In line with many other floral and horticultural competitions, floral foam (Oasis) is not permitted to be used in displays at the Littlehampton Town Show.
As Helen Pettit, Director of Shows at the RHS, explains:
“Floral foam uses microplastics and is currently non-recyclable. With this in mind, we made the decision to ban its use at RHS Shows from 2021 and have asked floral designers to begin trialling alternative products.”
Eco-Friendly Alternatives for Your Floral Arrangements
If you’re entering the Littlehampton Town Show, here are some sustainable and creative alternatives to traditional floral foam:
- Newspaper – Use scrunched-up paper to pack vases and support stems.
- Twigs or canes – Great for structure and natural support.
- Kenzans or flower frogs – These reusable devices (often metal or glass) anchor stems in place and are widely available at floristry suppliers or second-hand shops.
- Natural fillers – Consider sand, gravel, pebbles, or marbles to stabilize arrangements.
- Pliable twigs – Twist them into a lattice or nest shape to hold stems.
- Chicken wire – Ideal for larger or more complex arrangements (make sure to reuse it).
- Holly Pillows or Bouquet Cages – Reusable mesh supports designed for eco-conscious floristry.
- Agra Wool – A compostable floral foam alternative that can go straight onto your compost heap after use.
By embracing sustainable practices, we can all play a part in protecting the environment—without compromising on creativity or beauty. We look forward to seeing your innovative, foam-free displays at this year’s show!
Littlehampton Town Show 