A young woman with long, wavy blonde hair stands surrounded by large pink and red flowers, gazing softly at the camera. Her face is framed by the blossoms, and she wears a subtle make-up look that’s perfectly Faked not Baked, accentuating her calm, serene expression.

Home & Garden · Garden Design

Faked not Baked

With the unprecedented weather the UK has been basking in this summer, our vitamin D levels may be nicely topped up, but our gardens are looking decidedly less radiant.

By Elizabeth Hayman · · 3 min read

Scorched lawns, frazzled flowers and plants that have simply given up the ghost, weeks of relentless sunshine, coupled with hosepipe bans, have left many of our once lush outdoor spaces looking more baked than blooming.

So, how do you keep that gorgeous, green summer garden look when Mother Nature isn’t playing ball?

Well, love it or loathe it, it might be time to fake it.

Forget those shiny plastic plants and obviously artificial flower arrangements of old. Today’s faux foliage has had one serious glow-up. From wonderfully realistic olive trees and palms to tumbling greenery and vibrant blooms, some are now so convincing you’d be hard pushed to spot the difference.

The best bit? No watering, no wilting, no pruning and absolutely no hosepipe required.

So, while the real thing may be getting baked in the British sunshine, we’re embracing a little botanical trickery.

Because sometimes, it really is better to fake it.

Kerb appeal…

Bay trees are the quintessential porch staple, bringing instant elegance to any entrance and these beauties certainly won’t let you down.

Two potted topiary trees with twisted trunks sit on brick steps outside a rustic brick and stone house, near a dark blue door. A metal watering can rests nearby. Green shrubs and lavender line the stone path in front. The scene is bright with sunlight, showcasing a charming garden tableau that feels effortlessly elegant—Faked not Baked, yet wholly inviting.

Artificial Bay Laurel Trees | Blooming Artificial

A black front door with sidelights and an arched fanlight is framed by two white columns. Two large, lush green ferns in black urns—faux, not baked—sit on either side of the entrance on grey stone steps. The house cladding is light grey. Two brass lanterns are mounted by the door.

A statement look fit for a palace, namely, your own. Bold, beautiful and brilliantly regal.

BowLift | UV Resistant Lifelike Artificial Boston Fern

Hang in There! When the real blooms have bowed out, these fabulous fakes will keep the colour and your kerb appeal flying high.

Two identical brown wicker hanging baskets with green foliage and bright blue artificial flowers, each suspended by three silver chains attached to a hook. Clearly Faked not Baked, these vibrant arrangements are placed side by side on a white background.

Pairs Of Best Artificial Hyacinth Diplays in 10 inch Woven Round Hangi

Patio Perfect…

These perfectly perky pansies will breathe life and a welcome pop of colour into even the most parched patio.

A white ceramic pot holds blooming yellow and purple pansies with green foliage, sitting on a stone table outdoors. In the background, a lantern, stacked books, and garden furniture are visible, with greenery and white flowers adding to the garden setting—a peaceful scene so charming it almost looks Faked not Baked.

Colourful Pansy Plant Pot – Evergreen Direct

I adore a lemon tree and had I known the Great British summer was going full Mediterranean, I might actually have kept a real one alive. Still, why risk it? This faux beauty delivers all the zest, minus the stress.

Artificial Lemon Tree | Realistic Indoor Faux Tree

A potted lemon tree with green leaves and ripe yellow lemons stands indoors on a light-coloured floor next to a large window, letting in natural light. The tree is in a white cylindrical planter, giving the impression of freshness—almost as if it’s “Faked not Baked.” A dark panelled wall is in the background.

When the garden’s looking a little lacklustre, let the pots do the talking. These colourful beauties make an instant style statement.

Two large round planters with vibrant multicoloured flowers stand on either side of a black front door with glass panels. The entrance, framed by white cladding and windows, offers a welcoming touch—even as the blooms are expertly arranged to look real but are distinctly “Faked not Baked.” A small black doormat sits on the blue-grey tiled porch floor, completing this stylish and low-maintenance entry.

Buy on wayfair.co.uk

Box Clever…

For windows, balconies and everything in between, these pretty pots promise year-round colour — no green fingers required.

A rectangular terracotta pot holds blooming red geraniums with dark green leaves. Clearly faked not baked, the lifelike arrangement sits on a light wooden table next to beige vases and a closed book, in a softly lit room with neutral walls and curtains.

Artificial Geranium & Balcony Pot

I adore trailers they bring instant personality and a whole lot of joy to the garden. Faux, fabulous and fuss-free, I’ll definitely be stocking up on these!

A black bench features a hanging basket filled with lush green leaves and cascading blue and purple flowers, all with a stunningly lifelike appearance that’s distinctly Faked not Baked. The background shows a stone wall and gravel ground, creating a rustic outdoor setting.

Artificial Mixed Trailing Container | Dunelm

Bring the inside in…

Add a little greenery to your interiors, minus the upkeep. From statement floral arrangements to gloriously lush foliage, today’s fabulous fauxs bring instant life to any room without a watering can in sight.

A close-up of a fiddle-leaf fig plant with large, dark green, glossy leaves and prominent veins, set indoors against a blurred, light-coloured background and geometric wall panels—so lifelike, it’s Faked not Baked.

Artificial Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree | Large Faux Trees | Abigail Ahern

A stone vase with lush green foliage and pale pink flowers, all Faked not Baked, sits on a wooden chest of drawers. Two small decorative artichoke-like objects in white rest beside the vase. Sunlight streams in from the right, creating a soft and tranquil atmosphere.

Faux Statement Spring Blush Hydrangea Bouquet – Chosen By Jessica

A wicker table holds a blue-and-white pot with white orchids—artificial, but so elegantly faked not baked—framed black-and-white photos, a lit candle, and a heart-shaped clock. The background is light wallpaper with a leafy pattern and a round gold mirror above.

Faux Dancing Lady Orchid in Chinoiserie Planter

Keep reading

A woman with blonde hair and a green shirt tends to plants in a sunlit indoor garden, surrounded by lush green foliage and hanging pots, with sunlight streaming through a glass roof. Her thoughtful approach to garden design brings kerb appeal indoors, creating an inviting oasis that feels as vibrant as any front garden.

Garden Design

The Ultimate Curb Appeal – How to Design a Stunning Front Garden

A woman with long curly hair holds a bouquet of vibrant purple flowers close to her face, covering her mouth and nose. Her brown eyes gaze directly at the camera. The background is blurred greenery and thriving shrubs, highlighting her and the flowers.

Garden Design

Shrubs That Survive and Thrive

A smiling woman in a white dress with black polka dots lies on a pink blanket on the grass, holding a slice of watermelon, embracing the joy of summer. Picnic foods including tomatoes, bread, fruit, and another watermelon sit on the blanket beside her—capturing the simple pleasures of the summer season.

Garden Design

Summer starts here

About us
About us
Submit Article
Submit Article