People

Flower Guru

Ever wonder how that special rose lands in the hand of your lucky lady on Valentine’s Day? We got the scoop on the buds and blossoms from Global Floral Resources, Inc.’s East Coast Flower Inspector Israel B. Osoria, Sr., otherwise known as the #FlowerGuru.
Text by Estrellita S. Sibila | May 28, 2018 | People

Whether it’s a 100-petal centifolia rose that only blooms once in a blue moon or the thornless hybrid gallica flower, roses are unique and exquisite gifts of nature. With their rich and vibrant colors and enchanting aromas, roses have always been the traditional flower of love. For nearly a quarter of a century, Osoria’s watchful eyes have ensured that thousands of them have graced boudoirs and bloomed into their true beauty around the world. And to ensure his goal is met year after year, he travels to rose farms abroad in countries like Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Mexico to meet with farmers, inspect blossoms and grant his seal of approval before each little flower makes its enchanted journey from the farm to a vase near you. “A flower is not a flower unless I say so,” says Osoria. And nothing says love like a dozen roses.