How to protect your artificial plants outside

Love the look of a healthy garden but simply can’t seem to keep a real one alive for long? We understand your struggle! If you don’t have a green thumb or simply don’t have the time to maintain a garden, an artificial outdoor garden may just be the right option for you.

Our artificial plants are made to withstand many years outdoors, but there are a few things you can do to increase their durability and ensure they look fresh for years to come. With the right care, your artificial plants can create a lush, realistic garden, no matter where you are!

So if you’re wondering what it takes to create an artificial garden that you can enjoy for a long time, we are sharing some tips and tricks with you. Keep scrolling to learn about the benefits of protecting your artificial plants outside, how to protect your artificial plants outside, and more tips on making your dream artificial garden a reality.

Benefits of protecting your artificial plants outside

• Your garden will look brand new for longer

A fresh, new artificial plant looks amazing – so why not keep it looking that way for a long time? By protecting your artificial plants outside, you can ensure that dream garden view will be there for many years ahead.

• It’s more cost effective

When you protect your artificial plants and ensure they last a long time, you’re also avoiding having to replace those plants! This can save you a lot of money in the long run, so it’s really worth it to use our tips to protect artificial plants outside.

• The look of your garden can change and evolve

Having many beautiful and fresh-looking artificial plants in your collection will give you the freedom of having your garden evolve over time. Protecting these plants while you add more to your collection will ensure your range of artificial plants are easily shifted around for maximum visual impact whenever you’re in the mood for a change. This change happens to be good for you too!

How to protect your artificial plants outside

1. Purchase high-quality artificial plants

The most important thing you can do to protect your artificial plants is to buy high-quality ones in the first place! Make sure to do your research and only buy from ethical manufacturers who are committed to producing long-lasting, quality plants that are realistic and non-toxic – like Designer Plants®!

2. Prioritise UV protection

The sun can do a lot of damage to artificial plants. Symptoms of solar damage include dry, brittle leaves and also discolouration – not a good look, right? So make sure your artificial plants are manufactured with UV protection built in, like ours are. 

You can also purchase a UV protection spray. You can use this spray to boost the UV protection for your plants every few months. We recommend using it after you clean your artificial plants.

3. Make sure to clean your artificial plants

Cleaning your plants every few months will help remove dust buildup, which can mask the lustre of the plants and make it look dull. It’s also a great opportunity to check on your plants for signs of potential damage, such as cracks or brittle leaves.

4. Location, location, location

It’s super important to ensure that your artificial plants are not placed anywhere with constant direct sunlight or harsh weather conditions like strong winds and heavy rains. 

While the sunlight will cause solar damage, the wind and rain can ruin the integrity of your artificial plants and may even break them. Areas with partial shade and protection from the weather are ideal!

5. Move things around

As we mentioned before, artificial plants are really easy to move around, so be sure to rotate your plants and move them around so they each take turns withstanding more dramatic weather conditions. 

This also has the added benefit of refreshing your garden and creating an all new look each time, which is always a good thing.

Things to consider for an outdoor artificial garden

• Plan out your space

Take a good look at your outdoor space and make a rough plan on how you want your outdoor artificial garden to look. Don’t be alarmed if you can’t nail down the perfect plan from the get-go. The best part about artificial plants is that you can move them around easily!

• Consider a theme

If you find yourself feeling a little overwhelmed by your artificial plant options (because we have many), sometimes setting certain constraints can help you focus. 

Are you a fan of tropical vibes? Then look at artificial palm trees. However, if a classic Hamptons yard is your dream, then have a look at box hedges and topiaries. A theme can make it so much easier to narrow down the perfect artificial plants for your garden!

• Mix it up

The key to achieving a realistic look using artificial plants is to mix up the height of the plants and the size of their leaves. You could even consider adding flowering plants to the mix for a bit of extra colour. We have a large range of artificial plants that are perfect for outdoor spaces, so the options are endless!

• Find inspiration online 

While the plants in your garden may be artificial, that doesn’t mean you can’t draw inspiration from gardens made of their real-life counterparts! Use online resources like Pinterest and the Designer Plants® Lifestyle Hub to find all the latest gardening trends.

• Take advantage of their versatility

We continue to be impressed by the versatility of our range of artificial plants, alongside the genius of our clients. They always surprise us with how they use our products! 

For example, hedges are a great way to introduce some privacy to a space while adding much-needed greenery. We’ve also seen our artificial green walls being used to camouflage utilities and old fencing – so clever!

• Use decorative elements

Never underestimate the impact that garden decor can have on your outdoor artificial garden. Unique pots and planters, water features, or even shelving can easily help you create dimension and visual interest in your garden.

• Make use of vertical space

Not all of us have large backyards in which to install our dream artificial garden. If you have limited space but still want to create a lush artificial garden, why not make use of the vertical space on your property? 

Our artificial vertical gardens add impactful greenery without taking up floor space, and hanging plants add a sculptural moment to otherwise under-used spaces. Even the smallest outdoor areas can benefit from greenery, so find unique ways to include it in your spaces!

Your dream garden is within reach

We’ve seen many clients create incredible gardens using our range of artificial plants, hedges, and green wall panels. We can help you do the same! If you need assistance in picking the perfect artificial plants for your garden, be sure to contact us to speak to one of our Designer Plants® specialists now.

Of course, don’t forget to use all the tips above to ensure your artificial plants are protected outside. It’s the best way to ensure that they continue looking as good as new for many years ahead!