My favorite time of year to buy flowers is when the days begin to get chilly. The bright colors and greenery erase the gloom in the air.
I buy my flowers at various grocery stores. Years ago, I worked for a florist that owned the distribution center for the area and the grocery stores got the best flowers first.
I often buy fresh flowers and photograph them for some inspiration for paintings. I find that they are more often than not a primary inspiration.
Last year I used roses for my Christmas eve dinner centerpiece.
I also used roses in several places around the house this year for Thanksgiving.