I never thought of the differences in decorating acceptance from one locale to another until this morning when I was watching the WGTV channel which shows the do’s and don’ts of “staging” a house up for maximum impact for sale. The knowledgeable person chastised the homeowner for artifical plants. She firmly stated, “Use real plants. Artificial is definitely a ‘decorating fau paux’.”

I looked around our new place and realize I now freely use artificial silk greens and flowers as accents when I’m here in Florida, but I’d never do that in Michigan. In our Michigan home, we have dozens of large live plants which fill our rooms. Yup, there’re all “live!” That’s not to say that they aren’t a pain when we head south. We’ve found that lining our hot tub with plastic and filling it half way with water makes a great reservoir for all our growing plants when we head South. The hot tub is set in the floor of its own room which can be reached from the living room or the master bedroom. It’s not easy to “clean up” the hottub after we use it this way, but it does keep the plants alive.

But why is it “ok” to use artificial here in Florida, but I’d never ever do it in Michigan? In Michigan it would be considered tacky and no-class.

This isn’t the first time I’ve notice the difference. In fact, I’ve been surprised that in this wonderful climate where plants grow with ease, some folks even use artificial flowers outside. I haven’t stooped to that ploy. My out-door stuff is all the real McCoy. We have added a lemon yellow hybiscus to the landscaping behind our new place and I have delicate orchid on the lanai.

The landscaping around our new place is lovely and well maintained. There is an attentive crew to keep everything clipped and groomed. We have palm trees, large shade trees, lots of flowering shrubs, and an abundance of color. All real and growing.

But here in Florida, no one seems to mess with live plants inside. Everyone uses artificial. Life-like orchids are common. Silk hybiscus are used as living area accents. Artificial ivy and philodendron are seen everywhere.

My question is this, “Why is it a no-no to use artificial plants in Michigan, but perfectly acceptable here in Florida, where it would actually be easier to get the plants to grow?”