As national demand for flower delivery skyrockets, a Kenilworth florist has achieved its best-ever sales.

Kenilworth's Lily Loves Flora had its busiest two months ever at the start of 2021, as people in Warwickshire ordered bouquets of hand-tied flowers to brighten the day of loved ones they cannot hug.

Founder of Lily Loves, Ailsa Vigor, who works from her home studio in Kenilworth, said: "Winter months are usually the quietest of the year in the flower trade, but since the lockdown in December, I've been busier than ever.

"And with Mother's Day orders already flooding in, March is looking exciting too."

The local boom in sales reflects a national surge in demand for online flower deliveries. Sending and receiving bouquets has become a tonic to the ongoing gloom of lockdown.

Google searches for the term "flowers to order" were up by a massive 900% compared to mid-February last year.

Ailsa, who named Lily Loves after her daughter, crafts each bouquet and pens every message card by hand.

She then safely delivers the bouquets with contactless doorstep delivery, which has given her an insight into the lives of the Warwickshire community during the latest lockdown.

"I see the positive impact a gift of flowers has on recipients," said the former Metropolitan police officer.

"I've witnessed smiles, happy tears and gasps of delight. People's eyes light up as they realise someone has taken the time to make them feel special and loved. It's such a privilege to play a part in spreading happiness."

With Mothering Sunday just around the corner, it seems this mum of two won't be sitting down and smelling the roses anytime soon.

As the business grows wildly, Lily Loves is set to go nationwide. Ailsa is sampling products and boxes so her nature-inspired bouquets and seasonal wreaths can adorn homes beyond Warwickshire.

And that's not all.

Lily Loves has teamed up with two fellow Kenilworth businesses; The Artibus Yard and Pigpen aromatherapy, meaning you can add handmade scented candles and bath salts as add-on options to any flower order.

Ailsa attributes some of her success to Lily Loves' involvement in the local community.

She recalls March 2020, "I needed to create the funeral flowers for a dear friend's father. It was impossible to source anything due to halted imports and sold-out UK supply. So I put out a plea to the community, asking for donations from people's gardens.

"The response was overwhelming. And a special man got the farewell flowers he deserved, all thanks to the kindness of others. People don't forget things like that. Kenilworth is a place full of care and collaboration.

"For example, Forrest Coffee House's #KenilworthKindness campaign – encouraging local companies to share a little kindness, no matter how small."

She added: "I regularly make up an extra bouquet and place it with a note somewhere around the town for someone to find unexpectedly and keep for themselves or pass on to someone who deserves a treat. I call it Lily's Lost Bouquet. All it takes is a little time and effort, but the impact is huge."

Order your bouquet of Lily Loves magic here. Prices start from £30 with free local delivery included.

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