Now I'm not going to apologize for what I'm about to reveal, because I'm perfectly comfortable living this way. But gardening purists just might have a critical word about it.
With over 1000 different plants in the ground here at Our Little Acre and more than 175 houseplants (winter population only), it may come as a shock to you that I have a nice little collection of fake plants.
Appalling, right?
There are some situations where having an artificial plant makes perfect sense. Sometimes it's a matter of "right plant, right place," just as it is in the outside garden.
There are locations in our home where lighting is an issue. The eating area of our kitchen, for example, has no windows. So, in spring, these Narcissus come out of storage and sit on the table until spring has passed.
And then there are the plants that I either don't have access to, or that I have problems growing. Like agaves. Ever since I saw Pam Penick's Whale's Tongue agave on her blog, Digging, I've been nuts for agaves.
Oh, I've tried to find a large one here in northwest Ohio, but they're just not common. Even a smallish one is hard to come by. I finally found one in Toledo, at Hoen's Greenhouse, but it's only about six inches across. Of course, I bought it and I hope it grows well for me when it goes outside this summer, but I wanted one of the BIG ones.
Joe Cooper, Florist, in Waterville, Ohio - an hour north of me - had the answer to my agave lust. No, it doesn't look identical to the real thing, but it's a nice fake and good enough for me. When I came across it on my way to Kate Copsey's house for my radio appearance on her America's Homegrown Veggies show, I snatched it right up.
I even have a fake plant in the conservatory. Up on the shelf sits a red Kalanchoe. Why would I put a fake plant out there? Because I thought it was a beautiful imitation.
There. It's out in the open now. I feel better.
"Bejeweled"
15 comments:
I giggled at the admission. You are ok in my book Kylee. A little fake flower here or there is just fine. Don't worry. Be happy.
I'm sure they look better than some of my thirsty houseplants. Hey, it wasn't so long ago that fake containers were looked down upon and now they're more than acceptable, right?
Ha ha, I smiled when reading your true confession. Most of us have a deep dark garden secret to confess, I imagine. The fake agave is beautiful.
Nothing wrong at all in my book. I did find agaves from High Country Garden they are small (but real) and in northeastern Ohio they will have to be houseplants.
After seeing the "fake" agave in your family room, I think I might need one also. Anyway there is nothing fake about you, dear friend, except a few of your plants.
Funny! And I'm in total agreement, there is a situation where they'd be needed. No hose really has enough light- unless it's mostly windows! I'm always surprised by how fast my light meter goes down as I move it slowly away from my windows-
Happy spring to you and your fake plants ;)
LOL, and you don't have to water them or move them in the winter! I'll admit, I have a handful myself.
I also giggled. I don't have any fake plants, a few silk flowers in nice bouquets, but otherwise...nope. Not yet, anyway...:-)
I still owe you email...got derailed due to personal stuff. I will get it finished tonight. xx
Lisa ~ Whew!
Marie ~ They look better than a lot of mine, too!
Terra ~ If I kill my little real ones, at least I have this one that looks fabulous and "healthy" all the time!
Shelley ~ Awww, thanks Shelley! Takes one to know one, which is why we're friends. (Well, just one of the many reasons!)
Tessa ~ Isn't that the truth? It's amazing we can grow anything inside most of our houses! Happy spring to you, too!
Diana ~ Exactly! Oh, and I totally forgot about the Lily-of-the-Valley I bought at the Philadelphia Flower Show! They're VERY realistic! They don't smell as wonderful as the real thing, though.
Although I love my real houseplants, I certainly agree that there is a place for fake ones. Especially when they look so real like that agave you have!
I think you are OK! I have a pretty grass and pretty bluebonnet fake! Love them.
They're not fake plants - they're floral reproductions!
Kate ~ I'd say the agave is a hit! ;-)
Weekend Cowgirl ~ Ooh! I'll bet that bluebonnet is wonderful!
Sheila ~ I like that! Floral reproductions it is, then! :-)
Oh, Kylee, I've lost all respect for you! (kidding!) I myself refuse to own any fake plants but I admit you have some very nice ones. That agave is pretty impressive; do people poke at it and try to figure out if it's real?
I think that you're smart Kylee! I'm glad to see that you used the "floral reproductions" in locations that destined live plants to failure. The pictures you posted added just the right touch to each room! Outstanding :-)
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