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Learn About A Whole Different Species Of Frog

LEARN ABOUT

A Whole Different Species of Frog

Story by Mark Welsh / Photography by David Chow

Not to be confused with amphibians that lounge on lily pads and leap impressive distances, floral frogs are flower stem holders that keep displays of flora and branches securely and firmly in place. These functional frogs have been around for hundreds of years and come in many sizes and designs, from mushroom-shaped and cone-shaped to oval, flat, or elaborately decorated with animal and fish motifs. They’re crafted in diverse materials like polished metal, stone, glass, and ceramic. And they’re highly collectible, especially designs produced in the 20’s and 30’s when frogs were at their fashionable peak.

Frogs Leap Into View

Frogs first leapt into view during the 16th century in Paris, but it wasn’t until 1875 that a frog patent was issued in the United States for a mushroom-shaped version that could hold flowers or condiments. How did frogs get their name? While it’s something of a mystery, Bonnie Bull, the editor of the Flower Frog Gazette, speculates it’s because floral frogs sit low in a dish or vase and resemble frogs standing in the water. It could also be that early versions featured figurines of actual frogs.

Through the centuries frogs have spawned countless styles. Certain species, such as the Japanese kenzan, are utilitarian metal devices that fit into a vase or bowl and fix the stems by metal needles. Other versions fuse the practical with the beautiful and are more akin to pieces of functional sculpture.

FROGS VS. FOAM

Frogs are great for the environment, an eco-safe and reusable option to traditional single-use floral foam. These green blocks of foam are made from a toxic, non-biodegradable substance that contains formaldehyde as well as other carcinogens. The vast majority of florists who use foam are disposing of it down the sink, according to a recent survey by the Sustainable Floristry Network. But floral foam doesn’t break down in the oceans and can be ingested by a range of freshwater and marine animals. This affects their health and subsequently ours.

Clockwise from foreground: Oval stone frog; terra cotta frog vase; metal frogs in 3 sizes; brass frog with 3 openings on top
of Ikebana vase; stone frog; brass frog with multiple openings on top of small Kado vase.

AN IKEBANA PRACTITIONER’S BEST FRIEND

Frogs provide stability and precision to Ikebana displays. Add a stone version to the bottom of a large glass vessel or a low open centerpiece bowl and give weight to the display. Place a brass version on top of a vase or simple Mason jar and fit flowers and branches of different sizes through strategically placed holes. Or choose our terra cotta frog vase as a stand-alone option that contains its own water for fresh stems.

Flexible Frogs

As simple as they are beautiful, frogs are also endlessly flexible. You can use a metal frog with a single large opening to help propagate your favorite cutting or to force a bulb or branch to bloom. And when you’re not using them, you can display your stone frogs with dried flowers under a glass cloche, in a vignette, or on a shelf or table as objects of curiosity.

Clockwise from above: Terra cotta frog vase; brass frog with single opening (on top of a Mason jar) for forcing a bulb or branch; oval stone frog under recycled glass cloche.

Above: Terra cotta frog vase. Below: Brass frog with single opening (on top of a Mason jar) for forcing a bulb or branch; oval stone frog under recycled glass cloche.