Once again it is the time of year when window shops are filled with red fluffy hearts with messages of eternal love, when chocolatiers wrap their creations in velvet heart boxes, and florists stock up on red roses- doesn’t it make you queasy?

But seriously, according to Hallmark research, Valentines Day is the second most popular greeting card giving occasion of the year, and probably the most popular day for flowers, especially red roses. Although the history of Valentine’s Day and who Valentine really was and how he became a saint remain foggy, what we do know is that February has long been the month of romance, and what better way to express it than flowers- I guess?

I’m not the only one. So many flowers are purchased on the 14th that flower merchants around the world stock up well in advance. Israel, of course is doing its part, exporting 125 million flowers to Europe. According to the Flower Grower Association, 5000 tons of flowers and ornaments will be flown to Europe ahead of Valentine’s Day to cater for the needs of the Day of Love. And as expected the most popular flowers are pink and red roses.