FLOWER POWER TRAVEL TO THE SOUTH PACIFIC AT THE L.A. COUNTY FAIR'S GARDEN PAVILIONS.

Byline: Suzanne Sproul Staff Writer

Picture yourself amid fragrant flowers that release the scent of their sweet nectars into the air. Imagine relaxing in the South Pacific enjoying nightly sunsets that seem to capture the soul. Ah, the islands!

And they're right here for the viewing.

The Treasures of Polynesia can be found tucked away in the back of the Los Angeles County Fair. Temperatures outside may be soaring, but inside the Home and Gardens neighborhood you can transport yourself to a tropical oasis - for the afternoon, at least.

The Flower and Garden Pavilion exhibit is centered around Tahitian culture and folklore and its fascination, almost reverence, with flowers. In this exotic part of the world, flowers go beyond mere cosmetic dressing for home interiors. Instead, they are used for everything from body jewelry to decoration.

Beyond the culture, however, is the beauty associated with this part of the world. That's what Jim Hynd, long-time floral coordinator at the Los Angeles County Fair and a member of the American Institute of Floral Design, wants to showcase.

``We want this exhibit to be like a breath of fresh air for everyone. I wanted to go dramatic, and that's what we did, so visitors can go on a magical tour of the South Pacific in floral,'' said Hynd.

The exhibit, sponsored by the Los Angeles Newspaper Group (of which the Daily News is a member), features more than 100 varieties of lush and intoxicating flowers such as bougainvillea, orchids, trumpet vines, hibiscus and plumeria.

``There's dimension and depth to everything we did and a tremendous coolness of color in rich green tones. The idea was for all the colors and displays to just jump at you. We hope this is very relaxing and inviting so everyone can leisurely enjoy themselves,'' Hynd said.

The Atrium section spotlights outdoor shaded oases of moonlight, street lights, rainstorms and vegetation. Splashing waterfalls, tranquil fountains, lovely sculptures, landscaped gardens and garden architecture add to the total sensory inundation of color, sounds and fragrances.

``All these displays have ideas you can incorporate into your own yard and patio. That's what we are encouraging. Bring your camera. Take pictures. Write down some notes and then go home and see what works in your own yard,'' Hynd said.

As guests leave the pavilion, they travel to the Enchanted Gardens. Quiet paths carved into the hillside lead guests through expansive gardens filled with blooming flowers, fragrant herbs and shady trees. The gardens represent horticulture that is common to regions of Polynesia and California.

If you're looking for a respite among the heat and hubbub of the fair, consider the rolling green hills and majestic canopied trees in the Hidden Meadows Park. It's perfect for a picnic, a stroll or a quiet stop.

The Home and Gardens area is home to more than just floral beauty. The Vineyard Marketplace, sponsored by Ralphs, and a historic trains exhibit are housed there as well. The Marketplace houses the Wines of the World and Olive Oils of the World exhibits. Here, you can take a class on either topic and sip some of the winning wines from the fair's annual competitions.

Learn by doing

In addition to visiting the Home and Gardens area, you can also participate in a variety of classes conducted on stages in the Atrium and Enchanted Gardens sections of this exhibit.

The fair has demonstrations and classes scheduled every day throughout the fair, through Oct. 2. Many are repeated, while others are offered at specific times only. The subject matter ranges from worm composting to fall wreath crafting. All are free.

Here is a small sampling of what's scheduled. These are planned for today and Sunday on the Secret Garden Stage in the Home and Gardens area at the Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona [phone]. www.lacountyfair.com:

--Ceremony flowers for your special day, presented by Citrus Valley Florist, 12:05 p.m. today.

--Preserved and permanent botanicals, presented by Magdalena Esparza, 1:05 p.m. today.

--Floral table dressings, presented by Citrus Valley Florist, 2:05 p.m. today.

--General care of roses, presented by the Rose Society, 3:05 p.m. today.

--Staghorn ferns, presented by the Los Angeles International Fern Society, 4:05 p.m. today.

--The contained garden, presented by The Garden, 5:05 p.m. today.

--General care of roses, presented by the Rose Society, 6:05 p.m. today.

--From garden flowers to floral arrangements, presented by Citrus Valley Florist, noon Sunday.

--Everyday flower arranging, presented by Reina Sumabat, 1:05 p.m. Sunday.

--Do-it-yourself vase flower arrangements, presented by Citrus Valley Florist, 2:05 p.m. Sunday.

--Simple party decorations, presented by Reina Sumabat, 3:05 p.m. Sunday.

--Decorating your home with tropical flowers, presented by Citrus Valley Florist, 5:05 p.m. Sunday.

CAPTION(S):

4 photos, box

Photo:

(1 -- cover -- color) ON THE COVER: Tiki idols welcome guests to the Treasures of Polynesia exhibit at the Los Angeles County Fair.

(2 -- color) Bromeliad flowers are only a sample of the many varieties adding color and vibrance to the Treasures of Polynesia pavilion at the Los Angeles County Fair.

(3 -- color) The main display at the Polynesian pavilion uses tropical plants to adorn a bamboo hut - and it's all watched over by a parrot fashioned out of flower petals.

(4 -- color) Song Yun of Fontana puts finishing touches on a Polynesian-inspired arrangement in preparation for the fair's opening.

Therese Tran/Staff Photographer

Box:

Learn by doing (see text)