Despite traditional Anzac Day services being ruled out due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ballarat's florists are still aiming to help residents commemorate the day however they see fit.
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Owner of Boronia Exclusive Florists Julie Collins told The Courier orders for Anzac wreaths have been flooding in as people look to continue paying their respects.
"It is obviously a very important sign of respect so for people to still be able to come in and get a Anzac wreath is wonderful," she said.
"It's a tradition that we love being a part of every year so people can pay their respects.
"It's a huge day for us business-wise, so having people continue to order wreaths for their own ceremonies or to lay is great."
These sentiments were echoed by Fiori Arte Florist owner Anna Harmes.
"Anzac Day is something very close to my heart," she said.
"I think a lot of people, including myself, are very sad because they can't go out and attend ceremonies like usual. A lot of the veterans want to be together at this time so it's just a shame.
I think it's hugely important that people make an effort to commemorate Anzac Day in their own way this year.
- Fiori Arte Florist owner Anna Harmes.
"People are still ordering wreaths, however the numbers are down from last year which is sad - not just from a business perspective but because people feel stuck inside.
"I think it's hugely important that people make an effort to commemorate Anzac Day in their own way this year. Any small gesture to pay respect to such a big event is not hard for people to do."
Looking beyond Anzac Day, while florists have remained busy during the pandemic, sales figures for some have taken a significant dip.
Fiori Arte has closed its doors to customers because of the small size of its storefront, instead opting for phone orders only.
Ms Harmes said she has noticed a dip like countless other businesses during this time.
"We've had a lot of people sending flowers during this period because people can't see each other, however we are certainly down compared to our normal sales figures."
This is not the case at Boronia Exclusive Florists, with Mrs Collins saying the business has been inundated with orders from family and friends looking to connect with each other.
"We've just had the busiest Easter we've ever had... the support from the community has been fabulous," she said.
"There's been so many arrangements being ordered and sent across the region. People want to let their loved ones know they're thinking of them.
"We're expecting that to continue ramping up heading into Mother's Day which is huge for all florists... What mother doesn't love flowers?"
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