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Don't miss Debs Decorating Tips including choosing a container, potting instructions and shaping tips.
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As our schedules become more hectic, the atmosphere at our home and office is becoming increasingly important. Use the following Decorating Tips to brighten your home with flowers and greenery.
- Scour your local yard sales, flea markets and swap meets for old water pitchers, antique teapots, classic urns or even tattered clay pots. They make interesting containers for a your silk flowers and greenery.
- Use your favorite vase, antique bowl or silver pitcher to custom-design a formal floral arrangement for your dining table or entry hall. Seeing your personal treasure spring to life with flowers will uplift the room and your spirits.
- Add a softening touch to ledges or kitchen cabinets by draping with two or three cascading vines. Use ivy or hanging geraniums directly on the ledge or in a long rectangular basket.
- Fill your outdoor containers with a sand or gravel to anchor bushes, hanging vines or loose stems. It's inexpensive, reusable and will withstand the summer winds.
- Greet your guests at the front door with a basket of silk flowers attached to the knocker or hanging on a shepherd's hook by your path. You'll be amazed at the warm welcome they communicate.
- Don't forget to spray your outdoor baskets and containers with 2 coats of clear acrylic for protection from rain and snow.
If you have questions ask Deb at BudToBlooms@pa.net
Potting, Assembly and Shaping
When your new silk plants and artificial trees arrive they will need some re-shaping for the most realistic presentation. Remember, the most important thing is that the plants or trees fit your application and that shaping is the most important step.
POTTING
Fill your container 3/4 full with floral foam or for trees with large diameter trunks needing a heavier base use plaster of Paris. With floral foam, simply push the bottom of the tree trunk or silk plant stem deep into the floral foam, making sure it is straight. When using plaster of Paris, mix according to instructions, then pour into non-decorative container, and let it “set up” until you can insert your silk plant stem or tree trunk, and the semi-hardened plaster will hold the plant or tree upright until completely hardened. Tap the side of the container to ensure plaster is thoroughly up against the trunk/stem. Once the silk plant is potted, insert your non-decorative container into your decorative planter, crock, basket, etc.
ASSEMBLY
Your silk plants or silk tree may require some simple assembly. Most silk palm trees come with fronds and a trunk with frond openings. As a general rule, smaller fronds go towards the bottom and longer fronds go towards the top (Areca Palm, Bamboo Palm, Kentia Palm, etc.) Some silk plants and trees, such as Phoenix Palms, may have a single frond “head” which simply plugs into the top of the tree trunk. Always refer to the product picture at BudToBlooms.com when assembling your artificial tree.
SHAPING
Directional shaping is the best method to maximize fullness and create a better silhouette for your silk plants and trees. Start near the trunk or main stem and work your way to the end of the frond or leaf gently bending as you go creating a slight downward curve on the lower branches of the plant and a slight upward curve on the top branches. Give your tree a fuller look by slightly staggering the tips around the branch of you silk plants and trees. Again, referring to the item picture will help in this process.
As always, if you have questions ask Deb at BudToBlooms@pa.net
Cleaning Tips!
Cleaning your artificial silk flowers, plants and trees doesn't have to be a chore that takes hours out of your day or money out of your pocket. Here are some simple tips for keeping your silk flowers, plants and trees looking fresh and new.
Tip #1 - Don't spend money on artificial plant cleaners. Even after cleaning with these products, your plants will still have dirt and film on the leaves.
Tip #2 - Cleaning your leaves with a sponge one leaf at a time will make your plant look great, but it will also take a great amount of time. We want you to save time and money and be happy with your plants while you own them.
Tip #3 - Follow these simple steps to clean your artificial plants and you'll be sure to have beautiful looking silk flowers, plants and trees for years to come.
Dust regularly with a feather duster.
When necessary, wash the flowers and foliage as follows:
Test the plant with your tap water - remove one leaf from an inconspicuous portion of your artificial plant and rinse it with tap water then shake it out. After a few minutes, check the leaf to see if it's clean and the shine has returned.
After your have tested your leaf, the best thing to do is to take the plant outside and dust it with a feather duster. This will remove most of the dust and prime your plant for cleaning.
Cover your pot and filler with plastic for protection from the water. Make sure your silk plant is on a clean surface near a water hose. Use the spray nozzle on your hose. Spray your plant thoroughly with a light spray. When you're done, shake it lightly to get most of the water off and allow it to dry in the sun for a few hours.
This is a good regimen to be done about ever 3 to 6 months. Between those times, we suggest that you use a good feather duster to keep your artificial plants looking fresh and new.
If you have questions ask Deb at BudToBlooms@pa.net
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