For a while, it became a little tradition with my kids. Every week we’d go to Costco, and one of their favorite things was picking out a bunch of flowers. I’d let them because, honestly, they didn’t know the difference, and it made them so happy. They’d get excited bringing them home, plop them into a vase, and admire their “masterpiece.” The colors never matched, the mix didn’t always make sense, but that joy was real.

The only problem? By the end of the week, those blooms were sad, limp, and halfway to the trash can. And as The Floratory, a local florist here in Peoria, it drove me a little crazy because I knew the reason. It’s not that grocery flowers are “bad” — it’s that they’re not cared for in the same way a florist cares for each stem from the moment it’s cut.

The choice between grabbing a quick bouquet at the grocery store or visiting a dedicated florist might seem like a matter of convenience. But behind those petals lies a world of difference in quality, care, and design. Let’s explore what you’re really getting from each option, and why choosing a florist can elevate your floral experience in ways that go far beyond the price tag.

Picked too soon. Grocery store flowers are often harvested early just to survive the long trip through shipping and storage. That’s why you’ll even see an expiration date on them — it’s less about when they look their best and more about when the store knows they’ll need to toss them.

Sitting around. By the time you buy them, many of those bouquets have already been sitting in a bucket for days (sometimes weeks). If the buckets aren’t cleaned and sanitized properly, bacteria builds up fast, and your flowers start losing life before they ever make it home.

Handled by whoever’s available. Sometimes they’re stocked with care, but other times it’s just whoever’s nearby. I’ve even seen meat department staff putting flowers out between stocking steaks. That’s not exactly the kind of TLC fresh blooms deserve.

Now, don’t get me wrong — there’s no hate on grocery store flowers. They serve a purpose. In fact, flowers are considered a “loss leader” for most grocery stores. That means they’re not really there to make the store money; they’re there to catch your eye, spark a little impulse buy, and get you to toss just one more thing in your cart.

Think about it: You’re heading in for bread and milk, you see those bright blooms by the entrance or checkout, and suddenly you’re smiling because, “Why not? Flowers make me happy.” And that’s the point — they’re designed to draw you in, not necessarily to give you the longest-lasting arrangement.

At The Floratory, my job is a little different. I’m not just trying to catch your attention. I’m trying to create something that will bring joy for days, sometimes weeks, and make your home or event feel special. That means I source differently, I process differently, and I care for every stem like it’s the star of the show.

Hand-Selected for Longevity. We choose blooms at their peak so you get the longest vase life possible.

Expertly Prepared. Every stem is carefully cleaned, hydrated, and treated with flower food before it ever leaves our shop. Our team is trained to process flowers the right way so they stay fresher, longer.

Designed with Care. Each arrangement is crafted with intention, so it’s stunning the moment you receive it and continues to bring beauty for days to come.

Grocery store flowers are designed to move quickly; they’re picked for price and convenience. Our flowers are chosen for longevity, cared for by trained hands, and arranged with attention to every detail. It’s the difference between “just flowers” and flowers that truly last and delight.

Even grocery flowers can survive a little longer if you give them the right care. Here’s what I recommend:

Old water is like stale coffee for flowers: It just won’t cut it. Every 2–3 days, pour out the old water, trim about half an inch off the stems at an angle, and refill with fresh water. Your bouquet will thank you.

Bananas, apples, and basically any ethylene-producing fruit speed up wilting. Keep your flowers in a fresh, separate spot, because your blooms deserve their space.

Any stem that’s slimy, brown, or droopy? Snip it out. Dead stems are a breeding ground for bacteria and can shorten the life of the whole bouquet.

Grocery store flowers are great for a quick little pick-me-up. But if you want blooms that actually last all week, stay fresh, and bring a little extra joy every day, that’s where The Floratory comes in. Here, we hand-select every stem, make sure it’s properly hydrated and cared for, and arrange it so your bouquet looks beautiful from the moment it arrives — and keeps looking that way long enough for you to really enjoy it.

Want flowers that brighten your home and last longer than a couple of days? Treat yourself (or someone you love) and order from your local Peoria florist today.