Q FLOWER FROGS?

In the June issue there are some flower arranging tips including “God created flower frogs for a reason. Collect and use them.” I have never heard of them. Please explain. JANETTE TODD, AUCKLAND The name flower frog is A used to refer to gadgets which support flower stems in an arrangement. Alternative names are flower blocks, pins or bricks, floral arrangers or flower holders. The origin of the name isn’t clear – but possibly it’s because they sit in water like a frog.

They can be made of glass, metal or ceramics. Stems are inserted in the holes or spikes and the weight supports the arrangement.

Spiky pincushions and wire cage forms are intended to be hidden in the base of a vase but some designs are highly decorative in their own right so become part of the arrangement. There are even some that actually look like frogs!

Flower frogs were used in 14th century Japan to support ikebana arrangements. By the 16th century, ceramics factories in Europe were making hallmarked vases which included flower holders as part of the design and also standalone decorative flower frogs. By the mid-1920s they had reached their heyday in the United States but they fell out of favour in the 1950s when the water-absorbent foam, Oasis, was invented.

However, flower frogs are still handy to have on hand for arrangements and they are highly collectable so keep your eyes open at garage sales and second hand shops.