I've never purchased a fern from them, but based on everything else I have I believe Artifical Plants & Trees will have top-notch ferns. Seriously, the quality of everything I have from them is superlative, and the customer service is excellent to boot! They've both ready-made arrangements (inc. plants) as well as stems / individual pieces. I purchased two pink protea and a green ginger (all separate pieces), a Vanda and Phalaenopsis orchids (potted, with amazing air roots) and a number of fascinating (individual) succulents (I am a sucker for hens and chicks!) from them, and to a one they are impeccable. I think I'm most taken with the protea. No one believes the succulents aren't real.

I use faux flowers. I do love fresh ones, but they aren't always available for the right price. I have found that carnations last forever and are pretty cheep. So, I normally buy those if anything. In regards to the fakes though, I do change them out often. Currently, I have the 'spring' (pink) set in some nice, out-of-style apothecary jars. But I really like the way they add color to my white-walls living room (renting). Also, they won't get all nasty in a closed jar. During the summer, I have white faux flowers in a simple glass jar. We got married this past August and had pictures taken at out apartment. I have to say, the photographer made them look pretty-spankin' real. And, over the winter holidays, I have a flower arrangement of deep purples and pinks to go along with the jewel-tone decorated Christmas tree. I also stick three little purple bulbs in the arrangement to make it more festive feeling. All of the flowers came form Michaels. You just need to be really picky about which ones you are buying. They do have some really great ones. In the future, I would like to use some of my inspiration pictures of bouquets on pinterest to make some more color-diverse arrangements.

When my #2 was attending school at University of Kentucky, we made a trip to Berea, KY, one day and I bought (very expensive) a bowl of wooden carved apples, painted and they look just like apples. They were in yellow, red and green. I got most red but 2 yellow and 1 green. They look as good today as they did 10 years ago. For those who do not know, Berea's collgeis an arts school and students often support themselves in their studies with their trade by selling in the village boutiques there. Back then (don't know about now), Boone Tavern which was a favorite. It was upscale in flavor and food, and reasonably priced. "Berea College students play a big part in Boone Tavern by providing our guests with friendly and courteous service in the hotel and dining room. Boone Tavern is one of 130 different work areas and departments staffed by Berea College students. In addition to carrying full academic loads, Berea students are required to work at least ten hours per week, earning money for room, board, and books as they study at this remarkable college that is top-ranked nationally by U.S. News and World Report." It is only about a half-hour drive from Lexington so if you are ever in the area, don't pass up this arts & crafts capital of Kentucky.

Oakley also asked about growing tips. ... I do the same as Annie - more or less, depending on how lazy I'm feeling. I put them in the sink twice a month and let the water run through. If I forget to give them a good soaking then I'll just place a couple ice cubes in the pot and let them melt. I fertilize them with a weak solution of Orchid fertilizer while they're sitting in the sink. I try to mist them once or twice a week. Mine are on a plant stand in a bay window in the kitchen which has an eastern exposure. When the phalaenopsis flowers are done blooming I cut the stem back to 3 nodes to see if it will bloom again, but only if the stem looks healthy. These are also from from last summer - you can see the Endless Summer hydrangeas in the background. This orange orchid is really vigorous and blooms 2 or 3 times a year on different stalks. Most of the other ones bloom once a year but the flowers may last for 3 months.