers that are fluffy and fragrant. 

"Our favorites tend to be large, airy and nature-inspired," says Ivener. 

The less formal garden-style arrangements have become popular over the years. 

"Garden-style just means we use the flower the way it would grow in nature. Loose, yet full, and always just a little bit different," says Ivener. 

Ivener loves to include a little bit of whimsy in all arrangements, adding vines, evergreens, jasmine or succulent in her bouquets. 

Zortman has had requests to make her garden-style bouquets look as if "a butterfly could fly out." 

Most importantly, don't forget to include a card. "Even the simplest sentiment goes a long way at making your fresh flowers personal and meaningful," says Ivener. 

And ladies, don't forget -- "Men like flowers too," Zortman says. 

"Valentine's flowers are wonderful gifts, not only for spouses or significant others, they're great for children, teachers, parents, friends and ourselves," Ivener says.

To keep your flowers around as long as possible, check your water levels daily to be sure water is covering all the stems, says Ivener. Change your water at least every other day and place your arrangements in a cool, dark spot.

"Keeping your arrangements away from heating vents will also help them stay alive longer," says Zortman. 

No matter the style, all flower lovers can agree that it's the thought that counts.

"The thought behind the flowers is what makes it romantic," says Zortman. "Flowers aren't a necessity, they're a luxury, which is why I think they're the perfect gift." 

"The simple act of receiving flowers as a message of love is romantic to me,"says Ivener. "And who doesn't need a good dose of living, fresh beauty on a cold, Midwest day?"