Where the rose grows

Susan Smith-Durisek
Lexington Herald-Ledger
02/09/2008

Excerpt from article:

A big, beautiful bouquet of red roses is the quintessential gift that says "I love you" to your sweetheart on Valentine's Day.

And despite the cold weather and the fact that there's not a single rose blooming in Lexington right now, all you need to do is go to your local florist or supermarket, select the roses and buy them.

Before they get to you, your roses have taken a journey, passing through many hands. Large grocery chains and suppliers begin planning months in advance for the big February event. Not only strategic cold-chain transportation arrangements for the perishable cut flowers are made, but international diplomacy and rocket science have been employed...