Planting silk plants outdoors in shady areas.

Consider artificial azaleas, pansies, geranium and ferns in locations with poor sunlight for an instant splash of color! Artificial flowers and plants are simple to plant--just stick in the ground! You can place mulch around them to add to the visual effect as well. Although flowers are generally color-fast and won't fade too much over time, the same may not be true to artificial foliage, as it may loose its green coloration sooner. Try spraying your plants with a sealer and UV protector, typically available at hardware stores in the paint department. This will definitely preserve greenery coloring much longer. Silk flowers are also a great alternative for areas frequented by wild life. Artificial cabbages (kale) work fantastically in areas where deer roam.

Planting silk flowers in window boxes.

So you've pulled the ladder out, climbed it to reach the flower boxes outside of your windows, planted the flowers (Wow! They look great!), climbed off, put the ladder away and realized you have a big dilemma before you...how to water them? Whether high or low, window boxes look magnificent with the addition of trailing artificial springerii (maiden hair fern), silk grasses and filler flowers. You can use floral foam and moss to fill the box, or simply use dirt. Start with your trailing material and plant around the sides and front of the box--really close to the edge, then plant the row closest to the window. This should be the highest row. Then follow with one or two shorter rows, so that the shortest row is closest to the front of the box. Intermix grasses and flowers for a great effect. If your boxes are at street level, make sure to fluff your flowers--that is to bend the stems in an S-shape to watch your silk flowers come alive. Important tip: If your boxes are on the second story, make sure the flowers are not only fluffed, but pointed down so that you can see them from the street level. Otherwise, only passing birds and neighbors across the street will be able to best appreciate the best view. Spray your silk plantings with a sealer and UV protector to preserve their look. The best bonus? No watering required!

Decorating outdoor structures with silk flowers and plants.

Trellises and gazebos are a great addition to any backyard. They are especially a wonderful gathering space when entertaining or hosting special events. Dressing them up for these purposes is fairly easy. Once you've established your theme, your creativity is only the starting point. Shop for ready-mades to decorate in a snap. Artificial Ready-mades are groups of artificial flowers that have been put together in various forms for your convenience. Silk ready-mades include: swags, garlands and bushes. Are you hosting an outdoor wedding or shower? Large rose and peony swags can sway from post to post. Use plastic cable ties (available at your local hardware store) to attach them to your structure. This makes the installation (and take down) super easy. Adorn the posts with tulle, bows or with mementos such as rattles for a baby shower, or two champagne glasses for a wedding shower. For other theme events, such as patriotic parties, birthdays or holiday events, pick flower bushes, swags or garlands that will coordinate with the colors you are choosing. Do you want to decorate just posts? Get a clay pot, which you could paint if you choose, and add some floral foam and Spanish moss to hide the foam. "Fluff" a silk flowering bush and then plant it into your container. Attach the container to the posts using cable ties. Hide the cable tie by adding a wide ribbon, which could end up on a bow. You can also use artificial teardrop swags to decorate posts. Ready? Set? Decorate!

Indoor artificial plantscaping.

Decorating indoors? Plantscaping a building lobby? Foliage bushes make a great permanent backdrop next to which seasonal live or artificial flowers can be added. Maintenance of real plants can be stressing and expensive. Silk plants and flowers provide a viable alternative to real. When planning your plantscaping projects avoid crowding your items. Space is just as important as filled areas. On paper, divide your area by square feet. A good rule of thumb is to select one plant per 1.5 to 2 sq. ft. Chose a variety of heights, including low ground covers. Before starting your project create silk plant groups or 3 or more, placing the tallest one at the back. If your grouping is closest to the left end of the bed, then the second tallest should be to the left and the shortest to the right. If, on the contrary, your grouping is closest to the right, the second tallest should go to the right. This will make for a visually pleasing and well balanced plantscape bed. Cover your bed with mulch or with dirt. You can also add other garden-type decorative objects to the in-between areas for interest.

Real Touch artificial flowers.

One of the growing trends in the silk flower industry has been the use of Real Touch flowers. Also known as Natural Touch or Real Feel flowers, these flowers are so realistic and nature-like, that they not only look real to the last detail, but feel real to the touch as well. These flowers have been coated with a special finish which is palpably different to anything that had hit the market before. Manufacturers have created beautiful roses, tulips, gerbera daisies and orchids to name a few. Real Touch flowers are fast becoming the most requested type of flower for silk weddings. Just place a dozen Real Touch rose buds in a vase with water for a Can't believe they're not real! reaction every time.

Dana Plazyk of Flowers By Design is passionate about silk flowers and has been writing about them for the last 20 years. Flowers By Design stocks high-end artificial flowers. Please visit their Online Showroom [http://www.flowers-by-design.com/shop/Accessories.html] to see the newest and latest in silk flowers.