The Kansas City Star talked with Toblers Flowers to see how they are braving the winter weather to deliver all Valentine’s Day orders on time.

Just two days before Valentine’s Day, Kansas City experienced icy roads and freezing temperatures, making conditions a challenge for drivers on the road. Toblers Flowers had no choice but to cancel deliveries on Wednesday and reschedule during the big Valentine’s Day rush on Thursday and Friday. 

Floral designers Emilee Matzen and Christy Conkling shared that the team has been working 14-hour days since the Sunday before Valentine’s Day, working hard to fulfill orders and design fresh flower arrangments. Chris Auckland, co-owner of Toblers Flowers for 15 years, explained the decision to postpone deliveries on Wednesday happened after the metro area was covered in snow and ice, with road conditions becoming hazardous for all drivers. 

In addition to icy roads, freezing weather means florists need to take special care in wrapping every arrangement before it heads out the door. This process creates double the work for the team. While the flowers are wrapped in plastic with a ribbon on top, delivery vehicles are temperature-controlled to help keep the blooms fresh and beautiful. 

With over 2,000 Valentine’s Day arrangements to deliver, Toblers Flowers has between 50 and 80 delivery drivers ready to tackle the rush on Thursday and Friday. Thursday’s drivers will deliver about 1,000 arrangements. Additional staff has also been hired to assist designers in the store. 

Red roses are the iconic Valentine’s Day bloom and remain the most popular choice. However, mixed roses, hydrangeas, and other premium stems are making their way into romantic bouquets this year. Don’t miss out on your own fresh blooms from Toblers Flowers! 

Click here to read the full article.