Jen from So you wanna be a Domestik Goddess? has just blogged a great post with 5 ways to fake a show-off garden. I'm not much into faking the whole garden experience but Jen makes some good points that get you out of some embarrassing moments - like when the MIL drops over.

Heres the list;

• Planter Magic - Jen points out that adding some containers to your garden can instantly rectify any boring spots. However, she adds that the trick is to keep them all of the same material, ie. if you're using terracotta don't add a plastic or Malay pot. Hmmm...good point.


• Weed Wisdom - This has to be Jen's best advice. If you don't have time to weed your whole garden then just weed the front few inches from each border or garden bed. Clean lines will always steer your visitors eye to the most important things and most will just assume the weeds at the back are part of the effect.


• Artful Dodges - For those looking for ideas on where to move those garden gnomes feel free to email me. I have a few ideas that might help.


• Put it in perspective - if time is limited then cleaning up the areas around the house or that visitors are more likely to notice pays greater dividends than tizzing up the woodlands down by the creek.


• Cosmetic Measures - Jen recommends that you take a look at your garden from your visitors viewpoint rather than the familiar one you've been using. Remove the clutter and display your best bits.

We all get caught at some stage by unexpected visitors so if you have a little spare time take a leaf out of Jen's book and fake the garden makeover. They don't need to know...do they?