We are officially one week out from Valentine’s Day.

And this is your gentle—but slightly more intentional—nudge.

Not a panic-buy-something-pink nudge.
A thoughtful, get-ahead-of-it, do-this-right-the-first-time nudge.

And ladies, consider this your official permission slip:

You do not have to pretend you like bad Valentine’s gifts.

It’s not fair to your giftee.

And truly? It’s not fair to you.

Most of us have zero problem telling our partners how to load the dishwasher properly or which errand needs to happen first (you know exactly who you are). But when it comes to birthdays, anniversaries, or Valentine’s Day? Suddenly we go quiet and hope for the best.

After many years on this planet (a veil of tears, really), I’ve landed here:

If I’m getting a gift, I might as well get what I actually want.

And I’m not shy about saying it.

The funny part? My giftee (aka Steve) is always grateful. No hemming. No hawing. No last-minute sprint for soulless, imported flowers that were flown in from who-knows-where.

Just clarity. And everyone wins.

The Gift That Keeps Showing Up

At Seashore Flower Farm in Cape May, NJ, our mini spring bouquet subscriptions are designed to be the opposite of a one-day gesture.

They’re the promise of flowers.

Real, seasonal, locally grown spring flowers.

Arriving weekly when the season begins to wake up.

What’s included?

You choose:

  • Double Peony Tulips (the first stars of early spring)

  • Ranunculus (often called the “rose of spring”)

Tulips bloom first.

Ranunculus follow shortly after.

As soon as they’re blooming in meaningful numbers here on our Cape May flower farm, you (or your gifter) receive an email letting you know bouquets are ready for farm pickup or shipping, if you’ve selected that option.

Then, for four consecutive weeks, you receive a freshly harvested bouquet at its absolute peak.

And just for perspective?
A single bouquet like this from a traditional florist would easily cost double.

But the real magic isn’t the math.

It’s the remembering.

Four weeks of:

  • “Oh right… this was such a good idea.”

  • “I’m so glad I did this.”

  • “Spring is actually coming.”

The Bonus (And the Little Bit of Urgency)

Right now, there are four heart-shaped glass ornaments remaining.

They’re the tangible “flowers are coming” moment.
Something sweet to tuck into a card.
A physical promise of what’s ahead.

Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

The subscription itself will still be available—but that keepsake will not.

A Little Practical Advice (From One Woman to Another)

Most of you reading this are women.

Which tells me many of you will be the giftee.

So here’s my advice:

Forward this post.

Add a very clear:
“Just in case you were wondering…”

No mystery. No guessing. No soulless grocery-store roses on February 13th at 8:47 p.m.

Just thoughtful, seasonal flowers grown right here in Cape May, NJ.

Because Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about one big day.

It can be about the slow, steady joy of local flowers showing up week after week.

And truly?

That feels a lot more romantic to me.