Petals of love: Three million blooms for mums this Mother's Day
'When I'm reading all the messages, I feel privileged,' said Bevilacqua.
So, what do they say? ''You're truly amazing. Thank you for everything you do for our family'.'
Australians are predicted to spend about $1 billion on Mother's Day presents this year, with flowers far and away the top pick.
Wholesale flower traders at the National Flower Centre expect to sell more than 3 million flowers, predominantly chrysanthemums, roses, tulips and oriental lilies.
Mother's Day is like Christmas for the flower industry. 'There's certainly a lot more work at this time of the year because demand is tenfold,' said Michael van der Zwet, who grows hydrangeas and anthuriums with his family in Phillip Island.
Preparations start early, with growers starting to plant bulbs for the big day from January.
Anna Jabour, chief executive of Flower Industry Australia, says locally grown flowers have been harvested in the past week and sent off to wholesalers in time for florists to work their magic.
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