Like other forms of art, floristry exists in a state of constant flux, changing from one moment to the next. Sometimes those changes are cultural or aesthetic, and sometimes, they are driven by technological innovation. An example of the latter is the creation of floral foam. Now ubiquitous, you probably know it as OASIS®. Its creation by Vernon Lewis Smithers in 1954 was a milestone for floristry, and in the decades since, it has revolutionised the art. OASIS®'s appeal is no mystery: it’s unbelievably absorbent, and increases its weight when soaked by a factor of forty. It can keep flowers hydrated for as much as four days (without additional water), is easy to transport, holds flowers tightly in place, and is incredibly easy to use. However, there is one drawback to floral foam: it is non-biodegradable. In our... Photos: London Flower School
