Yellowknife (Sep 10/03) - Northerners love their flowers. And no one can attest to that more than Manuela Keenan, owner of Flowers by Manuela or Lee Proud, owner of Flowers North.

But in the floral business, there is more to it than tossing a few stems into a vase, Keenan says.

Flowers have significance, evoke emotion and generally bring about a nice feeling, whether one is the recipient or the gift bearer.

"It makes someone's day to receive flowers," she says.

So, what are we -- who withstand so much cold -- apt to buy to brighten one's day? Like fashion, apparently certain flowers have their moment in the sunshine, so to speak.

Colourful Gerber daisies are a cool choice, she says, describing them as a happy, single flower. "People find them funky."

Stargazer, Cala and Casa Blanca lilies share the limelight of popularity these days, as well. "These are very fragrant," she says. But again, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to choosing flowers. The colours, too, have a significance, she says.

Some colours have universal meaning. For example, red means love, white represents purity and yellow symbolizes friendship. In Europe, though, yellow means jealousy, so Keenan says she is careful when selecting flowers for people of European descent. Lee Proud, five-year owner of Flowers North, says everyone has their own personal preference, be it tulips or daisies.

"And mixed bouquets are popular all year round," Proud said.

Another popular selection, perhaps to add a twist to some colourful blooms, is lucky bamboo, she says.

These long green stalks of bamboo will thrive in only a glass of water, making them easy to care for.

"It originates from the Orient and is used for luck in homes. People believe in it," she says of the trendy greenery. While weddings, birthdays and funerals are sure to require flowers, it is Valentine's Day that is a "florist's nightmare", she laughs. "We never have enough. Every year we sell more."

But there are also a lot of impulse buyers out there, she notes.

"Men will call and order flowers, "just because". For most women, that is one of the best times to receive them. It's a special occasion that it's not a special occasion. "She's the special occasion," she says behind the reasoning.

Proud says she believes fresh flowers have an appeal because they are something people do not generally buy for themselves.

"People who receive gifts of flowers are more genuinely happy about it (being the recipient)," she notes.

But perhaps it also takes a special person behind the counter as well -- to figure out the art of flower giving.

"Well, you have to like people and flowers and to put the two together. You also have to be sensitive to everyone's feelings and emotions, from one person to the next," she says.