Page 33 - Intra Muros May 2024

GARDENING

THE APPEAL OF ARTIFICIAL PLANTS

By Elize Malan

rtificial plants are frequently used by
interior designers to enhance living
Aspaces. The quality and appearance of
top-of-the-range silk plants are exceptional.

Given our current wintry weather, the outdoor
use of these plants is minimal. Besides, there
is such a wide variety of natural plants to
choose from, you can find a suitable specimen
for nearly every spot in the garden.

However, the fact remains that water
problems, climate change and everyday
lifestyle changes will result in faux plants
being used increasingly in future.

Artificial outdoor plants have a limited lifespan
but require little maintenance, making them
a viable solution for specific areas. Shaded
patios, balconies and south-facing courtyards
can be green without a single natural plant.

The product you choose needs to have
ultraviolet (UV) blocking technology as well
as strong, colourfast pigments when used
outdoors. Topiaries: Container plants pruned into type of lawn installation, the grass will be
a certain shape need extra care and swept or a leaf blower can be used to clean
Here are some suggestions for faux plant maintenance. By using a faux topiary in an away leaves. Solid waste from dogs has to
placement and care in the garden: attractive pot, these problems are eliminated. be removed and the area hosed down. A
cleaning solution from faux grass suppliers is
Hedge plants: Natural hedge plants will take Covering an unsightly object: You can cover applied to remove any smell or spill.
a few years to reach maturity. Plant the small the JoJo tank or grey-water pipes and even air
hedge plants, but add a faux plant hedge conditioners with faux plants. A serious gardener will not easily opt for a
behind it. This will provide instant privacy and faux plant solution. But when used correctly,
have the purpose of acting as a windbreak. By Pool filters will be out of sight and there will artificial plants will provide years of visual
the time the faux hedge becomes tatty, the be nothing shedding leaves into the pool. pleasure to those difficult areas and require
living hedge will hide it. no further attention.
Smaller projects such as a fence or wall can
Garden walls: Adding a lattice trellis in be undertaken by any DIY handyman. Where Sources:
front of the wall and covering it with faux you need a framework, it should be handled https://easigrass.co.za/blog/keeping-your-artificial-
grass-clean/
ivy will supply instant depth to your view. by professional installers. https://www.belgotexgrass.co.za/solutions/diy
A backyard wall covered with faux greenery https://www.easyivy.co.za/
will transform the area into a soothing green Faux lawns come in different colours, Tel: 012 804 1807
environment. thicknesses and heights. Choose the correct Fax: 012 804 0278
one for the area you need to cover. Areas with Web: www.garden-group.co.za
Hanging baskets: These can be added to any bad drainage or a slope will need a different Email: admin@garden-group.co.za
suitable support and you don’t have to worry approach compared to a level, firm surface.
about getting a watering can or hosepipe to
reach the basket. They are especially useful When it comes to cleaning your faux lawn,
in garden design as background fillers, while here’s what you need to know: Rain will
baskets with natural plants are used for close- keep hedges and shrubs clear of dust, or
up viewing. these can be hosed down. Depending on the

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