artificial plants in colorado? (yard, summer, Russian)

[willc86]

good idea for outside decoration or seems a bit weird? Im trying to find plants that will last summer and winter in my front yard, but seems not many do (unless I am wrong) Should I go and use artificial plants and dig a hoel and just stick them there? or is it a bad idea you think?

[TCHP]

Bad idea. The sun bleaches them into pale colors the first summer. Following years see them slowly turn white and fray apart (if silk) or become brittle, crack, and blow away (if plastic).

And yes, they look weird when they are in full color through the brown months. A hose down the road from me has astroturf. Sticks out like a sore thumb in winter.

[bluescreen73]

We have Russian Sage, lilac, small junipers, and nearly-wild roses in our yard. The lilacs lose their leaves and the Russian Sage and roses need to be pruned annually, but they're all hardy enough to handle the winter.