We have boxes and boxes of celebrity roses arriving from all over the US for Valentines Day.  I see them in a way most probably do not because I greet them upon arrival.  They are not really different from me and my canine friends if you really look….
Before they arrived  I am sure they were primping themselves, growing to their most perfect because our celebrities are not cut until they are shipped; ensuring they are the freshest for their upcoming performance.  They had their tickets early but I wonder if everyone in the greenhouse knew where they are going.  I bet they were all excited and gossiping about their travel plans and each other’s shows.
I always wonder what they think when I greet them as the box lids are opened.  I look my best and greet them with “Hi, I’m Willow- welcome to New York”!  I like to greet them from their long trips, assuring them water is on the way and the most perfect vase is ready for them.  Kind of like a hotel concierge, I like to think it is a very important responsibility.    I love to watch them stretch and flex their leaves from the first big drink of NY water they take.   They open their bloom faces giving a smile; a hint preview of their show performance.

The  dark red, Black Baccara are the snobbiest I think.  They are the most regal & beautiful and they know it.  They kind of stay to themselves because… they can.   The pure white Polar Stars are hands down, the most delicate and frightful.  They are fragile, shy, and nervous with just the slightest of accident causing a bruise.  I try to keep an extra protective, eye on them as they get stressed with the trip I think, and don’t fit in too well with the others because of it.   Flowers are like animals, some like travel and some don’t, or some like one friend -while others prefer many.
The pink Cotton Candies are my sort of favorite.  They are just like their name; sweet and girlie, forever primping and fussing.  They complain and whine until they have ribbons around them, but they are always a lot of fun.

The yellow Tara’s are the friendliest and loudest-forever being teased by the pinks, because just looking at them they seem to scream their color.  The pinks think they are a bit bold & unsophisticated because of their brightness-but like shelter animals-never judge a book by its cover!  They are survivors these yellows-strong, and always perfect houseguests.
And the Green Teas.   They are always so peaceful and easy going.  Nothing seems to upset them; they just blend in and get along with everyone.  A peaceful world for these environmentalists, who are so grateful we use no make-up or chemicals at the shop.   All of these roses shine on their own natural beauty.  They really are the only girls in the world who do not need make-up.
There are a few others like the soft spoken and mannerly, Parisienne peach girls-and the ever so hip, Cool lavender girls.   The orange group are warm and cuddly types, and the 2 tone stripes…. Well everyone picks on the stripes for being so different.  I feel sorry for them because you should never make fun of someone just because they are not like you-or a bit different.

All in all, the different personalities seem to get along.  When mixing the colors in a vase they at first rub each the wrong way fighting for their own space on the stage-but when all is finished and they are perfectly coiffed-they all shine together and get along fine.   I actually like them all-because each has their own character.  And just like us-get along perfectly once they give each a chance to know each other.
xxoo Willow