THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Sunday, February 9, 1997              TAG: 9702080122
SECTION: HOME & GARDEN           PAGE: G1   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: Robert Stiffler 
                                            LENGTH:   26 lines

ORCHIDS AND OTHER PLANTS MAY PLEASE YOUR VALENTINE

PILLSBURY MAY CLAIM, ``Nothing says lovin' like something from the oven,'' but most women still prefer flowers for Valentine's Day. Exotic orchids are ideal, because they're readily available in February. Phalaenopsis is the orchid most homeowners prefer for ease of care and blooms that last up to six weeks.

If you prefer a different flower, favorite Valentine colors are red, pink and white. Cyclamen would be an excellent choice for a beautiful flower, but carnations, gloxinia and kalanchoe are also available in red, pink and white.

If you prefer greenery, heartleaf philodendron is a good buy and easy to care for.

If you insist on roses, take a look at sweetheart roses, which open slowly to only a 1-inch diameter bloom. If you want to be different, give your loved one a rosebush - and let him or her grow their own roses this summer. They're available in most garden centers now. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo

[orchid]