Abstract: The disclosure provides a Saintpaulia plant comprising at least one flower that is absent of a stamen in the flower and a method of producing the Saintpaulia plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of African Violet named ‘Gorgeous’ particularly characterized by its filantherless single, violet-shaped, bi-color purple flowers with a white center and occasional additional 1-3 small petals, upright flower stems that curve slightly toward the center to form a compact flower bouquet above the leaves; medium green, round to oval shaped leaves; vigorous and medium growth habit; flowering 9-10 weeks after potting, and very long-lasting and non-dropping flowers.

Abstract: A network connected delivery box includes an input unit for inputting a user code. A communication unit communicates with a computer through the network so that an electrically controlled lock in the delivery box can be opened by a signal from the computer when the input user code matches a valid user code stored in the computer. Also provided is a method of managing purchase and delivery information associated with deliveries to a delivery box by storing, at a central computer, delivery information for each delivery by a delivery company. Aggregate and average delivery information is calculated and presented to a delivery box user to make an informed selection of a delivery company.

Abstract: A packaging arrangement for a plant facilitating its shipment and merchandising. The packaging arrangement includes a pot having a frustoconical portion and a lip portion, a flexible barrier mounted on the pot at the junction of the frustoconical and lip portions, and an annular elastic member constricting a portion of the barrier that is gather around the stalk of the plant.

Abstract: A fragrance emitting plant watering system having a bottom vase providing a reservoir for water supply for a potted plant, an air freshener cartridge supported on the vase, a cap adapted to overlie the cartridge and having a central section for supporting a plant, and wherein the cap is adjustable relative to the vase for movement between a first position in which the cap is raised to variably expose the cartridge to emit fragrance, and a second position in which the cap substantially covers the cartridge to seal the cartridge and inhibit fragrance emission.

Abstract: A plant watering container assembly comprising a bottom container section having side and bottom walls defining a water reservoir, and a top container section removably connected to said bottom container section. The top container section includes an integrally formed funnel-shaped section having a side wall extending downwardly toward said reservoir and defining a conical opening for receiving a side wall of a potted plant, and further having an integrally formed annular bottom wall defining at its radially inner edge a central opening through which a watering wick can pass downwardly into the reservoir. In the event the container is tipped or turned, water in the container reservoir is trapped in an annular chamber defined by the wall of the funnel and the top and bottom container sections, thereby precluding water passing outwardly through the central opening of the funnel-shaped section.

Abstract: A fragrance emitting plant watering system having a bottom vase providing a reservoir for water supply for a potted plant, an air freshener cartridge supported on the vase, a cap adapted to overlie the cartridge and having a central section for supporting a plant, and wherein the cap is adjustable relative to the vase for movement between a first position in which the cap is raised to variably expose the cartridge to emit fragrance, and a second position in which the cap substantially covers the cartridge to seal said cartridge and inhibit fragrance emission.

Abstract: A self-watering tray for supporting and displaying a plurality of potted plants which can be watered from a water reservoir in the bottom of the tray, the tray comprising a plurality of wall sections which define spaced openings in the tray, each wall section being provided with a support located above the reservoir for supporting the potted plant at or above the water, and being laterally open to the adjacent wall sections below the supports to provide a continuous reservoir channel below the supports and pots, through which water can circulate for watering plants by capillary action.

Abstract: A watering wick for a potted plant comprising an upper part adapted to be forced upwardly through an opening in the bottom of the pot so that it is fully positioned in the growing media. The wick includes a lower tail part which is suspended downwardly into a water reservoir. The wick is made of a hydrophilic material which is resiliently compressible, and is inserted in the pot by a special designed insertion tool.

Abstract: A fragrance emitting plant watering system having a bottom vase providing a reservoir for water supply for a potted plant, an air freshener cartridge supported on the vase, a cap adapted to overlie the cartridge and having a central section for supporting a plant, and wherein the cap is adjustable relative to the vase for movement between a first position in which the cap is raised to variably expose the cartridge to emit fragrance, and a second position in which the cap substantially covers the cartridge to seal said cartridge and inhibit fragrance emission.

Abstract: A shipping box for plants set with soil in pots, in which a plurality of holder panels are positioned in the box in spaced relation. Each panel is formed with a plurality of pairs of entry slots extending vertically upwardly from the bottom of the panel. The entry slots terminate at their upper ends in retaining slots adapted to receive elastic, resilient retainer bands which when expanded are adapted to extend around and thus constrict a potted plant and resiliently bias the plant toward the panel. The plant is thus retained in position during shipping, and its spilling of soil is prevented in the event the box is tipped or tilted.

Abstract: A self-watering dish garden includes a lower container section which defines a liquid holding reservoir, an upper container section which fits on the lower container section and has an open top, and a tray which fits into the upper container section. The tray receives plant material in a growing medium and has a depth such that the bottom of the tray is above the top of the lower container section. The tray includes a supporting flange for supporting a partition which includes an outer rim and retaining members. At least one water absorbing member extends from the growing medium through the bottom of the tray into the liquid holding reservoir.

Abstract: A self-locking insertion device for a water-transmitting wick for a potted plant adapted to be watered by the wick through capillary action from a water supply, the device including a generally flat, elongated, transversely flexible and resilient main body portion having opposed walls and formed at its upper end with a slot for frictionally retaining the wick which extends therefrom into growing media in the pot. The device further includes a flexible, resilient base portion integrally formed with said main body portion and having a lateral dimension greater than a bottom opening in the pot and generally flat top flanges adapted to engage the bottom surface of the bottom wall of the pot around the opening in the pot when the device is mounted. The base is formed with an enlarged opening to receive the wick and a narrow slot extending from the opening to the exterior of the base at the bottom thereof and through which the wick can be inserted toward the opening.

Abstract: A greeting card assembly comprised of a plurality of transparent side walls and a transparent back panel, all of which are integrally formed or connected. A greeting card is adapted to be folded over the back panel so as to be visible when viewed from the front of the assembly, with the greeting card being hinged at one end so that it can be opened away from the back panel. The back panel is formed with a hinged panel which permits access to the interior of the assembly. A potted plant and a supporting water container can be inserted through such opening, with a protective sleeve extending upwardly from the pot and around the foliage and flowers of the plant. The upper edge of the sleeve is retained in position to prevent vertical upward movement of the pot, container, and sleeve. The entire assembly provides not only an attractive display of the plant, but also provides a greeting card visible through the transparent panels, with the card being unfolded for reviewing more intimate greetings or messages.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of African Violet named ‘OP10664’ particularly characterized by its filantherless single, violet-shaped, bi-color purple flowers with a white center and occasional additional 1-3 small petals, upright flower stems that curve slightly toward the center to form a compact flower bouquet above the leaves; medium green, round to oval shaped leaves; vigorous and medium growth habit; flowering 9-10 weeks after potting, and very long-lasting and non-dropping flowers.