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Step 1
Look for closed buds on the brink of unfurling. Petal tops should show the first signs of opening, and the bud should be a little soft and springy, never hard. Then close your eyes and inhale their scent--some varieties are more fragrant than others.
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Step 2
FInd beautiful roses for cheap at Costco. Two dozen stems run for under $15 and come in a variety of colors.
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Step 3
Visit a wholesale flower market (see How to Buy Flowers Wholesale) either with a friend who has a badge or during public hours. You'll find an enormous selection of roses at a great price. Keep an eye peeled for fabulously fragrant garden roses.
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Step 4
Be on the lookout for sidewalk vendors hawking medium-quality but still beautiful roses. They may frequent the same spot near a restaurant, for example, and will wrap up two dozen roses in newspaper for as little as $5 to $10.
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Step 5
Buy lovely roses perfectly arranged from a local florist. You'll pay a premium but the flowers will be sensational--and delivered.
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Step 6
Shop online at FTD.com or 1800Flowers.com and send roses to a special someone far away. The flowers will be shipped with a vial of water on each stem to keep them fresh during transit. Pay with a credit card for guaranteed wilt-free delivery.









