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stance and style to a natural décor. These balls are also found as decorative faux moss balls with duckweek and natural twig. These decorative balls can be used simply as an accent in vases or bowls or as the foundation for one-of-a-kind décor mixed with an assortment of greenery. 3) Reindeer moss — Preserved or dyed reindeer moss can add a naturalistic finishing touch to potted plants, and is an ideal decorative covering for plants. Rein- deer moss assists in drainage for living plants, and allows air to reach roots on amaryllis and orchids. In its living form, reindeer moss is not a moss at all, but a lichen that grows on rocks and in sandy soil. It was named after reindeer because it is a special treat for reindeer and caribou in northern regions. 4) Bamboo/wood — Mixing a bundle of spiral, curly bam- boo or bamboo reed stalks can complement live plantings. Wood textures drive visual appeal paired with many live plant species. 5) Hydrangea — Permanent reproductions of the hydrangea — a botanical beauty which is a popular and colorful ornamental plant grown for its large flowerhead — adds vibrancy and panache into live planting beds. Selaginella The top five live plant species that integrate well with faux fo- liage include: 1) Succulents — Succulents come in many compelling vari- eties, and offer a cornucopia of colors, shapes, styles and textures that work well with permanent botanicals. Adding gravel, sand and stones to the succulent container allows for drainage and also pro- vides for some styling variations. 2) Selaginella — Selaginella is a genus of plants often referred to as "spike moss," "fern allies" or as the "resurrection plant." These perennials are grown for their eye-catching, scale-like foliage and are used for edging greenhouse benches, covering pillars, planting in hanging baskets, and decorating terrariums. Most of these plants are found wild in tropical areas of Asia, but some come from China, Japan, North America, South Africa and Australia. 3) Tillandsia— A genus of more than 500 species in the Bromeliad family, Tillandsia are found in the wild in forests, mountains, and deserts in Central and South America, Mexico and the southern United States. The Tillandsia genus mixes and matches beautifully with permanent botanicals including hy- drangea. 4) Living mood moss — Living moss, which is recom- mended by Feng Shui masters to help create a space where one feels safe and energized, offers a natural bed that succulents thrive in. The thick moss, which grows in mounds, has a soft look and feel to it, which provides a center stage setting for permanent botanicals. 5) Dragon tree (Dracaena Marginata branched) — Although they are sometimes mistakenly identified as palms, the Dracaena Marginata is a genus of 40 species of subtropical, evergreen, woody plants grown for their statuesque form and ornamental fo- liage. www.landscapeirrigation.com Landscape and Irrigation 9 Living florals Interior plantscaping is more than just putting a beautiful plant or tree in a space. Poor plant placement can be wasteful and costly. When you have a location that is not conducive to live plants, replica plants can create organic beauty in even the most difficult location such as windowless conference rooms. The integration of permanent botanicals and live plantings can create a lush, tropical paradise indoors. Charlee Storner is a botanical stylist for Ambius, and is based in St. Louis. She can be reached via e-mail at charlee.storner@ambius.com. LI