How to Landscape With Artificial Plants

If you're tired of droopy blooms and wilted foliage in your yard, consider landscaping with artificial plants. With realistic characteristics such as veining and variegated coloring, artificial plants will look vibrant and healthy. Faux foliage infused with UV light inhibitors can add a lush, colorful look to gardening containers ranging from hanging flower baskets to heavy ground-based planters. Landscaping with artificial plants reduces yard maintenance hours, cost and disappointment from bug infestations and weather damage to plants at home and business locations.

Things You'll Need

• Artificial outdoor plants
• Plant containers
• Hanging Baskets
• Digging tools
• Cement
• Garden hose
• Garden decorations
• Soil
• Moss
• Decorative gravel

Instructions

1. Add small bushes or trees to patios and decks. Choose large sturdy potting containers, such as ceramic vases or metallic urns. Choose a variety of heights and mix flowering and non-flowering plants for visual interest. Large conifer trees can provide a barrier, creating an intimate patio setting.

2. Place topiaries by entrances. These potted artificial plants are timeless and coordinate with all seasons. From decorative spirals of Juniper to cones of Boxwood, topiaries are range in height from 3 to 7 feet.

3. Fill flower boxes and hanging baskets with artificial blooming plants. Use faux flowers for hard-to-reach window boxes, balconies and elevated patios. Pansies, geraniums or tulips add long-lasting color to containers next to brick or neutral colored siding.

4. Use containers to display flowering plants. Vintage watering cans, classic terra cotta pots or ceramic pottery can be used to display artificial plants. Set the containers on front porches, steps or along walkways.

5. Add gravel, soil or moss for a realistic look. Tops container plants with natural elements for a decorative look. Garden art such as small statues, signs and art can be placed in, or next to, the contained artificial plants.

6. Consider permanent artificial plants. Trees can be planted in the ground and secured with a cement base. This option is perfect for homeowners or businesses wanting low-maintenance, long-term barriers or decorative elements.

Tips & Warnings

• Artificial plants are a perfect option for landscaping around pools. Faux palms and tropical flowers will add warm weather appeal to pool decks and patios. Live plants can easily be damaged by the chemicals in pool water.

• Artificial outdoor plants will deteriorate overtime. Keep UV protected plants looking fresh for over 10 years by routinely washing off dust with a garden hose, storing them in a garden shed or garage during winter months and fluffing them after wind or rain damage.

References

• Artificial Plants and Trees: Using Outdoor Artificial Plants and Trees in Landscape Design