Florists at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Petals & Bloom flower shops at the AAFES Lewis Main and McChord Field Exchanges and Madigan Medical Mall stay busy spreading the love.

"Orders are coming in fast and furious and we love it," said Del Espiritu-White, manager of all three locations. "Because we are a worldwide flower shop, we can fill orders from Afghanistan all the way to JBLM."

One favorite this year is the Xoxo bouquet, which is made up of red roses, hot pink spray roses, white Asiatic lilies, pink miniature carnations, and an expandable xoxo bracelet around a red ceramic vase. Also popular is the Two Sweet bouquet (consisting of roses and tulips in an interlocking hearts-shaped, red ceramic vase), and the Send A Puppy Love bouquet (roses, carnations and daises with a vase and plush pink puppy). 

"We have military specials, too," said Espiritu-White. "Soldiers can buy 12 roses nicely wrapped for just $24.95."

For those with floral allergies, Petals & Blooms also makes gourmet and fruit baskets. Other substitutes include a junk-food basket filled with goodies and chocolates. The shop delivers to JBLM and the surrounding communities.

"If you want something extra special, let us help you," she said. "We have selection guides to chose from and can work with your ideas and within your budget."

And you're in good hands. With 16-years of floral experience, Espiritu-White has provided services for visiting JBLM dignitaries - from President Bush to the Army Chief of Staff. She's supplied arrangements to change-of-command and Audie Murphy ceremonies, and received numerous coins from battalions and treats and thank-you gifts from Servicemembers for her continued service.

"If I can extend my aloha for just a moment," said the Hawaii native, "if I can touch the lives of not just Soldiers but their wives and families through floral creations, then that's what it's all about."

Petals & Bloom hires and trains military spouses to become florists, and Espiritu-White is a former military wife herself. Her four sons are in the military (one's stationed at JBLM), and her husband (a retired Warrant Officer) now works with the Warrior Transition Battalion.

Espiritu-White advises that clients cut the tips of roses, change the water, and add fresh floral solutions every couple of days to keep bouquets fresh.

Visit www.flowersonbase.com or call (253) 964-3704 to place orders.