Those shopping for last-minute Mother's Day gifts will find flowery solutions at Floterior, a new floral boutique in Chinatown that goes beyond what you'd expect at a florist shop.

The boutique offers an array of floral-themed items that appeal to all the senses. They range from flowering teas you can taste, to floral glass art, clothing, jewelry and soaps, in addition to fresh flowers.

Within the next couple of weeks, owners Aya and James Castillo will also be adding essential oils, wall decals, hats and painted martini glasses to the mix.

“;A lot of people started helping us out ... people who had an interest in both art and flowers,”; said James. “;People in Hawaii are really into flowers.”;

“;We wanted an establishment where we could bring flowers, art and music into everyone's life,”; said Aya, who was raised with an appreciation of flowers. “;My dad used to pull over (during drives) to let me pick the wild lotus flowers alongside the road,”; she said.

She was told farmers were throwing wild lotus seedlings over the soil to prepare it for planting crops and took from that the message “;that flowers play an important role in life.”;

She studied floral design in Japan, Germany and Holland, and with more than 30 years experience in the industry, is a member of the American Institute of Floral Designers.

“;There are shops similar to ours in San Francisco, New York and Tokyo, but never in Hawaii until now,”; James said. “;Our theme is 'A Lifestyle with Flowers, Art & Music.'”;

The music will come from a piano the couple decided to place in the store.

“;Every 'First Friday,' we have someone performing,”; James said. “;We hope people come by the store and spend a few minutes to relax during their busy day.”;

Floterior is at 1129 Bethel St., open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays to Fridays. Call 735-2222 or visit www.floterior.com.