When did plastic plants become acceptable?

Plants are important.  Really, really important.  They play important roles in society and in the nature that supports our societies: plants feed us; they are a source of many pharmaceuticals; they produce oxygen and store up carbon dioxide; they can remove pollutants from city atmospheres; and they are the foundation for much of the world’s ecological functioning.  In addition they inspire poets, artists, musicians, and have huge cultural significance, as well as bringing beauty and biodiversity to even the most urban of environments. Plants positively add to our quality of life, and make us happy, whether we are aware of it or not.

For more artificial hydrangea flowers wholesaleinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

OK, there’s a bit of personal bias going on here: I’ve always loved studying and growing plants, they are a huge part of my life.  But the basic facts of what I laid out in that opening paragraph are correct: plants matter.  So I find it troubling that there seems to be a recent trend in using artificial (mainly plastic) plants indoors and in outside “gardens”.  When did this happen?  When did plastic plants become acceptable?

It first struck me that there had been a recent shift in how we view plastic plants back in the summer when I visited the newly refurbished main restaurant at the university’s Park Campus.  The refurb was very nicely done and there’s a big display about how much of the university’s waste we are recycling, and there’s lots of greenery about the place – except that most of it is plastic.

Then in November we visited my son Patrick in Lancaster.  We stayed a night in a nice hotel in the city centre, in a room that led out into a private courtyard – full of plastic plants.  There was a plastic lawn, a plastic palm, even plastic ivy.  Ivy!  One of the easiest plants in the world to grow – why would you need to make it out of plastic?!  It makes itself perfectly well which you can see if you peep over the wall at the back of the courtyard:

Then the following week I was in London at the Wellcome Trust to take part in a project review panel.  The Wellcome’s building near Euston Station is wonderful, really striking on the inside, full of light and life.  I was initially please to see an avenue of fig trees in large containers arrayed along the centre of the main concourse:

But when I looked closely I realised that although the trunks and branches were real, these were not living plants: the leaves are artificial, made from wire and synthetic material.  So someone has gone to the trouble of growing real fig trees only to dismember them and festoon them with faux foliage.  Please, no one tell Mike Shanahan!

I’m really surprised at the Wellcome Trust, an organisation I have a lot of respect for;  we know that real plants have a positive effect on psychology and health, though I very much doubt that the same can be said for artificial ones.  In their defence the Wellcome Trust building does have some real plants scattered about the place, but they missed a huge opportunity in not using real figs here.  Even that cathedral to capitalism that is the Milton Keynes shopping centre uses real plants in most of its displays, including some lovely tree ferns:

And splendid palms:

Finally, insult was added to injury as we entered the New Year.  As I mentioned in my Spiral Sunday post a couple of weeks ago, we bought a wreath as a Christmas decoration and I took it apart to compost and recycle at the start of the year.  What I hadn’t noticed when we bought it was that half of the holly berries were plastic:

This was hugely ironic given our recent study of how insects boost the value of holly by pollinating the female flowers that produce the berries!

All of this is more than just snobbery on my part.  Yes, you can argue that plastic plants are a bit naff and can never take the place of the “real” thing.  But my main concern here is an environmental one: plastic plants require resources (usually oil-based polymers and energy) to make.  And I doubt very much whether they are recycled very often.  Yes, real plants also cost resources to grow (though that can be minimised depending on how they are grown).  But they also provide a range of benefits and, at the end of their life, they can be composted.  Not something I can do with my plastic holly berries.  Not only that, but I suspect that most (all?) of the plastic plants that are sold are manufactured in the Far East.  Using British- or Europe-grown real plants would cut down on the carbon-miles required and support more local horticultural industries.

Early in 2017 Andrew Lucas at Swansea University, on Twitter, described what he thought was the most depressing tweet of 2017 so far:  “Transform your garden today: buy Artificial Grass from ExpressGrass. Cut to your size for easy DIY installation”.

Agreed, hugely depressing, but we can do something about it: stop buying fake plants.  Perhaps we need a Campaign for Real Plants?  Its theme tune could be Radiohead’s Fake Plastic Trees:

Her green plastic watering can
For her fake Chinese rubber plant
In the fake plastic earth
That she bought from a rubber man
In a town full of rubber plans
To get rid of itself…..

……It wears me out

Share this:

• Twitter

• Facebook

• Email

• More

• Pinterest

• LinkedIn

• Reddit

Like

Loading...

Related

The company is the world’s best artificial peonies wholesale supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

In an increasingly digital world, the appeal of natural greenery is something many still yearn for. But only some have the green thumb or the conditions to maintain live plants. Enter the fascinating realm of artificial plants, lifelike imitations that have evolved for decades to fill the void between man and nature. 

From their early inception as mere decorative elements to today’s sophisticated, almost indistinguishable replicas, artificial plants have a long and captivating history worth exploring. As homes and offices modernise, these faux alternatives are becoming increasingly popular for their low maintenance and evergreen charm. 

But how did we get here? This article aims to unearth the roots of artificial plants, tracing their journey from humble beginnings to becoming an integral part of contemporary interior and exterior designs. 

Perfect for designers, botany enthusiasts, and anyone looking to enhance their living or workspace, this comprehensive guide sheds light on the dynamic evolution of artificial plants that have, quite literally, grown on us. 

So, whether you’re looking to optimise your home for aesthetics or for a green solution that doesn’t require a watering can, read on to discover how artificial plants have branched out over the years.

What Are Artificial Plants? 

Artificial plants are imitations of natural plants used for commercial or residential decoration. They are made from various materials, including plastics, silk, cloth, or even ceramic, designed to mimic natural plants’ appearance, texture, and colour as closely as possible. 

Unlike their natural counterparts, artificial plants require no sunlight, water, soil, or ongoing maintenance. 

This makes them an ideal choice for spaces where natural plants would not survive or for individuals who love the aesthetic of greenery but need more time or expertise to care for natural plants. 

Increasingly sophisticated manufacturing techniques have made modern artificial plants nearly indistinguishable from the real, making them highly attractive for interior design, landscaping, and even for use in digital spaces aiming to achieve a natural look.

Where Did Artificial Plants Come From? 

The origins of artificial plants can be traced back to ancient civilisations, where they initially served religious or ceremonial purposes. In ancient Egypt, for instance, artisans crafted replicas of palm leaves and papyrus plants out of painted linen and other textiles. 

These faux plants were often used to decorate tombs or accompany mummies to the afterlife. In ancient Rome and Greece, artificial flora was used to enhance the aesthetics of temples and homes. 

Over the centuries, the use of artificial plants has evolved significantly, dovetailing with advancements in materials and manufacturing techniques. In the 19th century, the mass production of silk made it easier to create more realistic-looking flowers and plants, which became popular in Victorian homes. 

With the advent of plastic and other synthetic materials in the 20th century, artificial plants have become even more lifelike and durable, finding their way into homes, offices, public spaces, and movie sets. 

The journey of artificial plants from sacred spaces to ubiquitous décor is a testament to human ingenuity and the ever-changing relationship between man and nature! 

How Have They Developed Over The Years? 

Over the years, artificial plants have undergone remarkable appearance and quality transformations, paralleling technological and manufacturing advances. Early versions were often rudimentary and easily distinguishable from their natural counterparts, primarily crafted from wax, silk, or paper. 

However, the 20th century saw the introduction of synthetic materials like plastic and polyester, which revolutionised the production process. Today’s artificial plants are often made from high-quality, UV-resistant polyethene or eco-friendly materials like recycled plastics. 

Innovations in moulding techniques, colour blending, and finer details like veining on leaves or petals have rendered contemporary artificial plants virtually indistinguishable from real ones. Advanced manufacturing methods have enabled features like realistic soil, water droplets, and scent, offering a multi-sensory experience. 

As a result, artificial plants have expanded beyond decorative accessories to serve functional roles in various settings, including office spaces where they improve the ambience, outdoor landscapes resistant to natural flora, and even in applications like green walls and vertical gardens. 

The evolution of artificial plants is a testament to the human desire for convenience, beauty, and the indomitable spirit of innovation.

Why Have Artificial Plants Continued To Grow In Popularity? 

Artificial plants have continued to grow in popularity for several compelling reasons. One of the primary factors is their low-maintenance nature; they require no watering, fertilising, or exposure to sunlight, making them an ideal choice for people with busy lifestyles or those without a green thumb. 

They’re also an excellent solution for spaces not conducive to the growth of natural plants, such as areas with low light, extreme temperatures, or limited airflow. Technological advances have made modern artificial plants almost indistinguishable from real ones, enhancing their appeal as a design element in residential and commercial spaces. 

Furthermore, they offer a level of flexibility that live plants do not—being easily moveable and not seasonally affected, they can be used to adapt and refresh interior aesthetics quickly. 

Additionally, artificial plants are increasingly seen as a more sustainable option, as they do not require the natural resources and ongoing care that live plants do. 

All these factors contribute to the rising popularity of artificial plants in today’s fast-paced, convenience-oriented society.

Order A Range Of Artificial Plants From Evergreen Direct Today! 

If you want to elevate your interior or exterior spaces with hassle-free, stunning greenery, look no further than Evergreen Direct’s extensive range of artificial plants. 

Our collection features a variety of lifelike options that capture the beauty of nature without the need for ongoing care and maintenance. Crafted from high-quality, durable materials, our artificial plants are designed to withstand the test of time, offering a sustainable and convenient solution for any setting. 

Whether searching for elegant artificial flowers, striking faux trees, or low-maintenance succulents, Evergreen Direct has something to suit every style and requirement. 

Make your dream space a reality—order your artificial plants from Evergreen Direct today and enjoy the everlasting beauty and serenity that only our carefully curated selections can provide.

• Facebook

• Twitter

  If you want to learn more, please visit our website floral lily artificial flowers wholesale.