Much can be done to make your setting look more realistic. Most often just the building alone is not enough to complete the facade unlessyou are constructing the INSIDE of the structure. Several methods of adding the "great outdoors" can enhance your finished display.

The photo above shows a bush and a tree painted on to light weight board. This is a suitable style if you need a background for perhaps a farm. The same student also made several bushes, like the one above, and cut them out so that they would stand independently. Do not forget to make a supporting brace to allow the bush to stand.

Another item that will add realism is an artificial Christmas tree. These come in many difference sizes and can be used to fill in space. This is particularily effective if you have a farm or pasture area.

In the above street scene are several ideas which may be used to fill out your setting. Hay (straw) may be spread on the floor in your area to cover supports, and empty space. Also note the plants in front of the log house. The plants are in 3" pots set into a plant nursury flat and the flat is then covered with straw. The plants then appear to be growing through the straw. You could also use dirt for the same effect. If you choose to use dirt you MUST bring in plastic sheeting to place onthe floor first, then you may sprinkle the dirt on top. This will make clean up much easier.

Students who have needed ponds on their "property" have used blue paper to be water, surrounded the edges with riverrocks (at least the 4" size) and then covered the remaining sections of the floor with mulch. You can bring in hay, straw, mulch, dirt, tree stumps, logs and any other items which you feel might enhance your setting. Please make certain that the items are free of bugs before you transport them to school.