When Faking it Just Doesn't Make it!

It’s undisputed that curb appeal is important in attracting home buyers to your property. From a well manicured lawn to trimmed bushes and adding new plantings and ground cover, it all adds to the overall aesthetics.Well, during a recent visit to the model units of a new home community, I witnessed a cardinal sin in landscaping…the silk plant!Ahhhh! What were they thinking?!Faux plants should NEVER be used to stage the exterior landscaping. It really shouldn’t be used in model homes, especially when they have gardeners maintaining the landscaping on a regular basis.What’s the big deal you ask?Silk florals can be used effectively indoors, and perhaps on a tablescape outdoors, but any and all landscape foliage should ALWAYS be live. Fake is just plain cheesy and after extended exposure to the sun, the colors change…especially green leaves. They tend to turn blue!I’ve seen rows of silk florals hanging from pots at some houses. I’ve even seen silk flowers actually stuck in the ground. Trust me, you ‘aint foolin’ anyone! I know folks probably think it’s low maintenance, but trust me, it just looks bad. A flat of real flowers is very inexpensive. Go for the real stuff. Take it from someone with one of the blackest thumbs you’ll ever find…it’s worth it to hire someone to help you plant the real flowers and then all you’ll need to do is water them while the house is on the market. Whatever happens after that is up to the new owners, but remember, sometimes faking it just doesn't make it!