Inkwatu

Thai-rific has grown from a tiny shop offering only tropical plants and a few Thai gifts to a full-service florist and gift shop covering several buildings and greenhouses. They now offer non-tropical as well as tropical floral selections in arrangements created by their highly experienced designers.

They still fill individual requests such as my lei order, of course, but their growth now allows them to handle large weddings and other social events. Part of their recent physical expansion includes a bridal consultation room (see below) with ornate imported furniture covered with hand carved Asian scenes in bas-relief.

They still offer an extended line of tropicals, all of which are grown on the premises. It’s extremely relaxing to visit Thai-rific just to walk through the greenhouses. The sounds of hidden running water and the refreshing ions and clean air from the growing plants makes your cares a distant memory.

Pandy and Peter, owners of Thai-rific, are proud of their achievement and chances are one of them or their family will show you around and tell you about the flowers and items. The entire atmosphere is welcoming. It really is close to the emotional experience of an actual visit to Thailand.

In addition to the floral business, they also have a wide selection of Thai gifts and souvenirs, including imported clothing and smaller home furnishings, such as mirrors, hangings, and decorations.

There are also traditional Thai cultural icons such as this ox-cart out front of one of the buildings. I’m sure this ox-cart is not for sale, though!

However, definitely for sale, are another part of traditional Thai culture: real spirit houses. Personally, I do think that places have spirits. For a western discussion of this, read Care of the Soul, by the psychologist and former Catholic priest, Thomas Moore. Even if only taken metaphorically, honoring the spirit of love in a home has to be of some benefit! Objectifying that honor in a spirit house makes perfect sense to me.

In addition, Thai-rific has a selection of authentic Buddha sculptures and altar accessories. Buddhists do not use Buddha images for decorative purposes, but reserve them for devotional use in small altars in their homes and businesses. This is true, not only for Theravada Buddhism (the form of Buddhism in Thailand and Sri Lanka), but also for Mahayana Buddhism (found in China, Japan, and Tibet).

Whether you need a gift or flowers for a wedding or birthday, or just need to get away for a few minutes, I guarantee you won’t leave a visit to Thai-rific empty handed. You’ll leave refreshed with increased peace of mind.

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