KEN IGE/KIGE@STARBULLETIN.COM The shape of spring to come: Flower styling for a spring bouquet ($70) was done by Michael Miyashiro, of Rainforest Plantes et Fleurs at Ward Warehouse, though he said even a loose grouping of gerbera daisies in a vase, which retails there at about 10 for $15, say spring. Other items from Compleat Kitchen Ala Moana: a 9-inch bowl in Aquamarine ($8.50), 6-inch bowls in Ice and Lemon ($6.75) and 4-inch Acid Green bowl ($3); an Oasis Jumbo cup ($5) holds a set of six swizzle sticks ($9); tulip votive holders from Pier 1 Imports pull double duty as egg cups ($10 for a set of four), Daisy Eggs are sold separately ($5 for eight). Pier 1 assistant manager Tony O'Brian said the frosted candy dish ($8 for four) can be used as a sorbet, votive or condiment dish. Below: The rose clock ($14.50), from SoHa, Ward Centre reflects the design of a George Nelson classic. The Blue "McFly" Flyswatter ($8), by Koziel, is from Compleat Kitchen.

Signs of spring are
sprouting up for the home

---

By Ruby Mata-Viti
ruby@starbulletin.com

Seems flowers are simply not a macho thing, as male staffers who set foot into the photo studio while we were setting up this story proved, by bolting out the door muttering "girl stuff." Yet these chaps are probably the same sort who, when left speechless in the doghouse, try to make up by saying what needs to be said with flowers.

Fittingly so, as a gift of a cheery bouquet can be a gesture of renewal, an attempt to fix a mistake and start over.

Spring as a whole is the season of renewal. Its palette gently emerges, ushering in a promise of rebirth and hope -- now especially for tax refunds and world peace, not necessarily in that order.

The vernal equinox, officially next Friday, is the date when night and day are of equal length, marking the season's beginning.

In Hawaii we're able to avoid the extreme temperature shifts, drudgery of shoveling snow or winter meltdowns of the mainland, but our enthusiasm for spring is just as strong as any other Americans'.

Michael Miyashiro, of Rainforest Plantes et Fleurs at Ward Warehouse, created the stunning floral bouquet at left. Even though we're surrounded by green year-round, he tries to weave variations of the hue into his spring arrangements, here accented with green roses and eucalyptus in time for St. Patrick's Day.

"Green roses have a celadon tint; eucalyptus is more of an emerald, plus these emit a subtle, medicinal scent," he said, adding that he also tries to reflect colors of a spring wardrobe. "Not your typical pinks, but your corals, sandstones -- colors which have more character to them."

Although nothing compares to the real thing, most budgets can't take the luxury of a weekly spray, yet one doesn't need to get hands and knees dirty to reap the benefits of spring's bounty. Home accents available at any housewares store will provide a quick fix. We looked for home items symbolic of spring's blooms.

Whimsical, yes. Indulgent, maybe. But a careful hunt won't have to break the bank, and adding one or two easy pieces to your home or apartment decor can be a playful reminder of rejuvenation the season represents, something easily overlooked in everyday trials. Surely it's not frivolous to boost the spirit and add spring into one's step.

Here is a sampling of what's out there.

BETTY SHIMABUKURO/BETTY@STARBULLETIN.COM A fine cup for tea: Seen at Lui's Jewelry at the Sheraton-Waikiki Hotel recently are porcelain sets by Franz. The teacup and saucer sell for $88; the spoon is $18. Store manager Teresa Hwa said these can be packed and shipped to the mainland.

KEN IGE/KIGE@STARBULLETIN.COM Skirting the issue: At the Compleat Kitchen, Ala Moana Center, is a Hula Skirt bottle cover trimmed with "lei" for $9, and Hula drink skirts, a variation of wine charms, $14, reminiscent of gerbera daisies.

KEN IGE/KIGE@STARBULLETIN.COM Paper roses, sunflowers, etc: 10 1/2-inch paper plates in Sunflower motif ($5.50 for set of eight), napkins ($4 for set of 20) and hankies ($1.75) in Watercolor Tulips, all by Caspari, are also at Compleat Kitchen Ala Moana.

KEN IGE/KIGE@STARBULLETIN.COM Sweet dreams: These 17-inch pillows ($16.50) have the fun texture of piñatas with the feel of soft chenille. Made of 100 percent cotton, they're, available at SoHa, Ward Centre. There's also a matching flower-shaped rug ($70) measuring 20 inches from petal to petal with five petals.

KEN IGE/KIGE@STARBULLETIN.COM More spring finds include the Martha Stewart Bed-in-a-Bag set, left, which consists of comforter, flat and fitted sheets, and pillowcases in spring florals and stripes, available at KMART on Nimitz Highway. A twin set costs $49.99; full, $79.99; queen $89.99 and king, $99.99; all sale priced through tomorrow.

KEN IGE/KIGE@STARBULLETIN.COM The outer wax of candles from Pier 1 Import melt at different temperatures, leaving a votive holder of dried flowers pressed in wax. Prices range from $5 to $15. They've sold out of the pewter-toned candle jewelry shown on the tallest one, which costs $6 for a set of six, but these can be ordered online at www.pier1.com, or copy the look using decorative pushpins.

Click for online
calendars and events.