The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

10 Stouffville Sun-Tribune | Thursday, February 4, 2016 | Explore alternative flowers for Valentine's Day Behind only Mother's Day, Valentine's Day is the second most popular day to give flowers to a loved one. Thousands upon thousands of roses are imported from areas of South America in time for Valentine's Day, and the rose has become the unofficial flower of this day. Those who have given a bouquet of roses before understand that roses can be quite expensive, and that price only rises on holidays like Valentine's Day. Instead of feeling pressured into giving a dozen long-stemmed roses, gift-givers can explore other beautiful flower options available. Red roses may signify love, but just about any other crimson-hued flower can also represent the strong emotions felt for a sweetheart -- and at a much more affordable cost. When visiting the florist to have a bouquet or arrangement of flowers assembled for Valentine's Day, consider mixing and matching some other flowers for an arrangement with flair and originality. · Dahlias: Named after Anders Dahl, a Swedish botanist, these flowers are native to Mexico but actually prefer cooler growing conditions. Dahlias come in all sizes, from small blooms of a few inches to much larger blossoms that may be a foot in width. They are related to the sunflower, daisy and chrysanthemum. The Dahlia usually is not a scented flower, which may work for people who are especially sensitive to scented blooms. · Chrysanthemums: Also known as mums, chrysanthemums are versatile flowers that symbolize optimism, joy, fidelity and love. Although mums are traditionally yellow, they can also be white, red and other hybrid hues. · Peonies: Peonies are herbaceous perennial plants that produce large, often fragrant flowers ranging in color from red to white. Peonies are highly prized by Eastern cultures, and in China they are known as the "flower of riches and honor." · Carnations: Carnations have the scientific name of Dianthus, which means "flowers of God." Carnations are particularly coveted because they can last long after being cut, which makes them popular in floral arrangements. Dark red carnations are said to convey affection and deep love. Because of their popularity, carnations are often easily affordable. · Columbine: Columbine is native to North America, Asia and Europe. It has lacy-looking leaves and bell-shaped flowers. While columbines are traditionally used as garden plants to attract hummingbirds, a few blooms added to a floral arrangement can brighten up the design. · Poppies: Low-maintenance and usually easy to grow, poppies' vivid red color and large blooms add to their aesthetic appeal. · Cardinals: Cardinals are long, tubular flowers that grow wild throughout North America. Tall and dramatic, these red flowers can add drama to any floral arrangement. The rose may be traditional for Valentine's Day, but gifting with a variety of red-hued flowers may add visual appeal and affordability to arrangements. Go the extra mile and treat her to the finest Made fresh on the premises in the true European tradition Truly a taste beyond compare! Stouffville Legion Branch 459 On Saturday, February 6th In the Club room from 2 P.M. to 6 P.M. Steve Wilkinson Professional Entertainer Formerly Wilkinson Family Song Writer Artist Belgian Chocolates & Cafe 14811 Ninth Line Stouffville Valentine V alentine al ti S Special ial Saturday, February 13th Satur from 9 P.M. to 1 A.M. fr Special music by cost $10.00 Rock Band "Full Moon" R (just 3 km north of Bloomington) (905) 640-8089 For hall rentals call the legion @ 905-640-1714 Free gift wrapping · Delivery available 150 Mostar st., stouffville