What is a flower frog?

This question was once the question I found myself asking to a local shop owner in Pennsylvania while visiting the town of Jim Thorpe.

A flower frog is a type of floral arranging accessory used to help hold flowers in place within a vase or container. Typically they are made of glass, pottery, bronze or any other material that can be in close contact with water. Their holes are designed to allow stems to be inserted and keep them upright and in position. 

The owner of this local shop proceeded to show me all the flower frog options they had and tell me about the local potters that made them. 

After that experience I needed to research more about flower frogs.

History of flower frogs

Photo by Anna Cicognani on Unsplash

Some say that Flower frogs date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but others also say that they date back to the 14th century, Japan. They became popular during the Victorian era when elaborate floral arrangements were trendy. The term "frog" originated from their resemblance to the amphibian, with holes or spikes resembling a frog's legs.

Typically they were made of metal, particularly lead, which provided stability and weight to keep flowers in place. However, due to the toxicity of lead, other materials such as glass and ceramic became more common in the early 20th century.

During the Great Depression in the 1930s, flower frogs gained even more popularity as they provided a cost-effective way to create attractive floral arrangements using fewer flowers. They were often used in homes to adorn dining tables, adding a touch of beauty and elegance during difficult times.

Throughout the 20th century, flower frogs continued to evolve in design and material, with various shapes and sizes to fit different floral arrangements and containers. They remained a very popular tool for florists, offering stability and versatility in creating visually appealing displays.

In recent years, flower frogs have done a comeback as people rediscover the art of floral arranging and seek eco-friendly alternatives to floral foam, a widely used but environmentally harmful material.

Types of flower frogs?

Of course now we need to know what are the types of flower frogs and which one will be able to accommodate our floral arrangement needs. 

Some common types of flower frogs include:

• Pin Frogs: These are small, metal or plastic discs with rows of sharp pins or spikes poking out from the surface. The pins hold flower stems in place by inserting them into the holes between the pins.

• Grid Frogs: Grid frogs feature a grid-like structure with evenly spaced holes or slots. They provide stability and support for flower stems by allowing them to be inserted into the grid pattern.

• Dome Frogs: Dome frogs have a rounded or domed shape with holes or spikes arranged across the surface. They are suitable for holding flowers in a circular arrangement, such as in a bouquet or centerpiece.

• Floral Arranging Frogs: These are specialized flower frogs designed for specific types of arrangements, such as ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) or traditional European floral designs. They often feature unique shapes and configurations tailored to the specific style of arrangement. This is the type of flower frog used that was dated back to the 14th century.

This device can make the process of making a flower arrangement look effortless, which is why we decided to add this item as part of our assortment. 

Developing our Heritage Flower Frog Set

We reached out to Joan Pilston, a potter from Lewistown Valley, Pennsylvania to develop a set of flower frogs that align with our vision. Jo enjoys making pottery and teaching others as well which made it so easy to collaborate with on bringing our vision to life.  We opted for a version of a Grid Frog considering a few factors such as functionality, aesthetics, and market appeal.

Jo Pilston with her dog.

Functionality was a big factor since we want everyone to own a flower frog and use it daily. This flower frog can be used to effortlessly transform ordinary mason jars or any other size appropriate vessels into stunning floral showcases. The color palette make these perfect for Spring centerpieces that will also easily progress into Spring.

While these Flower Frogs proudly showcase Pennsylvania's local artistry, their universal charm transcends from the late 1800. But this new take on an old classic is sure to charm. Go check out our Heritage Flower Frog Set!