How to make artificial Christmas foliage look fuller and more natural
A artificial Christmas tree with visible gaps, a garland that looks like a thin green rope, and a vase of flowers that does not feel particularly Christmassy need different solutions. Adding more baubles to all three is not necessarily the answer. Before adding decorations, decide what you are trying to change. Does the foliage need…
What size artificial hanging basket works best for a small porch?
A small porch can be one of the most charming parts of a home, but it is also one of the easiest to overwhelm. Add a hanging basket that is too large and suddenly the space feels cramped, the door is awkward to open, and your lovely floral display becomes something you have to dodge…
How to make an artificial basket look seasonal without buying four baskets
If you love the idea of a beautiful hanging basket that reflects the changing seasons, but you’d rather not buy a brand new one four times a year, there’s a much smarter way to do it. With a single, well-made artificial basket as your foundation, you can refresh the look in minutes simply by swapping…
How to stop artificial window boxes looking too neat
One of the most common worries we hear from people styling artificial window boxes is that the finished display looks a little too perfect. Real plants are gloriously messy. They grow at different speeds, lean towards the light, fade unevenly and sprawl in directions you never planned. Faux flowers, on the other hand, can sometimes…
Faux window box ideas for upper-floor flats
Window boxes are one of the loveliest ways to bring a little greenery and colour to a flat, but when you live on an upper floor they come with their own set of challenges. Watering cans are awkward to lug up several flights of stairs, wind tends to be stronger the higher you go, and…
How to style artificial window boxes for Georgian or Victorian homes
There’s something quietly satisfying about a beautifully dressed window on a period home. Whether you live in an elegant Georgian terrace or a characterful Victorian villa, the right window box can frame your windows perfectly and add charm without overwhelming the architecture. The challenge is getting it to look authentic and in keeping with the…
How to use artificial flowers in real hanging baskets without harming drainage
Mixing artificial flowers into a real hanging basket is one of the easiest ways to enjoy fuller, more colourful displays without the daily watering and constant deadheading. A few well-placed faux stems can fill gaps, add instant colour and keep a basket looking lush even when your living plants are between flushes. The trick is…
How to create a bee-friendly real-and-faux hanging basket
Hanging baskets are one of the simplest ways to add colour at eye level, brightening up walls, porches, fences and patios. But if you’ve ever struggled with daily watering, drooping blooms by August, or baskets that look tired before the season is over, you’ll know they can also be hard work. There’s a clever middle…
How to dress a porch with one artificial basket and two pots
A welcoming porch doesn’t need a dozen plants, a watering can on permanent standby or hours of weekend fuss. With just three carefully chosen pieces – one artificial hanging basket and two pots – you can create a front-door display that looks full, intentional and beautifully balanced all year round. This simple three-piece formula is…
Artificial hanging baskets for narrow passageways and alley gardens
Narrow passageways and alley gardens are some of the trickiest spaces to brighten up. There is rarely much floor space, the light is often poor, and anything you hang has to earn its place without snagging coats, shoulders or shopping bags as you squeeze past. If you have ever planted up a real hanging basket…