Abstract: A method of caring for plants is carried out by utilizing a planter that includes a soil container having openings at the bottom thereof for communication to a basin. The container is filled with liquid to a level at which substantially all of the soil is submerged in the liquid and remains so for a selected period of time. Then an aperture at the bottom of the basic is opened and the liquid in the container drains through the openings at the bottom of the latter into the basin and exiting therefrom through the aperture. In another embodiment a transparent siphon is utilized to remove liquid from the basin and is also utilized as a sighting means so that a user is aware that liquid in the container has reached a desired level. Salts that often accumulate at the soil surface are run off by having liquid enter the container through the openings at the bottom thereof and run out of the container above the soil line.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a tree branch corset comprises a generally rectangular piece of fabric or other material, slightly gathered along the bottom edge thereof, and having a plurality of sets of mating fasteners attached along opposite side edges thereof. In use, the tree branch corset is generally positioned around the base of a growing tree, and the bottom several sets of mating fasteners are buckled around the trunk of the tree. The tree branch corset is then lifted into a somewhat funnel-shaped position around the tree while each subsequently higher set of the mating fasteners is in turn buckled, thereby progressively compressing the tree branches upward until the tree branch corset is completely in place, substantially covering and protectively embracing the branches of the growing tree in preparation for its being harvested.

Abstract: An improved belt weather strip retaining system is disclosed. The system includes weather stripping adapted to be secured on the flange of a vehicle. The weather stripping includes members for retaining the weather stripping onto the flange. One or more discontinuities are formed on the flange. The one or more discontinuities are coupled with the weather stripping retaining members for enhancing retention of the weather stripping on the flange.