We LOVE flowers-all colors, shapes and sizes- BUT- WE HAVE NO WATER ! This is how we fix that. We go shopping for “Forever Flowers” (some people call them artificial). The crucial secret to using these plants and flowers is to seek out the unusual ones. People don’t have a clue what they are, so they can’t tell if they’re real or not.

You’re probably not going to find them at Walmart or Big Box outlets. The ones there are usually “garishly faux” and wouldn’t fool a butterfly From 20 ft. You will most likely have to frequent Michaels, Home Goods, Amazon or other online websites to find the unique.

A wide variety of succulents, cactus, tropical silk flowers, berries, stems and bushes are available and when cleverly arranged, give the same visual enjoyment as “the real thing”.

If you have natural bushes and greenery around your patio, try affixing hibiscus, magnolias, plumeria or lilys to the branches of your existing plants. ( soft, green wire is available for this purpose) I can assure you this will fool almost everyone and it looks fantastic.

If you have a small enclosed patio, using Forever Flowers is ideal. In our scenario, we have no access to a hose to water living plants and cannot lift heavy watering cans. These flowers are perfect for us and provide the illusion of being in a tropical setting. (which we really would love to be)

We are in love with color ! It is possible to color any room in your home with the use of these flowers and plants as well. Match them to your printed couch, to your dining room drapes, to a throw rug in the hallway. Match them to your bedspread or a painting. You can even brighten up a bathroom by matching your shower curtain or using a wall vase.

Remember to keep your choices to the unusual and unique – also that “less is more.”(usually)!