Robert Huff’s business, Bo-Ty Florist, has been blossoming in Winston-Salem for 60 years. Roses, lilies, potted plants, and vases line the store, ready to be whipped up into creative, meaningful masterpieces.

Huff, a joint owner along with Glenna Dawson and Leslie Jamback, has been working at Bo-Ty for 38 years. “I enjoy the flower business because it’s diversified. Every day is a little different than the day before, or the next day. Also, my background is in architecture and engineering, so I like to use those design elements with flowers.”

Sitting at the bridal consultant table filled with pictures from past events, Huff explains that while it’s wonderful to have a long-lasting business, he worries that younger patrons will consider the business out of date. To counteract that, Huff and his team study the latest flower trends. “We read publications and go to seminars to learn about what is happening, and then integrate that into our shop. We also look to the Orient and Japan, who have always been leaders in flower decor.”

What are the busiest days for buying flowers?
Valentine’s Day is the single biggest day. Mother’s Day is as much volume as Valentine’s Day, but it’s spread out more during the week. Also, during the holidays we get orders pretty consistently.

What are some alternatives to roses for Valentine’s Day?
I think mixed flower arrangements are a great option. That can include anything from tulips and freesia to bulbs. We do a lot of roses on Valentine’s Day, and in a lot of different colors, but red is still the most traditional and popular. Men have a lot of confidence and comfort with roses because, most of the time, they know they’ll be successful sending or giving them.

What are ways to make flowers last longer?
One of the most important things is to keep the flowers in a cool place. Put them where you can see them and enjoy them, but don’t put them in direct sun, near a heat source, or on the TV because it will dry them out. A second good rule is to put clean, fresh water in the vase regularly. That will extend their life.

What are tips for creating an arrangement from loose flowers?
For a novice arranger, the most important tip is to decorate using odd numbers. For example, use three of many different kinds of flowers and place them in triangular groupings. Another older rule of thumb was that the stems should be one and a half times the height of the container. That can still be done, but more and more people are making the stems shorter so that it’s more of a clustered look. Just make sure the flower stems aren’t cut too short so the buds don’t fall into the vase.

If you are unsure about someone’s taste, what is a good flower to give?
A mixture works well. Usually roses are included somewhere because they are well-liked and people perceive their value. But you have to be careful with lilies and other flowers with strong
fragrances because people could be allergic to them.There are two other trends that are fun to give. One is to give a monochromatic arrangement. For example, if you like pink, then the whole bouquet can be pink, but with different kinds of flowers. The other variation is a monobotanical arrangement. This is where the flower is the same, such as tulips, but all of the flowers can be different colors.

What’s the best way to make a good impression with a limited budget?
People always tell me how expensive fresh flowers are, considering how short they last. I always ask them, “How long did that $25 steak last that you ate the other day?” Flowers are all about the memories, so no matter how much you have to spend, you can give a great gift. With mixed bouquets you can pick your price range and the flowers will vary according to budget. My mother lived until she was 88, and she always remembered and talked about the two times that she received a dozen long-stem red roses. Getting flowers is about making a memory.

Bo-Ty Florist is at 3002 Trenwest Drive. For hours, flower selections, and ordering information, call 336-765-7272, or go to botyflorist.com.