Time to Rethink the Fake Plants

 silk_plant_4.jpgWe are creatures of habit. That can be a good thing when it gives stability to our lives. Do you ever feel you are in a rut with respect to your decorating? Do you enter a room and not really see it? Are you worried that if you focus, it will cost time and money?

First, look around your home for ‘silk’ flowers, plants or trees.  What kind of condition are they in? Are they dust collectors? Are they tired out? Do they simply ‘fill in the corners’ without really adding to the quality to the design?

If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’, then here is some advice:

 

If the plant or arrangement is made from dried flowers, then it cannot be washed. If a gentle dusting cannot remove the accumulated dust and the arrangement looks faded and tired, then returning this to the earth by composting is the kindest alternative for you and the environment.

If they are ‘silk’, then chances are they are really composed of polyester, which means they can probably be gently washed.  Carefully remove any Spanish moss if it is adorning the top of the planter. Either turn a light hose on the plant outdoors or carefully spray in the bathtub.

If the cleaned plant still looks fabulous and really enhances your décor, then repot it and keep it! Otherwise, make a donation to your local charity --much easier when you know this creation can benefit someone else!

This is a great way to de-clutter your home, and remove dust and dust mites, which can be a source of allergies and asthma. While you help yourself, you can make a difference too.

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Elaine Broadley: ...
Dayle,

I loved your newsletter... especially the January look at dusty fake plants.... I went right to work!”

Elaine Broadley
1

January 12, 2009
Helene Combret: ...
Thank you for your Index of Articles from The Coolest Shade of Green Newsletters regarding the care
and or disposal of dried or artificial plants. With people like you on the watch, we shall conquer and at the very least
have the satisfaction of doing our best.
Fondly,
Helene

Thank you Helene!
Dayle
2

January 12, 2009

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