5 Curb-Appealing Artificial Outdoor Landscaping Hacks

Combine these artificial outdoor landscaping hacks with some of the natural elements in your yard and boost your curb appeal with long-term results.

If creeping charlie (that invasive purple weed) was a swear word, I’d be using it. All. The. Time.

Sometimes certain aspects of your yard make it difficult to keep everything au naturale. These elements work against maintaining some level of order within your outdoor space.

Now, I’m not saying destroy the natural esthetics of your yard, per se, but more toward making changes in your yard using artificial outdoor landscaping items to help you manage certain natural challenges, like invasive weeds, climate issues, uneven landscape, etc.

Case in point, several years ago, I created a native flower bed, but due to an onslaught of rambling weeds, the lack of a border (my oversight), and the fact that I can’t do my own prairie burn, I had to rethink the front flower bed, almost altogether.

And as such, We’ve chosen to use several artificial outdoor landscaping hacks to help us improve our ability to keep it maintained. 

Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links and I may earn a commission (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase through those links.

Artificial Outdoor Landscaping Hacks That Can Improve your Curb Appeal

Here are 5 artificial outdoor landscaping elements that helped us revive our flower bed while still being able to salvage some of the native prairie plants (the natural elements we wanted to keep).

Tumbled garden stone is typically a man-made precast setting of a liquid stone mixture. Once set, it is then agitated gently to knock off the hard edges. What this creates is a natural stone appearance. This type of stone comes in countless shapes, colors, and sizes. The benefits include competitive prices, easy access (as most home improvement stores carry their own line,) and durability because it’s still made from natural resources.

We went with 3-1/2″ x 4″ x 12″ Belgian edger block (Menards) in tan. As you can see the edges are rustically irregular creating a more natural appearance that blends into the landscape.

2. Artificial Boulders

Are you ready to laugh? Because when I was shopping the isles of our local home improvement store with these fake boulders in my cart, I was getting all kinds of attention.

“Wow, you don’t look strong enough to lift those heavy things. Hahaha!”

“Hey…are those for real?”

“What in the…?”

By check-out time, I made the cashier’s day, by placing the fake boulders on her conveyor belt while holding the straightest face I could muster…for about 10 seconds. Then I looked at her like, “Yep. I look like a complete fool buying fake boulders. And I am fully aware of this”. She couldn’t stop laughing. It was all in fun.

And, It was all worth it because now that these fake rocks are in place in our garden space, they don’t look half bad. Would you agree?

3. Precast Flagstone Pavers

Once again you can also find precast flagstone at most home improvement stores. They come in a variety of shapes that can be pieced together kind of like a puzzle, but they also work well as stepping stones through a garden pass. Benefits: the price point and easy access.

4. Rubber Mulch

I would have poo-pooed this idea a year ago. Actually I didn’t know it existed, but let’s be honest, doesn’t it just seem wrong? Rubber in your garden?

However, once I read some of the reviews and have tried it myself, I’m a rubber mulch believer. Benefits: it doesn’t float away as easily as wood mulch; it helps keep weeds down, and it doesn’t fade in color.

You be the judge. Does it look fakey-fake?

5. Realistic Looking Resin or Plastic Planters

Last, on the list, fake planters have come a long way. the biggest benefit with resin planters or plastic planters is the weight factor. They are not nearly as heavy. And of course, using this plant filler tip helps, too. They’re not as prone to cracking from heat or cold. Plus, they are usually more cost-effective than the real thing.

Most important with this hack: Choosing planters that look realistic to you.

Container garden tip: Learn how to combine flower and herb garden containers as one.

Creeping charlie! That was a lot of work…

A three day project between Ken and I.

But we’ve tackled some of the bona fide challenges in our outdoor space with the most stunning, yet sensible artificial outdoor landscaping ideas we could find.

What’s the biggest natural challenge you have in your outdoor space? Leave me a comment, lets see if we can help you find you a solution.