Silk Plants Tool Kit

Mimicking Nature’s Vertical Gardens With Artificial Plants

plantscape — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:27:00 +0400

Vertical greenery has been adopted as a standard feature in high-rise buildings. It helps to provide aesthetic relief from the harsh urban environment by providing a softening effect, creating a welcoming and friendly indoor living space, and contributing therapeutic benefits to our busy and stressful lifestyles. Many factors including site constraints, cost and maintenance need to be taken into account to create a successful green wall indoors. An example of would be the vertical silk plant wall over the Asia Square Tower One Food Garden located in Singapore.

For the Asia Square Tower One site, there were three major considerations:

• Firstly, the site is completely under shade and the use of a living plant wall would require artificial lighting.

• Secondly, maintenance is a major issue due to the height and location of the vertical wall covering over a food court with no practical access for routine plant maintenance works.

• Thirdly, the appropriate planting media had to be taken into consideration for plants to grow well. The vertical wall had a large surface while the barrisol had a curve, slightly sloping surface.

Technical issues concerning mountings and load of the frame, growth media and plants were factors which require professional engineers’ design details. Besides cost considerations, using green living plants also pose other issues such as irrigation water dripping and pests.
The design architects from Denton Corker Marshall specified the selection of silk plants to be used at the walls to express the depth, color and tile covering patterns on the surface.

In the end, the two green walls of artificial silk plants were found to be the most practical and sustainable solution.

Most importantly, all the indoor artificial plants used are fire-rated and meet the stringent fire safety codes.

These magnificent vertical green artificial gardens now adorn over 230 square meters overlooking the concourse of Asia Square. Mimicking nature’s wall of plant greenery, this silk green wall stands as an outstanding and beautifully executed solution to meet the unique and demanding design requirement of the client.

Reproduced with the permission of Earthscape Concepts Pte Ltd, the originator of the proposal based on the broad design of the project Architects DCM & A61

HGTV’d Episode Features Artificial Boxwood Mats from Commercial Silk Int’l

plantscape — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 23:39:00 +0400

In a new episode of HGTV’d, designer Genevieve Gorder selects artificial boxwood mats by Commercial Silk Int’l to help transform the upstairs of a spacious Texas home into a chic indoor/outdoor lounge. The 12” by 12” modular square boxwood panels are a choice adornment for flat or contoured walls and ceilings, as noted by HGTV’d host Tanika Ray. The Rodills – whose home underwent the big city makeover – are sure to enjoy not only the stylish look of these faux plants, but also the fact that they’re virtually maintenance free: no watering, no pruning, and no replacing dead or wilting plants required. In addition, Commercial Silk Int’l boxwood mats are produced with proprietary Inherently Fire Retardant (IFR) foliage, which meets national and international fire codes. These stylish – and safe – silk boxwood mats offer a modern aesthetic for virtually any indoor or outdoor setting. Check out below the boxwood mats by Commercial Silk Int’l which are available fire retardant for indoor use or UV rated for outdoor use.

Boxwood Mat Foliage comes in 12” by 12” plastic square panels for use in artificial hedges, topiary balls, and green walls.

Azalea Mat Foliage is an artificial flowering plant with beauty and pink blossoms. Available in 12” by 12” plastic square panels for use in artificial flowering hedges, topiary balls, and green walls.

English Ivy Mat Foliage is produced in 12” by 12” plastic mat panels for use in artificial ivy vine walls, privacy screens, hedges, and trellises.

Restoration Hardware Planters Work with Faux Plants Too

plantscape — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 21:19:00 +0400

Restoration Hardware planters come in a variety of distinct styles reflecting an updated french country look and feel. This spring they are for sale on their own, with live Boxwood topiaries, or faux and preserved plants. But most people don’t know that they can also be used with independently purchased silk plants, trees, and topiaries for almost any type of indoor and outdoor commercial project.

Restoration Hardware planter box product lines include the Versailles with rustproof cast aluminum, the Reclaimed Wood with thick planks of azobe wood, and the Ancient Vessel with handcrafted reproductions of Mediterranean storage pots. Silk plants can be hand-crafted specifically for these planters, whether they are balls, hedges, spirals, or even animals.

A silk Boxwood bush, for example, is well complimented by an Azobe Salvaged Wood Planter. Faux Boxwood balls, on the other hand, can be used in the sand finished Weathered Cast Stone round planters as a uniquely modern and sophisticated design touch.

Silk plants have many advantages over live or preserved plants. There is little maintenance, no threat of dying or illness, and no sunlight hazard due to field tested and proven outdoor U/V protection. They are perfect for cost-sensitive and sale hungry commercial landscapers and decorators looking to beautify hotels, casinos, and restaurants without hijacking ongoing care budgets.

Best of all, when working with a wholesale commercial supplier of silk plants, you can order product to the exact style and size you’d like. Including some that will work perfectly with Restoration Hardware planters.

Restoration Hardware Boxwood Topiaries & Faux Topiary Designs

plantscape — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 23:59:00 +0400

Restoration Hardware Boxwood topiaries are a unique product segment for a big retailer -- few traditional retail competitors offer a similar inventory. Featuring live, preserved, and faux topiaries, Restoration Hardware topiary plants are classy, design-forward, and easy to install and maintain.

Restoration Hardware Boxwood topiary products include smaller ball topiaries, globes, cones, hedges, and spirals in both Boxwood and English Ivy materials. They work indoors or outdoors depending on type.

Similar topiary products are offered by other silk plant producers, some who serve consumers directly, and some who focus on corporate or business sales. Custom topiaries can be hand-crafted in any size and shape, meaning that you can go beyond what is offered online to satisfy requirements for large scale commercial projects.

If you have a particular affinity for Restoration Hardware planters but don’t like the plant offerings, you are not out of luck. Silk plants can be matched with Zinc Paneled Tall Planters, Weather Cast Stone Planters, or with any other type of planter box offered by Restoration Hardware.

Exterior silk plants and trees from reputable producers are made with U/V protected foliage, ensuring a long life span. Indoor plants are manufactured with fire retardant foliage, allowing commercial interior landscape projects to pass state fire code requirements.

Decorative Boxwood Provides Glitzy Backdrop for a Paris Hilton Premier

plantscape — Tue, 31 May 2011 23:46:00 +0400

You know you work for an decorative boxwood producer when you notice the background of a premiere party photo shoot before the, shall we say, somewhat hard to ignore figure standing in front of it.

That’s right, the backdrop material behind Paris Hilton for the premier party of “The World According to Paris” is none other than (drum role please): artificial boxwood!

Clearly, a star is born.

All glitz and glamour aside, decorative artificial boxwood has been toiling on the interior and exterior landscaping scenes for a while now, waiting for a big break. It is often used unceremoniously as artificial boxwood mats, or tiled sections that can be easily assembled for almost any occasion. It has been made into durable boxwood topiary plants and trees, as fake hedges, and for sprucing up conference event bars.

Lately, decorative boxwood seems to have found its stride, taking small jobs and parlaying them into bigger, more dramatic roles: lifelike boxwood animals, trendy restaurant walls, large scale casinos, and now the red carpet.

The unenlightened may say that Paris Hilton is responsible for all the attention being heaped on decorative boxwood, but those in the silk plant and tree industry know different. With its U/V protected, fire retardant, and luminous green foliage, boxwood will prove to be a survivor, gracing the biggest stages in a long and successful career.

Faux Moss Rocks, Balls, Sheets, & Faux Moss Grass Create Decorative Accents

plantscape — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 18:30:00 +0400

Faux Moss plant balls, sheets, rocks, and grass are replications of the natural Moss found on forest floors, on rocks near streams, on tree trunks, and many other surfaces in shady and moist environs. Mosses are typically thought of as complimentary faux plants and can be used as savvy design touches for projects featuring artificial plants and trees.

Faux Moss Plant Description: The Moss plant is classified in the Bryophyta family genus and there are over 12,000 unique species. Mosses are small, green, soft plants that usually grow 1 to 10 centimeters long, though some species can grow much larger. They commonly grow close together in clumps or mats in damp and shady locations. They do not have flowers or seeds, and their leaves are very simple and small, covering their thin wiry stems. At certain times Mosses produce spore-like capsules that look like bird beaks. For faux Moss plant producers, the trick is to replicate the fine detail of Moss without sacrificing authenticity.

Moss has the most simple structure of all land plants with no roots and tiny cellular threads that serve as anchors. Up close, their structures look like a stem, root or a leaf, though in reality Moss “leaves” are only thin sheets of cells. Moss lacks a vascular system and many other genetic similarities to other plants -- most plants have two sets of chromosomes, while Moss plants only have one set. There are periods in the life cycle of a Moss plant when they have a double set of paired chromosomes, but this happens only during the spore producing phase of the life cycle. Faux Moss plants, fortunately, are normally made from fine silk materials and don’t need to represent these genetic idiosyncrasies -- they just need to look like real Moss.

Faux Moss Ball Background: Moss ball plants grow best in shady areas where there is plenty of moisture, like in forest beds, streams, or between stones. There are also aquatic Moss balls that are found in bogs, marshes, and waterways. Moss can grow in a number of climates and can tolerate extreme temperatures and moisture levels. In severe cold, Moss ball plants, unlike grass, remain richly dark green in color. Excessive heat or lack of rainfall has no permanent effect on Moss ball formations either. During these times, Moss plants simply go dormant and lose some of their green color until a rain shower quickly restores it. Faux Moss ball replicas can be made to look just like the real Moss found in these various environments. Both decorative Bumpy Moss balls and faux Mood Moss can be painted to accentuate the natural characteristics of living Moss in any climate. In addition, faux Moss balls are also used to create artificial topiary plants and trees including two ball and three ball Moss ball topiaries.

Faux Moss Grass Styles: Live and faux Moss grass species are used by florists and home decorators across the world. Decaying Moss (a major component of peat) is “mined” for use as a fuel, a soil additive, a malt, or in the production of Scotch Whiskey. Moss grass was used as first aid dressing on soldiers wounds, and in Finland, Peat Mosses have been used to make bread during famines. Moss grass can also be used as a Christmas decoration, or as a pet plant (see: Chia Pet). In all, faux Moss grass can create an attractive covering over surfaces that would otherwise be bare. Further, because faux Moss grass can be made in 12” x 12” synthetic mats, it speeds up the installation process because the Moss grass mats can simply be sectioned together.

Faux Moss Sheets Usage: Faux Moss sheets are normally designed to authentically replicate the mossy carpet of natural forests. When made by experienced silk plant producers, faux Moss sheets appear incredibly realistic and are often used as ground cover in landscaping planter beds or under artificial plants in environments that aren’t conducive to live plants. Faux Moss sheets are manufactured in sizes ranging from 12” x 12” square sheets to decorative Moss rolls in 2’ x 4’ lengths. Faux Moss sheets can be easily cut and formed to fit around potted plants or trees to create a forest floor. Moss sheets can also be attached to walls or ceilings to create living artificial green walls. Green Moss walls made from faux Moss sheets do not require watering, pruning and maintenance like living green walls.

Faux Moss Types: The most popular manufactured faux Moss varieties include Spanish Moss, Forest, Reindeer, Lichen, Mood Moss, Bumpy Moss, Sphagnum Moss, and more. Moss shapes include faux Moss rocks, balls, sheets, plants, topiary, grass and more.

Silk Grass Plants - Stems, Flowers, & Silk Plant Grasses Arrangements

plantscape — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 23:46:00 +0400

Silk grass plants, including silk grasses stems, silk flowers, and silk arrangements, are a simple yet effective way to spice up your decor. Silk grass plants can be used to complete arrangements, enhance grass bushes, or on the dinner table as floating decoration in bowls and vases, as napkin rings, or anything else a creative mind can imagine.

Silk Grass Plants Description: Grass belongs to the Gramineae family of plants. There are over 9,000 kinds of known grasses on Earth, making it one of the largest species of any type on the planet. The evolution of grasses dates back to 55 million years ago, according to fossil records, though scientists have recently found a grass species dating back to 65 million years. In the hands of expert craft-workers, almost all grasses can be replicated as realistic silk plant grass decor for homes, offices, and other dwellings.

Grasses have very simple structures that resemble their simple way of life. At the base, the roots grow into the earth. They are threadlike and reach into the soil, grabbing nutrients, soaking up water and establishing homes in the dirt. Unlike many plants and trees, they require very little maintenance and can grow in very poor soil, even poorer than many garden plants. Dried grasses are used as decorative touches and are used both indoors and outdoors, while potted silk grass plants are often comprised of hand-made silk materials. However, some faux grass is made from plastic, particularly grass mats that are used for decorative displays.

Silk Grasses Stems Genealogy: Grass stems grow from the base and narrow leaves extend from the stems, usually above each joint. These leaves alternate in direction vertically on the stems -- one leaf will grow on one side of the stem, while the next will grow on the other side a bit higher up the stem, and so on. The plant leaves collect energy from the sunlight through photosynthesis, just like leaves on a tree, and the chlorophyll gives grass it's rich green color. Through the advancement of craft materials, silk grasses stems can be made with the same rich colors we often see in the real version.

In areas with moderately moist to very moist soil, many grasses from Asia and Europe thrive. Japanese silver grass has been grown in America, and it has grown in popularity for gardens, where it is noted for its silky flower tassels that can grow into winter. One interesting adaptation of grass plants is that their blades now grow at the base. This low growth point is an evolutionary response to grazing animals and it allows the grass to be grazed on or mowed without damage to the plant. Fortunately, grass stems made from silk are normally used for decoration and are safe from grazing animals and lawn mowers. However, not all grass is safe from lawn mowers as synthetic imitation grass used for home lawns is growing in popularity because it looks realistic, has a natural feel and is cheap.

Silk Grasses Flowers Usage: Grass flowers could be the most essential food source for humans in the world. Rice, corn, and oats all come from grass plants, and along those same lines, most livestock feed primarily on grass. Grasses flowers are even used in the making of sugar, liquor, bread and plastics.

In addition to being an essential food source, grass is probably the most economically important of all the plant families. It is important in food production, industry and our lawns. As mentioned above, grasses grown for their seeds (rice, wheat, corn, etc.) and provide us with more than half of all our calories eaten. Silk grasses flowers are also important to our landscaping needs, both indoors and outdoors in a variety of home and office environments. Common silk grass flowers include bluegrass, bentgrass, ryegrasses, fescues, grama, oysiagrass, bermudagrass, St. Augustine Grass, bahiagrass centipedegrass, carpetgrass or buffalograss, and more.

Silk Grasses Arrangements Types: Grasses arrangements are used in many projects all over the world. Grasses are important for their ornamental design, where they can add that extra special touch to a project or particular plants. Silk grass arrangements include such grass varieties as ribbon, prairie grass, silk onion grass, dune and bear grass, beach grass, savannah grass, snake grass, artificial wheat grass, and more. All of these decorative artificial grasses can be used separately or together in arrangements when assorted creatively. Further, many people buy artificial grass mats that they display individually to create unique, design-savvy decor for retail, weddings, hotel lobbies and more.

Decorative Faux Citrus Trees - Fake Orange Tree & Fake Lemon Tree

plantscape — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 19:25:00 +0400

Decorative faux Citrus trees and fake Orange and Lemon tree products can make for a convincing theme in almost any commercial environment. Citrus trees and plants have long made a majestic impression on many who come across them, yet they are unusually hard to care for. Faux Citrus trees, when produced by a reputable manufacturer, make Lemon and Orange trees available to all parts of the world year round.

Faux Citrus Trees Description: The genus Citrus belongs to the Rutaceae family. The precise number of natural species of Citrus Trees is unclear, however they are often the ideal choice as a landscape fruit tree. An appealing shape, fragrant blossoms, and edible fruit are just several of the many benefits. The most common types of Citrus Trees are Orange, Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, and Tangerine. Citrus trees grow to different heights: Lemon trees can grow to 20'-30' tall, while an Orange tree can grow up to 60' tall. In either case, faux Citrus trees manufactured with artificial Citrus fruit -- including fake Lemon tree or Orange tree replicas -- can be made to look just like the real thing.

Decorative Citrus Trees Genealogy: The pollination of Citrus trees is normally done by insects, though many are seedless and produced with no pollination. The fruits of Citrus trees go through a process referred to as “tree ripening”, meaning that once the entire tree has finished its ripening cycle, the fruit will be picked and ripen slowly from that point. Decorative Citrus trees and artificial Citrus plants are often made to resemble the state of maturation at its zenith with full and bright fruit, thereby providing the most visual impact possible. The artificial Citrus fruit is incredibly realistic in size, shape and color, that it is almost indistinguishable from real fruit.

Fake Lemon Tree Specifics: Most Lemon Tree species grow in China, the Mediterranean Basin (including Spain), South Africa, Australia, and South America. In the United States, Florida, California, Arizona, and Texas are the major producers. Lemon trees thrive in a sunny, humid environment and they require fertile soil and adequate rainfall or irrigation. Most Lemon trees grow the best in well-drained soil that is slightly acidic, and are not generally frost hardy. As such fake Lemon tree products are great in places with winter of any kind.

Fake Orange Tree Specifics: Orange tree species are also grown in the regions mentioned above and oranges are normally eaten fresh. In addition to orange juice, oranges are used for a variety of things, including garnishes for beer and mixed drinks, and squeezed over certain meat and vegetable dishes. Oranges are popular for their high content of Vitamin C, and the peel of a fruit is sometimes used as a facial cleaner. With so many uses, it’s not surprising that fake Orange trees can have such a positive impact on people, especially in areas where they are not naturally found.

Faux Birch Logs, Faux Birch Bark, & Faux Birch Branches

plantscape — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 22:32:00 +0400

Faux Birch logs, faux Birch bark, and faux Birch branches make for excellent decorative touches, especially during the holidays when Birch ornamentation is so popular. Since faux Birch materials are normally made from silk, they can be re-used year after year, resulting in a dependable, long term supply of decorations that stimulate holiday cheer.

Faux Birch Bark Description: Birch trees are characterized by their thin, white bark. The bark is always marked with long, horizontal lenticels, or patterns on the bark that allow gas exchange from the tree to the air. All Birch trees are slender and the bark remains the same regardless of region. Though the bark is relatively fragile, artificial tree producers have developed excellent faux Birch bark products that look and feel just like the real thing. Faux Birch bark can be made in sheets that can be used to create decorative column covers or Birch bark can be made from a clay like material that is hand carved.

Birch tree bark flourishes in lots of light, but some shade is also good for them. They can withstand very cold temperatures, but wind can be an issue since their twigs are usually very weak. Most Birches grow between 40-50 feet tall, and hardly ever exceed 50 feet. The leaves are egg-shaped or ovate-shaped, but some species have more of a triangular shape.

Faux Birch Logs Usage: Birch trees are known to be able to grow in any climate, even Arctic latitudes, though all Birches are located in the northern hemisphere. Most grow very quickly and are thus short lived, dying between the ages of 40-60 years. As such, Birch logs are often made from the vast supply of trees, and faux Birch logs can be made directly from natural wood when treated properly. Faux Birch logs can be supplied in a number of different sizes from small Birch twigs used as decorative branches to large Birch poles used in hotel lobbies and restaurants.

Today, Birch logs are very often used to make drums. This dates back prior to the 1970's, and innovators seem to be coming up with new uses for Birch wood for musical purposes every day. Before Birch logs were used, Maple was the wood of choice. But, because of a natural boost in high and low frequencies from Birch wood, it makes the drums sound more deep and full. Faux Birch logs are sometimes used in the making of acoustic and semi-acoustic guitars, and even used as a material in mallets for xylophones and other keyboard percussion instruments.

Faux Birch Branch Traits: Birch branches tend to be thin and weak and are sometimes not even strong enough for bird nests, though in American Indian culture the Birch branches and bark were used for making footwear. Silver Birch branches are very fragrant and are often used in saunas to relax muscles. Going back to ancient times, the bark and branches were also used in the construction of very strong, waterproof canoes and wigwams. Birch is a good wood to have around when a fire is needed. It burns very well, even when frozen or wet because of the oil it contains. Birch bark is even used in the making of “Birch Beer”, which has a taste similar to root beer. There are many productive uses for faux Birch branches as well, both decorative and functional. Often times faux Birch branches are used as table top decorations in weddings or as decorative branch displays for events.

Faux Flowers - Outdoor, Tropical Faux Flower Arrangements & Balls

plantscape — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 23:51:00 +0400

Faux flowers, including outdoor faux flowers, tropical faux flowers, faux flower arrangements, and faux flower balls, are useful and delightful for a full range of decorative occasions. Such occasions include weddings, lawn and office parties, birthday events and more. Since real flowers are expensive and don’t last long, faux flowers also make great permanent decoration for homes and offices.

Faux Flowers Description: There are over 270,000 species of flowers. Evidence of flowers dates back to prehistoric times and have been discovered through flower fossils. The evolutionary history of flowers extends over 125 million years. During this time, an assortment of more than 125,000 flower species has developed, and faux flowers are modeled after many of these species.

A flower, also known as a bloom or blossom, is the reproductive structure found in flowering plants. The biological function of the flower is the union of the male sperm with the female ovum to produce seeds. It begins with pollination, followed by fertilization, leading to the formation and dispensing of the seeds. Seeds are the next generation, and serve as the primary means by which individual species are dispersed across the landscape.

Pollen from flowers can be transferred in many different ways – wind, water, insects, birds, bats, and other animals. Sometimes flowers use a combination of these sources to pollinate. Some flowers have glands called nectaries that act as an incentive for animals to visit the flower. Some flowers also have patterns, called nectar guides, that show pollinators where to look for nectar.

Four kinds of leaves make a complete flower – carpels and stamens (primary reproduction structures), and petals and sepals (secondary structures). If a flower lacks any of the 4 basic parts, it is called incomplete. The many species of flowering plants are usually distinguished from one another by the way these 4 basic parts are modified. Faux flowers, in kind, will replicate these parts to provide for an authentic look and feel.

Faux Outdoor Flowers Geography: Flowers grow in many different regions of the world, and most modern faux outdoor flowers are patterned after the floral characteristics found in each region. Some flowers grow in tropical zones (Africa, Indonesia, China, Australia, Mexico, Southern United States, etc). Other flowers grow in temperate zones (South America, New Zealand, Europe, Ireland, Scotland, Japan, etc), and still other flowers grow in polar zones (Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Iceland, etc). With a savvy blend of craftsmanship and technology, faux outdoor flower producers are able to make startlingly legitimate products that prove to be effective long term and low-care decorative options. These designer faux flowers are excellent options for creating hanging flower baskets, window box flower plant displays or decorative flower pots.

Faux Tropical Flower Types: It could be argued that tropical flowers are the most vibrant and attract the most attention, which is why faux tropical flowers are often in such high demand. As discussed in the previous section, tropical flowers can be find in a variety of countries, and include such exotic species as the Anthurium, Bougainvillea, Calla Lily, Ginger, and more. Faux topical flowers that can be made to resemble these varieties will look great at events, offices, and homes, and can be very persuasive for designers looking to convey a tropical sentiment or theme for commercial projects.

Faux Flower Arrangements Usage: Faux flower arrangements are used for many different occasions - births and christenings, weddings, gifts of remembrance like a bon voyage party, welcome home party, or thinking of you gift, funerals, and in churches. Faux flower arrangements can also be used for corsages or boutonnieres, and can be passed down to the next generation. Flower arrangements almost always have a grand effect on people, whether the intentions are romantic, apologetic, or conciliatory, and faux flower arrangements can have the same effect, only for longer. The most popular commercial use of faux flower arrangements are in hotel lobby waiting areas, reception desk flowers for corporate office lobbies and large floral arrangements for restaurants, casinos & hospitals.

Faux Flower Balls: Faux flower balls make great pew and reception decorations and are adorable for flower girls and attendants to carry. Faux roses are very common when making faux flower balls, but other kinds are popular as well, including daisies and rosebuds. Typically, flowers with open petals work well. Best of all, flower balls can be made at home to save costs, though it certainly could be argued that a faux flower balls manufacturer will be able to produce a more convincing product.