Say it with flowers.  Say it with balloons, candy or cards.

Valentine’s Day messages of love kept businesses hustling last week – particularly florists where sprays of roses and baskets of bouquets seemed to cover every available surface, and the air was rich with the sweet smell of flowers in bloom.

On Thursday, the night before the holiday, Nancy Caverly, owner of Dyer Avenue Florist, was working late, surrounded by buckets of long-stemmed roses.  MaryRose Ouillette, worked alongside Caverly, was stripping thorns off the rose stems and the two were using their skills to create colorful bouquets adorned with ribbons and bows.

“It’s by far our busiest holiday,” said Caverly, noting that for the average florist, preparing for Valentine Day’s orders begins weeks in advance.  And while things may get a little hectic, she said it is very much a labor of love for a holiday dedicated to love.