A Rose Is A Rose Is A Rose

There are few businesses in Douglaston that can brag about having been in operation for more than 100 years.

, which was founded in 1904, originated in Manhattan and then moved to Woodside, where they remained for 65 years. The shop, located at 248-02 Northern Blvd., has been in Douglaston for nearly 18 years and is now operated by Lori and Tom Cress.

Upon walking through the door, customers will receive ample reminders that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.  Cress offers fine candies, adorable pink and white teddy bears, and numerous varieties of roses from everywhere in the world.

The store has a colorful display of precious blooms in its refrigerated storage, where the flowers are held before they are picked up or shipped off to their final destination.

The color of each rose at the store bears a specific significance. Roses stand for love, passion and courage, while white represents purity.

Yellow roses are for friendship, while coral stands for desire. Light pink flowers are representative for grace and gladness, while darker pink is for thankfulness.

If you want someone to know it was love at first sight, then give a lavender rose.

Many of the roses come from Holland, while others hail from Ecuador and Israel, bearing names such as Vendela (White), Cool Waters (Lavender), Titanic (Light Pink), Big Fun (Coral Tipped) and Black Magic, which feels like velvet and is a deep and rich red.

Cress Florists is located at 248-02 Northern Blvd. in Douglaston. Hours are Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.