Kenzans can be used in any waterproof receptacle, such as traditional vases, bowl or decorative pieces of your choice.  Best results are achieved when the correct sized kenzan is used to maximise weight. The heavier the kenzan the more versatile its use becomes.  It is not necessary to glue or affix them to your container.  The weight stabilises the display, which, in keeping with their original purpose, looks best when kept simple, using odd numbers of stems.

Simply cut the stem of your chosen flower straight across so that it can be pushed down onto the spikes and rest on the base.  This is best done before the arrangement is placed into your container of lowered in to a vase, particularly with heavier woody stems.  Lighter plants can be arranged in situ.

The kenzan need not be seen and may be covered with materials of choice, such as moss, bark or pebbles.  Water is then added and need only cover the spikes that remain exposed.  The flower can only drink from the cut end and excess water can promote rot and odours.

An important benefit of using Stayput kenzans in flower arranging is that the sharp pins pierce the cut end of the stem allowing water to be taken up by the plant by capillary action. Some plants, such as roses, cauterise when cut from the garden and the piercing facilitates water flow. This is very evident when the display is first given water and the flowers drink heavily.  Simply top up the water when needed.  If the display looks a little peaky or wan a top-up will soon revive them. This is particularly so of irises and tulips, which will readily respond for extra days. Gerbera’s will respond to the extent that they will not need wiring.  Aqua vitae indeed! Water of life.  No additives or powders of dubious benefit needed! And no micro–plastics entering the environment.

It is hard to add further hints on using Stayput kenzans, they are just so easy!