lighting

everythime I take a picture, for example a plant at night (actually sunset, there is a good amount of light still left), it seems very fake and artificial. The lighting coming from my flash almost makes it look like its in a studio instead of in nature. I am a beginner and very new to photography, so please, I would appreciate if you could help me out. I use a Nikon d40

Thanks, Matt

It would help to post an example.
Are you using the on camera flash?
Have you tried using a tripod for a long exposure or bumped the iso or opened the aperture ?

All suggestions by Frog spot on and would be the first thing I would try (on a tripod), ISO, shutter speed and aperture, one combination of these three should work if there is still some light outside. Though possibly to the detriment of noise in the shot with high ISO etc. Otherwise try bouncing light of something toward the subject and no direct flash?

If there's no wind, then turn off the flash.
Use a tripod to keep the camera still.
Use the lowest ISO speed (for quality).
Then use the self-timer then you take the picture.

That way you'll get the best quality, use the natural light, and there should be no camera shake as you press the button.