Remember to stop and smell the roses

Photo by jill russell

JENNELL SADER (BOOTE) MAKES A HANDMADE BOW TO ACCOMPANY A BOUQUET OF ROSES.

In Milton, Jennell Sader (Boote) and her employees are knee-deep among buckets of roses.

The owner of Jennell’s Flowers & Gifts in Milton is preparing for one of the busiest floral retail days of the year – but she is no rookie. Since opening her shop in 1988, Sader has spent nearly 22 Valentine’s Days helping customers express their love through beautiful bouquets.

“Everyone likes to get a valentine even if it is just a card,” she said. “We all need something to look forward to, especially in these trying times.”

The demand for roses is high during this time of the year, but they also require a lot more preparation time. It usually takes about 16 to 24 hours, depending on quality ordered, to get the flowers in top shape, Sader explained. Her stock arrives in boxes and need to be cleaned, dethorned and cut under water so they hydrate.

Contrary to popular opinion, most florists do not make the bulk of their yearly revenue from Valentine’s Day sales, because growers double or sometimes triple the price of roses during this time of the year. Want those roses in red or pink? Expect to pay a higher price for them.  

“I asked a grower one time how they justify that. He told me it’s called supply and demand. Simple economics,” Sader explained. “If they didn’t raise the price growers could never grow enough for the consumer.”

Sader’s floral creativity is put to the test throughout most of the year. She designs displays for funerals, weddings and “just-because.” Perhaps her most challenging accomplishment was designing the Fife-Milton Daffodil Parade float, in which she placed thousands of fresh daffodils by hand.  

It was Sader’s meticulous craftsmanship that eventually caught the eye of Major League Baseball and the Seattle Mariners team. In 2001, Sader was commissioned to design a floral display for the All-Star Game at Safeco Field. Since then, Major League Baseball has commissioned her as an official florist for the Seattle Mariners.

This position has allow-ed Sader to work with everyone involved with the team, from executives to athletes and their families.

“Jennell is our main contact for all flowers we send to employees, fans and friends of our club,” said Marianne Short, vice president of human resources for the franchise. “She is the consummate professional, her arrangements are always perfect and her customer service is beyond our expectations.”

This reputation is something Sader prides herself on. Back at the shop, she has already begun primping and pruning her stock. Interestingly enough, she noted that as a florist, she rarely receives flowers.

“People think a florist is surrounded by them and doesn’t want any. Not true,” Sader said.

Her favorite flower is the gardenia.

“The fragrance is fabulous. However, a vase of yellow roses, oncidium orchids, hydrangea and white lilies would be awesome, too.”

Jennell’s Flowers & Gifts is located at 1506 11th Ave. in Milton. For more information, call (253) 922-3535.

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