From African daisies to zinnias, Floral Specialist Barbara Sweigard, #1150, Vero Beach, Fla., knows her flowers. She studied floral design in technical school and worked in floral shops before a move to Florida brought her to Publix 26 years ago.

Barbara was hired in customer service, but when her manager learned of her expertise and training, she transferred to floral. Barbara appreciates the personal and professional growth the department provides.

“Working at Publix allows me to apply my floral design skills, but I’ve learned so much more about flowers,” she said.

Since her store is located close to the ocean, Barbara receives a lot of beach wedding orders. She asks several questions about each wedding’s theme and colors to coordinate the appropriate flowers.

“I often suggest tropical flowers like alstroemeria or lilies to complement beach weddings,” she said. “If I don’t carry something, I’ll either special order it or suggest something similar.”

Oranges and bright pinks are hot right now, but when love is in the air on Valentine’s Day, trends go out the window. Customers come to Barbara in search of traditional red roses for their sweethearts.

“Valentine’s Day is floral’s biggest holiday,” said Barbara. “Our store sets up a table in the lobby with vases, flowers and wrappings, and customers pick out what they want and ask me to arrange a custom bouquet.”

To keep those bouquets looking their best, Barbara reminds her customers to take extra care of their flowers. Like people, it’s important they feel the love.

“I like to spoil my customers,” she said. “It’s important to give them extra attention so they’ll keep coming back to shop with us.”

Pictured above, Floral Specialist Barbara Sweigard’s passion for flowers has blossomed in her 23 years in the floral department. Although bright colors like orange and pink are trendy right now, customers are sweet on traditional red roses for Valentine’s Day.