For Florists Who Want Their Work to Perform as Beautifully as It Looks

Q: For who is Sideau®?

<p>Sideau&reg; is perfectly suited for florists and flower arrangers who want to use a fully environmentally friendly base for their creations. Sideau&reg; has the same use characteristics as floral foam. In contrast to floral foam, which is made from oil derivatives and phenol resin, which is plastic, Sideau&reg; is fully natural and made of Earthwool&reg;, a natural product made from basalt, a volcanic igneous rock.</p>

Florists know that great design starts with a reliable base. When the base works, creativity flows. That’s exactly why many professionals are choosing Sideau® time after time – developed by Agra-Wool International. A sustainable floral block that combines efficiency, stability, and environmental responsibility.

Choosing the Right Base for Every Design

Every arrangement begins with a decision: selecting the right base in the original square shape or the new round shape called Sideau® Cake Dummy. What do all the options have in common? You can rely on and literally build on them. Sideau® offers this flexibility, making it suitable for a wide variety of designs – because matching the block to the purpose is essential.

Floral design with lemons from Valentin Candia Mahn with Sideau Cake Dummy — *Floral design with lemons from Valentin Candia Mahn with Sideau® Cake Dummy*

For smaller table arrangements, compact blocks provide control and precision. Medium-sized designs benefit from blocks that offer enough volume to hold stems in place without restricting creativity. Larger masterpieces call for expanded bases that allow layering and height without compromising stability.

Art piece with Agra Wool by ikigaifloral — *Art piece with Sideau® by @ikigaifloral*

Building Stability From the Ground Up

A strong arrangement starts with proper preparation.

One of the defining features of Sideau® is its rapid water absorption. A single second of submersion is all it takes to hydrate the block fully. This short immersion ensures optimal water balance inside the material.

Agra Wools Sideau Block is a sustainable approach to floristry — *Just one second in the water is enough!*

From there, building structure becomes intuitive. Begin with the strongest stems to establish the framework, then gradually layer supporting flowers and foliage. This method distributes weight evenly and creates a stable base that supports movement without collapsing.

Working with Sideau by andrewsgarden — *Working with Sideau® by @andrewsgarden*

Because Sideau® is made from 100% natural materials, with basalt as its foundation, it contains no plastic or oil-based components. After use, it gradually breaks down into a natural mineral that already exists in soil – making it a practical choice for studios focused on sustainable workflows.

Sideau blocks biodegradable and composted after use by mindfullywed — *Sideau® blocks are entirely natural after use by @mindfullywed*

Tips From Florists Who Use It Daily

Florists who work with Sideau® regularly share a few practical habits that make a noticeable difference:

Always prepare stems cleanly and cut at an angle
Work gradually, building shape step by step
Use the natural strength of the material instead of overloading one area
Keep leftover pieces – they’re useful for future plant projects

These simple adjustments quickly become second nature.

Sideau by Agra-Wool International by Colorado Wedding Florist — *Florist working with Sideau® by @Colorado Wedding Florist*

A Reliable Base for Modern Floristry

Sideau® proves that sustainability doesn’t have to complicate the workbench. With strong stem support, consistent hydration, and zero-waste potential, it offers the kind of reliability professionals depend on.

For florists who want to work efficiently, improve flexibility, and stay aligned with the future of the industry, Sideau® provides something invaluable: confidence in the foundation beneath every design.

design with sideau by angelaturnerfloraldesign — *Artwork with Sideau® by @angelaturnerfloraldesign*

Header image: Artwork with Sideau® by @angelaturnerfloraldesign.

FAQ

For who is Sideau®?

Sideau® is perfectly suited for florists and flower arrangers who want to use a fully environmentally friendly base for their creations. Sideau® has the same use characteristics as floral foam. In contrast to floral foam, which is made from oil derivatives and phenol resin, which is plastic, Sideau® is fully natural and made of Earthwool®, a natural product made from basalt, a volcanic igneous rock.

How fast does Sideau® absorb water?

A standard Sideau block can absorb approximately 1.5 liters of water in just 1 second. It’s important not to submerge it longer than that, as over-soaking can cause surface softening. Correct hydration ensures optimal stem support and consistent performance.

What is the consists of Sideau®?

It consists of 97% basalt, a natural volcanic stone, bonded with a plant-based binder derived from sucrose (natural sugar). This means Sideau® is entirely natural and can be composted after use. The minerals in basalt enrich the soil, promoting healthy plant growth. Additionally, Sideau® is pH-neutral and free from harmful chemicals, making it suitable for use in natural cemeteries and recognized as a sustainable solution in many countries.