Those possessed of modest lawns who aspire to having an elegant French garden may be amused at this new invention by Romain Duclos. "Jardin à la Française" is a kit containing 7 stencils made of synthetic grass that allow you to tatoo your green space with the elegant illusion of a French garden.

Just arrange the discreet stencils on the grass and leave them to do their work for 8-10 days. Once you remove them, your boring lawn will be tatooed with the ephemeral swirling French-inspired forms for the next two weeks. It's a fun way to dress up a backyard wedding or other special occasion or to change the scenery without leaving home if the pitiful state of the dollar has dashed your summer dreams of visiting France.

"Jardin à la Française" is available from USign.

- Kristin Hohenadel blogging from rue Vieille du Temple, Paris, France. She can be reached at kristinh @ apartmenttherapy . com