Everlasting Botanicals

Fake, artificial, permanent botanicals, silk – all are words used to describe faux blooms and greenery. The artificial floral industry has been around for centuries, and has been growing in popularity over the years. Here’s a quick history lesson for you: originating in China, the first fake blooms were made of silk, hence their common namesake. By the 12^th Century, Italy was overtaken by the floral craze, and by the 18^th Century, Queen Marie Antoinette of France chose the silk rosebud as her emblem. The Victorian era was one of extravagance and fancy, bringing flowers to the forefront as they gave specific blooms special meaning. In America, the silk flowers started making their way into the fashion scene, and by the early 20^th Century, silk florals were seen at flower shops all around.

Fast-forward to today… Although silk flowers were originally made from silk, today’s artificial botanicals are made from polyester fabrics, foam and latex, among other things, depending on grade level and bloom style. When made from fabric, the petals are die cut into petal shapes from a large piece of fabric, dyed to desired color, heat pressed into molds for texture, then assembled into finished flowers. Higher end flowers are considered to be the height of quality and are known to be botanically accurate, produced to very high standards, and with a very authentic color and texture through the use of liquid polymers, molded foam, latex and rigid polymers.

If you plan to use fake flowers in your home or office, make sure to consider the following:

• Do your research and pick the most realistic looking specimens
• Consider the materials being used and select the most authentic feeling texture
• Arrange in a natural looking setting with real containers and accessories
• Make sure to clean your artificial botanicals regularly as dust and dirt make them look less real

Of course, our experts are always ready with creative ideas to make something custom for your space. Adding artificial florals and botanicals into your space is a fun way to add an everlasting splash of color and fun. Our experts love to create seasonal arrangements to keep spaces current with holidays and what’s happening outside. Think pine and berry touches for Christmas, pastels for Easter, and shades of orange and amber for fall. Check out some of our work below.

For other ways to liven up the indoors and bring the outside in, visit our Interior Plantscaping group online, or give us a call at 515.987.0800.