A Madison flower shop was nearly robbed on Valentine's Day by a man armed with a handgun, according to police.

The lone employee at Rose Cottage Floral at 3010 Atwood Ave. said a man entered the store before 8 p.m. asking to buy flowers when the back door opened and a man entered displaying a handgun.

The employee was holding a paring knife and started swinging at the robber, prompting him to leave, according to police.

Nothing was taken.

The man is described as white, in his 30s, shorter and wearing a dark hood with a drawstring.