Today Americans will say "I love you" by giving roughly more than 180 million roses.

Scrambling to get all those posies delivered makes Valentine's Day the single-hardest day in the florist business, said David Smits, at Smits Florists and Greenhouses in Paris, Ky. "Ninety-eight percent of people want flowers sent that day. Not the day before. Not the day after. It's that day or nothing."

Whether roses or a mixed spring bouquet, cut flowers are extremely delicate. With a little care, you can lengthen the life of the flowers you receive today.

The best way to prolong cut flowers in a vase is to change the water every other day, Smits said. When you do, add a flower preservative such as Floralife. Mix a packet with water that's about 100 to 110 degrees. Don't dilute more than specified on the packet.

We've all heard of homemade concoctions such as putting aspirin, sugar or a couple of pennies in the water. Florist Charlie Myers nixed those. A lot of research has been done on the correct water pH, anti-bacterial agents and sugar levels. Use a flower preservative and don't reinvent the wheel, he suggests.

When changing the water, cut an inch off the stems using a very sharp knife, says the Society of American Florists.

"Keep flowers out of cold drafts and out of direct sunlight. Don't set them near a heat source or on top of the television set," said Myers, owner of Flowers by Myers on Woodhill Drive. Appliances give off heat, which causes flowers to dehydrate.

"If temperatures are above freezing, set your flowers in the garage at night," Myers said. They appreciate the cool temperatures.