Print
The fragrant scent of roses, lilacs and peonies belied the sweat and stress simmering in L.A. s Flower District on Friday, where a nationwide flower shortage was driving up demand and prices ahead of Mothers’ Day.
By 8 a.m., throngs of shoppers were criss-crossing the alleys of the historic downtown district while vendors scrambled to wrap bouquets and assist long lines of customers.
“Roses in particular are tight,” said Aaron McKinnon, manager of Mayesh, a vendor at the Los Angeles Flower Market. “So are ranunculus and anemones.”
Guadalupe Neri of Riverside walks with roses she purchased as Mother’s Day gifts for her mom and aunt in downtown L.A. s Flower District. For some shoppers, the steep cost of bouquets was a small price to pay for the chance to celebrate with loved ones after a long and lonely year.