Burke Florist: One of the Busiest Days of the Year

Valentine's Day is one of the busiest days of the year for Diane Dorsett. That's because she's the owner of Burke Florist, located in University Mall. The flower shop has been a fixture in the mall for the past 25 years. Dorsett and daughter Maureen, owners of the shop, have run it the past five years.

The Dorsetts usually close their shop on Sundays, but not this weekend. Yesterday, they prepared for the holiday and also sold flowers to some folks who were buying their bouquets early.

"We've been pretty busy already this morning," she said today, at 10 a.m. The phone has been ringing off the hook and she's also getting a pretty busy walk-in traffic. She just got finished placing a second order with her wholesaler.

The average customer for Valentine's Day? "I'd say men of all ages," Dorsett said with a laugh.

Her most requested flower of the day: Not necessarily a rose, she noted. "I hate to say a rose, because a lot of people do that. A real nice mixed arrangement," is also quite popular.

But it's not Valentine's Day without red roses. Burke Florist orders Freedom Roses and Red France roses from their wholesaler. "I prefer Ecuadorian roses," Dorsett said. A dozen red roses at Burke Florist are $95. This includees a vase, floral design, greenery and ribbon.

Dorsett has hired extra drivers today, a total of three who will make deliveries. "And I'll be doing last-minute things," she said.

Some Valentine's Days have been known to dawn gray, cold and icy. But not today, with temperatures in the 50s and sunny. "This weather is perfect," Dorsett said. "Last year it was terrible."

If you have a loved one you want to wish a happy Valentine's Day to, Burke Florist will be open today until 6 p.m. You can reach the shop at: (703) 352-3633.