Sharing what moves and inspires us.

Phoam Labs has been built upon an alliance between the worlds of flowers and science—two fields that may seem very different: one driven by creativity, colour, and feeling; the other by data, precision, and analysis. But when you look closely, they share a fascinating common ground. Both are about understanding and working with the natural world. Florists instinctively respond to the shapes, textures, and colours of stems, while scientists use data and experiments to explore the patterns and structures within. One celebrates beauty; the other deciphers the mechanics of how that beauty is formed.

That’s why we were so thrilled to be invited to supply Phoam for the Blooming Numbers exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, with the Sainsbury Laboratory at the University of Cambridge.

Blooming Numbers explored the fascinating world of plant science, showcasing how researchers at the Sainsbury Laboratory study plants at every scale—from the molecular to the evolutionary—unlocking the secrets of how flowers grow, develop, and adapt. The interactive exhibit used scientific tools, such as microscopes, to illustrate the intricate patterns and structures of plants. Phoam  provided a safe, compostable medium for flowers, keeping them stable and beautiful without the environmental impact of traditional floral foam.

The design of the Blooming Numbers exhibit was the result of a special partnership between the Sainsbury Laboratory and the Engineering Department at the University of Cambridge. Together, they created a striking installation that blended botanical beauty with scientific storytelling. The exhibition space featured an elegant balance of structural elements—crafted to mirror the symmetry and patterns found in nature—alongside floral displays created by Lydia of MyrtleMee Florist in Bath. From sleek frameworks inspired by mathematical models to interactive areas inviting visitors to explore plant anatomy, the collaboration celebrated both form and function, art and science.

Kathy, Communications Manager at the Sainsbury Laboratory, explained how Blooming Numbers came together:

“The exhibit name reflects our research into the ‘numbers’ behind plants—the quantitative data, the structures, the genetics. We’ve often had a vase of flowers in the lab for dissection, but vases can tip over, and the old, non-sustainable foam is no longer acceptable—especially since it’s banned at RHS Chelsea. We found Phoam by googling sustainable alternatives and thought, ‘Wow—this is fantastic!’ Phoam is compostable, biodegradable, and made from corn or maize, which ties in beautifully with some of our research into maize and flower development. It was the perfect fit.”

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Lydia shared her experience of working with Phoam:

“I was asked to provide some arrangements which they will later be dissecting under a microscope to look at the science of plants. Finding an alternative to traditional floral foam is such an important issue, especially for me as a busy florist with a lot of funeral work. I found Phoam really user-friendly—it supports the flowers well, but working with it makes you think more carefully about each stem. It felt fun, like being a student again, exploring a new material. It’s a fantastic opportunity to not get complacent in the way we work.”

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At Phoam, we’re proud to play a small part in initiatives like Blooming Numbers, where flowers and science meet in the most interactive and inspiring ways. As we approach our UK launch, we’re excited for the next stage of our journey—bringing Phoam to more innovators and florists who care deeply about sustainability and the future of our planet. Together, we’re creating a new standard for floral design that’s beautiful, practical, and above all, kinder.

Watch this space for more updates!

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