Phones are ringing off the hook at North Fork florists as Valentine’s Day shoppers try to place their orders before the big day.

At Ivy League Flowers and Gifts in Southold, owner Ginger Tomaszewski said Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day are her two busiest holidays. She said in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day her store will go through thousands of roses, primarily red but she said they also have pink, lavender, white and yellow.

If roses are too pricey, Tomaszewski says they have a special on a dozen tulips for $14.95. Other arrangements can be made to order as well.

“We always have fresh arrangements in the cooler if someone is in a hurry,” Tomaszewski said.

Delivery is available from Aquebogue to Orient and they will also deliver to Shelter Island.

Ivy League also carries green plants, large and small orchids, homemade fudge, chocolate covered strawberries, truffles, jewelry, watches, and other gift items to make gift baskets. 

While County Petals in Peconic also carries green plants and orchids, store owner Nancy Gilbert said flowers are the star this time of year. Because of the economy, Gilbert said she went to seven different suppliers trying to get the best deals for her customers. Gilbert said her shop will be selling roses at the same price they normally do and will not be increasing the price for Valentine’s Day.

Because of the variety of customers who come in the door, Country Petals offers a wide range of floral arrangements. Gilbert said small bouquets start at $11.95 and go from there. She said she just got in a beautiful shipment of hydrangeas from Holland that are ready to go out.

With more than 21 years in the business, Gilbert is more than willing to help husbands and boyfriends pick out the right flowers, at the right price point. As for her personal tastes, Gilbert likes to keep it simple.

“I like the monochromatic, all one color arrangements,” Gilbert said.

Country Petals is a supplier to four different wire services and delivers from Calverton to Orient, so they will be on the road a lot over the next few days. Gilbert said she wants to be available for all her customers so she will be open from the early morning and she will remain open until the last customer leaves in the evening.

Ivy League will be open until 5:30 p.m. today and Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, and 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday.