Butterfly display helps
welcome spring

Kahala Mall's celebration of spring begins tomorrow with the launch of its free third annual garden and fashion event, "Nouveau: Everything Spring."

Highlighting the day will be a fashion show at noon tomorrow in Center Court, featuring clothing and accessories from mall retailers.

KAHALA MALL Butterflies bring a touch of spring to Kahala Mall with the opening of "Nouveau: every thing spring. A fashion show tomorrow is also part of the festivities.

Stay for the Butterfly Flight House, filled with 200 monarch butterflies raised in Waimanalo.

Also on view will be garden displays of flower, plant, rock and water features staged by several landscape designers and continuing through April 3. Participating companies include Reliable Landscaping & Sprinklers, Kevin J. Mulkern and Big Rock Manufacturing.

Also providing a treat for the senses is the Flower Show Competition, a showcase of large-scale floral arrangements created by local florists. At stake is a $1,000 cash award, with shoppers invited to vote for the Best in Show from March 31 through April 3.

Participating designers include Maki Takushi with Rainbows and Blossoms; Jeanne Pelowski and Ruth Pagunawan with Fujikami Florist; Ryan Medeiros with Alaka'i Floral Creations; and Honolulu Florist.

Gardening classes will take place as follows:

April 2

» The Mokichi Okada Association will teach the art of flower arranging, based on its philosophy of interacting with flowers as living beings, and the belief that the arrangements have the power to heal the heart of the viewer and transform surroundings in a positive way; 10 a.m. to noon.

» The Kaimuki Orchid Society will present the basics of orchid care, with topics including managing humidity, light, watering, propagation and potting; 1 to 1:30 p.m.

April 3

» The Hawaii Nature Center hosts a terrarium building session. Create a miniature ecosystem with a glass container, pebbles, soil, plants and water; 10 to 10:30 a.m.

» Honolulu Rose Society will discuss rose care, including selection of healthy plants, fertilizers, ground vs. pot planting, and how to avoid pesky beetles; 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

» The Hawaii Bonsai Cultural Center discusses care of these miniature trees, from the technical aspects of container selection, tools and training, to the meditative pleasures of the art form.

For more information, call 732-7736, ext. 13, or visit www.kahalamallcenter.com.