Roses just a small part of Len Busch Roses

Low gas prices and promotional sales are two reasons why the National Retail Federation says Americans could spend a record high on Valentine's Day this year. No surprise, flowers are still one of the most popular gifts for your Valentine.
The thought that flowers are always a good gift is good news for Len Busch Roses.
"Growing cut flowers in a northern climate like this is very unusual," says Patrick Busch, CEO and second generation to operate the business. "We have over a half-million square feet of production, growing cut flowers and blooming plants for our local market."
The wholesale florist and grower has been operating since 1965. They employ 150 people and supply flowers to 400 florists and 250 supermarkets in a 200-mile radius.
Despite the name, roses are actually a small part of the business. Competition in Columbia pushed the company to specialize in plants that are fragile to transport, but still in local demand.
"So we've diversified into other crops, alstroemeria, lilies, gerberas, tulips and blooming plants," says Busch. "It's great for us and it's great that the consumers understand getting a fresher product locally is a benefit to them."
Preparations for Valentine's Day began a year ago. Now, workers are busy getting flowers ready to transport to florists and supermarkets.
"For Valentine's, there is about a five times increase in sales so it's a ton of planning, a ton of work, but it's one of the biggest volume holiday of the season. We love this holiday but it's hard work though," says Busch.
After Valentine's Day, the company will see a bump in business for Easter and then again for Mother's Day. But after that, there's a steady flow of business as the company supplies flowers for perpetual life events like funerals or weddings.
"We do quite a few things to stay competitive, but it's worked well and we're glad to be doing it," says Busch.
Shannon Slatton, reporting
http://www.ccxmedia.org
  / ccxmedia.org  
  / ccxsports  
  / ccxnews  

Learn about our mobile app - http://bit.ly/CH12app

Channel 12 is on Comcast cable in the northwest suburbs of Minneapolis and includes the cities Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Golden Valley, Maple Grove, New Hope, Osseo, Plymouth and Robbinsdale.