Fake out: Adam Isaacs’ garden of artificial plants looks real enough to fool friends
After seeing talent agent Adam Isaacs’ bedroom terrace garden for the first time, you might think that he is blessed with a green thumb. But you would be wrong. “It’s all fake,” Isaacs says. “Friends and clients come over and tell me how beautiful my garden is — they have no idea it’s not real.” Artificial plants of all shapes and sizes fill the space where Indonesian chairs and a sofa were upholstered in a black indoor-outdoor Sunbrella fabric. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
Isaacs got help from florist George Woods of the Woods, in Culver City. He told me that the new artificial plants looked amazingly real and why didnt I do a 100%-faux garden? Isaacs says. Among the selections: a 7-foot-tall timber bamboo that complements the homeowner’s modern Asian decor. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
A Buddha that Isaacs purchased in Bali sits in a large oval pot surrounded by fake fountain grass, yucca fern and succulents. Crushed yellow glass surrounds the artificial plants’ bases. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
Woods, formerly the florist for the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles, says artificial plants have gotten a bad rap. People consider them tacky, but I think they have a lighthearted quality and are fun, Woods says. His advice for a realistic look: “Dont plant anything that wouldnt normally grow in the place you select. If its January, dont fill your terrace with sunflowers.” (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
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Realistic-looking sansevieria on Isaacs’ terrace. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
Artificial red-variegated succulents spill out over the ceramic bowl. Woods pulled out several pieces and arranged the plants so they appeared to be different lengths to make them appear more realistic, he says. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
A low marsh fern is stationed below taller bamboo and split-leaf philodendron. Its important to have different size plants as well as textures to add visual interest, Woods says. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
Woods inserts an oncidium leaf into a 2-inch-thick piece of plastic foam that keeps the faux orchid in place. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
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The oncidium orchid atop an Indonesian coffee table looks amazingly real. All I have to do is dust it, Isaacs says. Though the designer behind Isaacs’ terrace guards his shopping sources, realistic-looking artificial plants can be found in an increasing number of floral, craft, garden and home furnishings stores. For some examples, keep clicking. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
