Linda Boardman became the owner of Acorn & Evergreen Floral Studio (formerly known as Kent Floral Co.) just two weeks before every florist’s biggest day of the year: Valentine’s Day.

“It’s like our Super Bowl,” Boardman said about the holiday.

Boardman has been designing bouquets for 23 years. She’s also the owner of Dietz Floral Studio in Cuyahoga Falls.

Boardman had to pre-order flowers in December to make sure there would be enough flowers on Feb. 14. This year, Boardman ordered around 3,000 red roses, which she calls a holiday classic.

Succulents and cacti have been becoming more popular, and dahlias, peonies, and eucalyptus trends have circled back, Boardman said.

Boardman has been preparing non-perishables since January, but all other orders are fresh.

“Each bouquet takes about 10 minutes to create, depending on what type of flower it is and how often the phone rings,” she said.

The business started a promotion to ease the stress of Valentine’s Day. If the flowers are delivered on Feb. 11, 12 or 13, Acorn & Evergreen will mail the customer a coupon for a dozen red roses to be redeemed at any time until next January. The business had about 30 pre-orders this year, but it expects more in the future because this was its first year.

“A lot of people just don’t know how much flowers actually cost,” Boardman said.

Acorn & Evergreen’s small bouquets run anywhere from $35 to $50, and medium bouquets can cost between $60 to $80.

Boardman said the business will have “every flat surface (of the showroom) packed with flowers” for walk-in pick-ups on Valentine’s Day.

Future plans for Acorn & Evergreen may include succulent workshops and a coffee shop, Boardman said. A macrame workshop is already being planned, “as soon as the floor gets ready.”

Acorn and Evergreen is located on 1109 S. Water St. in Kent and will be open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Valentine’s Day.

Sara Donato is a photographer. Contact her at [email protected].