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May flowers are magical things, emboldening us to feel more vital as hardy perennials refresh our landscape and our mindset--be they heirloom lilac bushes or freshly potted impatiens.

Give yourself a flower infusion: stroll a public garden, nosh flower-themed desserts, snag a faux petal accessory.

Cheery-colored blooms spill from wooden flowerboxes overhanging Old Market sidewalks and into store fronts abloom with petal-inspired merchandise. Slip inside Souq Ltd. Imports in the Passageway and be surrounded by ethnically-inspired, jewel-tone decor and accessories. Floral detailing abounds in leather bracelets, rhinestone-studded hair combs, beaded rings and embroidered scarves. For potted color year-round: Blown-glass plant spikes.

Across the street at Overland Outfitters, roomy shoulder bags with embossed floral designs share space with whimsical offerings from Mary Frances. The darling of the bunch: A rainbow-bright evening bag festooned with fabric rosettes.

To enjoy the beauty of a flower with none of the weeding, wander over to Thomas D. Mangelsen's Images of Nature gallery in the Market. The photographer's lovely "Poppies of Summer" and other nature scenes are often sold as limited editions, posters and greeting cards.

For floral-inspired foods that feed the spirit and the stomach, try a flower-and-icing-topped Buntlet from Nothing Bundt Cakes at One Pacific Place. These tiny cakes are perfect for a picnic for two.

At Shops of Legacy, the new Sublime Couture touts evening bags designed to be a handful of hot pink taffeta rosebuds. At On a Whim, pick up hand-painted plates and wine goblets in floral motifs--or a musical pink tulle skirt (with flower) that plays "You Are My Sunshine" for your favorite dancing princess.

Grownup girls with a penchant for country decor drool at the mix of new, antique and one-of-a-kind items at The Whistle Stop Country Store in Elkhorn. The shop, originally a gas station along the historic Lincoln Highway, gets its name from the train tracks that run behind the building. The inventory changes weekly; but you're always assured of a floral-themed treasure to be enjoyed 360 days of the year. A tip: Furniture "rescued" and restored by shopkeepers Robert and Laurie Owens doesn't linger long; if you see it and like it, buy it. But only on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; the shop is closed other days of the week.

And, yes. Do take time to stop and smell the roses.