Floral Design Tips - Part 2

For our second installment of Tips and Tricks, let's discuss alternatives to floral foams, which is a design trick I try to avoid as much as possible. It's sponge-like substance that retains water and is porous so the flower stems are easily inserted. They're popular because they hold flowers securely for transport and work in a variety of container shapes.

above photo from www.wedding-flowers-and-reception-ideas.com

However, there are many terrible things about it:

1. harmful to the environment (petroleum-based and doesn't ever decompose)
2. carcinogenic and inhaling the dust that comes off the dry foam should be avoided
3. time-consuming to use because they have to be properly soaked in water first and then taped into containers
4. flowers can get clogged up and then can't drink water (in fact, some flowers hate them, like tulips, sunflowers and hydrangeas)
5. costly because unlike the floral frogs, which can be used repeatedly, foams are a one-time use only product 

Because of all these cons, I only use them when I don't have any other options. Instead of foam, here are mechanics I like to use:

When using a low and wide vessel, floral frogs work well. I love that they're reusable and don't take that long to glue onto the vase.  

photo from rootstoblooms.com

Chicken wire is another option.

photo from rootstoblooms.com

A grid of waterproof tape on the mouth of the vase (as discussed here).

Stay tuned for more tips and tricks in the future!