"When once a sunrise meant so many new beginnings, it now rises to merely blossom what's left of the flowers at the ending of a season, " Lynne said.

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Those who had purchased at the top of the market, and who would still see flowers as soon as the summer blooming season arrived, nevertheless refused to pay the balance on the exorbitant sums they had been foolish enough to agree to for their prize purchases in an overheated market.

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Spring is peak season, but many of these flowers continue to be available through early fall.

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As often happens in this season, the revolting smell of yellow flowers went straight to my temples.

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And consumer tastes for out-of-season vegetables, exotic fish and fresh flowers have also added to the demand for air-freight services.

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To add a touch of scent, she often picks flowers, which can also offer a festive nod to the season.

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He explained that later in the year when it is in season, he will return to pick the yellow gorse flowers (which have a distinct coconut taste) to use in meat marinades and Thai curries, as well as burdock root, which is popular in Japanese cooking and can be used for vegetable soups or mixed with dandelion to make a root beer-like soft drink.

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Meanwhile, Ulupinar -- whose wife runs a cemetery garden business -- says the idea came to him after noticing a mix of Schalke pennants, flags, season tickets, player photos and blue-and-white flowers were already decorating hundreds of gravestones in the western city of Gelsenkirchen.

CNN: November 13, 2012 -- Updated 1234 GMT (2034 HKT)

This season, Ms. Bruno likes elegant, hand-painted patterns instead of crisply defined flowers, which don't feel as fresh to her.

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