Roses have long been the flower of choice for the holiday, but some see an opening for the humble tulip.

Every Valentine’s Day, lovebirds are on a quest to find red roses for their partners. It is a gift like no other to tell someone you love them. But why did these heavenly-smelling flowers become a gift for the celebration of love on?

A thong in a bunch of roses, flowers wrapped in £50 notes and an engagement ring amongst the blooms - some of the more unusual Valentine's requests received by florist Fiona Penny. As the orders for 14 February come in, bunches of roses, strings of ribbon and piles of cards are filling Ms Penny's studio.