Have you ever tried crafting a centerpiece that looks more like a tangled jungle? The struggle is real. Flashback to the floral OGs – the flower frogs. Before floral foam stole the spotlight, florists used them to keep stems on fleek.
What is a Flower Frog, Anyway?
The flower frog, also called “kenzan or pin frog,” is a compact tool with holes or spikes. It effortlessly keeps stalks standing tall, preventing the dreaded flop.
What were flower frogs used for? Placed at the container’s bottom, this tool serves as a robust foundation, securing blooms in a flawless arrangement. The design facilitates easy access to water, ensuring the arrangement stays hydrated and healthy for an extended bloom life.
Flower frog shines as a reliable base, naturally opening flower stems for increased water intake and longevity. Reusable, durable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective, it’s a florist’s dream, allowing for lush garden-style or minimalist floral designs.
How Do You Use a Flower Frog?
Step 1: Choose a Vase
Select a vase for your floral creation, ensuring its opening is larger than the flower frog’s size. It doesn’t have to be a perfect fit; it just needs to accommodate the flowers you have in mind.
Step 2: Prepare Your Vase
Apply floral putty along the outer edge of the flower frog’s bottom. While not mandatory, this helps keep the flower frog in place during the design process and when you move the arrangement.
Step 3: Place the Flower Frog and Add Water
Gently press the flower frog into a clean and dry vase, ensuring there’s no moisture to prevent the floral putty from sticking. Fill the vase with water, covering the flower frog during the design phase. Top off the water once your arrangement is complete.
Step 4: Get Designing
Start your design with flowers that have thicker stems. Give each stem a sharp, angled cut and insert it into the frog, piercing the stem onto the nails. As you build your arrangement, use the thicker stems to support the placement of smaller ones.
For garden-style floral design, shape your arrangement with lush greenery and branches. However, if you prefer a minimalist, ikebana-inspired approach using your flower frog, strategically place your focal flower(s).
Once satisfied with the design, promptly remove the flower frog from the vase. Over time, the putty can harden, making removal challenging.
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