Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed comprises a root trellis or use thereof. Specifically, a solid medium made from a non-corrosive material composed of a 3-dimensional solid grid for supporting and providing structure to a plant root's downward and lateral growth when roots are otherwise unsupported by a solid medium. The apparatus is potentially constricted with an attached appendage by which the trellis can suspend itself from the container or reservoir it is placed inside to maintain a functional shape, especially if the device composition material is not rigid enough to support its own shape.

Abstract: A fixing structure for a flower combination contains: a container and a flower pot. The container includes a conical groove, and a diameter of a top of the conical groove is more than a diameter of a bottom of the conical groove. The conical groove has multiple arcuately concaved trenches and multiple arcuate slots. A respective arcuately concaved trench and a respective arcuate slot are conical, a diameter of a top of the respective arcuately concaved trench is more than a diameter of a bottom of the respective arcuately concaved trench, and a diameter of a top of the respective arcuate slot is more than a diameter of a bottom of the respective arcuate slot, such that an accommodation zone is defined by the multiple arcuately concaved trenches of the conical groove and the multiple arcuate slots so as to receive the flower combination.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning flowers within a vase comprises a first hollow hemispherical shell extending to a first hemispherical edge having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, the shell formed of a plurality of members extending between each of the apertures having a smooth substantially circular cross section and a second hollow hemispherical shell extending to a second hemispherical edge having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, the shell formed of a plurality of members extending between each of the apertures having a smooth substantially circular cross section. The first and second hollow hemispherical shells are matable to each other along a parting line formed by connecting the first and second hemispherical edges.

Abstract: A floral display device is disclosed herein. The device is intended to help keep cut flowers in a suspended state similar to their appearance when fresh cut. The device may include a display enclosure including a transparent shell having an interior portion adapted to contain the flowers and the liquid preservative, and an opening within the transparent shell to enable passage of the flowers and the liquid preservative therethrough, a liquid-tight closure configured to close the opening, a holding clip configured to removably hold the flowers within the interior portion. A base may be removably coupled to the transparent shell, the base may include an illuminator configured to illuminate the flowers within the interior portion, and a power supply configured to power the illuminator.

Abstract: A plant transportation system includes a vase and a sealant receptacle. The vase includes a mouth, a throat and a reservoir. The sealant receptacle is housed in the throat. The sealant receptacle closes the throat from allowing items therethrough except through the sealant receptacle. The sealant receptacle is configured to allow stems therethrough, and retentively hold sealant therein all around occupant stems from the top and from the bottom.

Abstract: A floral arrangement customization system allows a user to modify characteristics of each stem or groups of stems within a template to create a customized floral arrangement. The user can also modify characteristics about the arrangement such as its style, shape, or color scheme. Information about the customized floral arrangement is transmitted to an order fulfiller who can assemble the floral arrangement exactly according to the customized design.

Abstract: An embodiment of a plant manipulator is disclosed, which may have a flexible cylindrical member that is bent to hold a plant in a particular configuration to train the plant. The plant manipulator may include a first end and a second end, a long edge of the flexible cylindrical member, a length of the long edge of the flexible cylindrical member, and a slit along the length of the longest edge of the flexible cylindrical member. The plant manipulator may also have a malleable rigid member with a first and second end, a long edge of the flexible cylindrical member, and a length of the long edge of the malleable rigid member. The length of the long edge of the flexible cylindrical member may be coupled along the length of the long edge of the flexible cylindrical member.

Abstract: An expandable tree protection device covers an area surrounding a tree trunk and provides for expansion to accommodate growth of the tree trunk over time. The device includes a tray comprising a top wall and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending around a peripheral edge of the top wall. The tray has an aperture extending through the top wall for receiving a tree trunk therethrough. Each of a plurality of panels is slidably coupled to the top wall extend into the aperture covering an associated portion of the aperture. A respective interior edge of each panel is slidable outwardly away from a center of the aperture for expansion exposing a larger area of the aperture as the tree trunk grows.

Abstract: An artificial flower maker including a board or other flat surface, a plurality of arms each positioned along the flat surface and forming a generally circular shape, and a center attachment mechanism for constructing and securing an artificial flower. Each flower is constructed by strategically folding a series of petals from a type of material, and using the artificial flower maker to hold down each folded petal until all folded petals are completed and ultimately secured to form an artificial flower. A further embodiment may incorporate a box or other enclosure for storage and transport of the flower maker.

Abstract: A hydroponic vegetable culture device generally includes a plurality of side-by-side arranged tanks and a plurality of slide boards set on the tanks. The slide boards extend across and straddle the tanks and are movable along the tanks. The slide boards are each provided with retainer frames that respectively correspond to the tanks and each includes an absorbent piece attached thereto. The tanks receive therein a nutrient solution. The absorbent pieces of the retainer frames receive vegetable seeds to be deposited therein. The absorbent pieces are allowed to absorb and keep therein the nutrient solution so as to achieve culture of hydroponically cultured vegetables. The slide boards are sequentially moved rearward so that when the slide boards reach an end of the tanks, the hydroponically cultured vegetables growing therein can be harvested. Thus, the culture of hydroponically cultured vegetables is made easy and efficient.

Abstract: A method of preserving cut flowers includes the following steps. Provide a first material for forming a rigid, impermeable structure. Then define a hollow inner space by making a rigid, shaped, impermeable exoskeleton form defining a hollow inner space from the first material. Then fill the hollow inner space with a moisture retaining material. Finally, mount at least one flower stem through the rigid, shaped, impermeable exoskeleton.

Abstract: Device for use in arranging a bunch or bouquet of flowers (2) with corn-sheaf-bound or twisted-bound flower stems (3); the device is provided with grid plates (7, 5), which are substantially parallel horizontally oriented, and are provided with openings (6) suitable for inserting through flower stems (3), the grid plates (7, 5) being able to be rotated relative to one another about a common axis of rotation, wherein the upper grid plate is arranged to remain positioned in the bouquet of flowers (2) after the arranging. The lower grid plate (5) is non-rotatably mounted in the device and the upper grid plate (7) being rotatable about the common axis of rotation.

Abstract: Decorating methods including a vase for associating flowers and other decorative items with cakes and other food products are described. Vase embodiments which may be used to practice the method may include a water-holding reservoir having a bottom wall, an upright rim, and plural flower-stem-receiving wells. Each well is defined by at least one well wall depending from the bottom wall and has an opening capable of receiving water from the reservoir. Vase embodiments may include a reservoir of various shapes and sizes. Vases may be placed on a cake or other food product permitting the cake or food product to be attractively and easily decorated.

Abstract: A tube structure for preserving a flower includes a body having an assembling portion and a storage portion. The assembling portion is defined at a top end of the body. The storage portion is defined at a bottom end of the body. A water chamber is defined in the body. The water chamber communicates with the assembling portion and the storage portion. A surrounding wall is deformable and is formed onto the assembling portion. A through hole is opened on the surrounding wall and communicates with the water chamber. A soft wall is defined around a bottom of the storage portion. A rigid wall is defined around a top of the storage portion. An angle is defined between an inner surface of the surrounding wall and a further inner surface of the rigid wall. The angle is larger than 95 degree.

Abstract: A confection rack enables confections to appear as a bouquet of flowers. The confection rack Comprises a plurality of wire rings in circular form mechanically coupled to one another. The plurality of wire rings is mechanically coupled to a ring base with riser prongs. The ring base is further mechanically coupled to locating prongs which can be used to align the confection rack into a pot. In this manner, a user can insert the confections into the plurality of wire rings to make the confections appear as a bouquet of flowers.

Abstract: A bouquet making apparatus comprises a plurality of bouquet forms movably supported at spaced locations along a conveying device. Each bouquet form includes upper and lower stem supports that hold bouquet elements, such as flowers, at an angle with respect to vertical. As each bouquet maker travels along the conveying device, workers spaced along the conveying device sequentially insert sets of flowers into upper and lower stem supports until each bouquet maker hold a final bouquet set. Each of the final bouquet sets are removed from the bouquet form and secured with a fastener, thereby forming a plurality of twisted stem-type bouquets having a substantially identical design appearance.

Abstract: A bouquet making apparatus comprises a plurality of bouquet forms movably supported at spaced locations along a conveying device. Each bouquet form includes upper and lower stem supports that hold bouquet elements, such as flowers, at an angle with respect to vertical. As each bouquet maker travels along the conveying device, workers spaced along the conveying device sequentially insert sets of flowers into upper and lower stem supports until each bouquet maker hold a final bouquet set. Each of the final bouquet sets are removed from the bouquet form and secured with a fastener, thereby forming a plurality of twisted stem-type bouquets having a substantially identical design appearance.

Abstract: The arrangement device includes a plurality of apertures in ring configuration. The apertures within each ring are tilted along a circumferential angle with respect to the vertical. The apertures are uniquely defined and designed to receive specified stems of elongated items to be arranged. The apertures align the elongated items according to their tilt angles and are shaped to allow them to fall in a resting position approximating how the final arrangement will appear. The apertures have an inner wall angled allowing the elongated items to meet at a gathering point. They are gathered at a tie point and tied into a bouquet while each stem retains its circumferential tilt. The arrangement device has legs allowing stems to be kept moist while using the arrangement device prior to being placed in their holding vessel. In an alternative embodiment, overlays may be added to identify items used in each aperture.

Abstract: Vase apparatus and decorating methods for associating flowers and other decorative items with cakes and other food products are described. Vase embodiments include a water-holding reservoir having a bottom wall, an upright rim, and plural flower-stem-receiving wells. Each well is defined by at least one well wall depending from the bottom wall and has an opening capable of receiving water from the reservoir. Vase embodiments may include a reservoir of various shapes and sizes. Vases may be placed on a cake or other food product permitting the cake or food product to be attractively and easily decorated.

Abstract: An insert for a vase, the insert for receiving the stem of an ornament, such as a flower. The insert has a cylindrical base member that is of a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the vase and has fins or ribs extending outward therefrom such that the ribs interfere and bend when the insert is inserted into the vase. The insert is made of a pliable or elastomeric material and the base member has channels adapted to receive stems thereinto.

Abstract: An annular live floral holder in combination with an elongated candlestick is provided. The candlestick in includes a base, an elongated support, a tubular candle holder and a flat-circular or dish-shaped member in coaxial alignment with the candle holder. The annular live floral holder is removably seated on the flat-circular of dish-shaped member. The floral holder has a central opening that permits a candle to pass through it. A circular water-retaining trough is formed on the floral holder. At least on water retaining foam member is arranged within the water retaining trough. Live cut floral members having stalks embedded in and supported by the at least one foam member. A foam member retaining apparatus is included for securing the at least one foam member within the water-retaining trough. Preferably, the floral holder also includes a wax dripping containment portion formed on the outside of the inner wall of the trough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carrier for a bouquet of flowers, constituted of a container (1) which defines an internal volume (2) and which has, at one of the ends thereof, a lower base (3) and, at the opposite end, an upper part (4), said lower base (3) having an upper surface at the surface of the upper part (4), said upper part (4) having at least one opening (5), said opening (5) extending from the upper part (4) into the internal volume (2) by means of a skirt (6), characterized in that the lower base (3) is open and the container with an open lower base can be wrapped in a sheet of leak tight packaging (10) placed under the lower base (3) of the container and pulled up along the wall (11) of the container, wherein the container with an open lower base-sheet of leak tight packaging (10) assembly forms a water-tight closed container (1), and wherein the container with an open lower base-sheet of leak tight packaging assembly is kept in place by means of a tie (12).

Abstract: A device for packaging or transporting a floral grouping comprising an elongated member having a top portion and a base portion; a handle coupled to the top portion; and a securing member coupled to the elongated member configured to secure a floral grouping to the elongated member. A method for packaging, packing, or transporting a floral grouping comprising providing an elongated member having a handle coupled to a top portion of the elongated member; positioning a floral grouping adjacent to the elongated member; and wrapping a securing member coupled to the elongated member circumferentially around the floral grouping such that the floral grouping is securely coupled to the elongated member.

Abstract: Arrangement device [1000] includes a plurality of apertures each tilted along a circumferential angle. The apertures are uniquely defined and designed to receive specified stems of elongated objects [301, 310] to be arranged. The apertures align the elongated objects [301, 310] according to the tilt angles of the apertures. The apertures are shaped to allow the elongated objects [301, 310] to fall to a resting position approximating how the final arrangement would appear. The apertures also have an inner wall [1302, 1312] angled to allow the elongated objects [301, 310] to meet at a gathering point [2000]. They are gathered together at a tie point [2000] and tied into a bouquet [3000] while each stem still retains the same circumferential tilt. In an alternative embodiment, overlays [1107] may be used to identify which type and color of items is to be placed in each aperture.

Abstract: A conical container that is stable includes a cup adapted to contain liquid and/or one or more selected item(s) and a frustoconical skirt depending therefrom. The container may further include a plurality of removable and interchangeable inserts operable with the cup and/or one or more tray operable with the skirt. The container may advantageously be used as a vase for an arrangement of fresh cut flowers, and may optionally be converted for use with one or more additional selected item.

Abstract: A device and method 10 for arranging flowers include a flower chart 12 for determining stem lengths for primary and secondary flower 14 and 16, a flower holder 18 for securing end portions 20 of stems 22 of the primary and secondary flowers 14 and 16, and a stem template 24 for marking portions of the flower holder 18 such that the disposition of each primary and secondary flower 14 and 16 in a flower arrangement 26, is predetermined by inserting an end portion 20 of a stem 22 of each primary and secondary flower 14 and 16 into a cooperating marked portion of the flower holder 18.

Abstract: An apparatus (8) for displaying at least one of culinary, horticultural and floral item(s) allows the item to be easily attached to or removed from a variety of surfaces (10). The display includes a support (14) for supporting the arrangement. The support (14) may be made of reformable sculpting wire, allowing a user to form the wire in any desired shape. An interface (12), having magnetic properties, is constructed and arranged to mount the support (14) to a surface (10) that has either magnetic properties or non-magnetic properties.

Abstract: Described is a holder for accommodating an aqueous solution and cut flowers, plants, or the like. The holder includes: a flexible film bag sized and shaped to fit within a flower or other bucket for accommodating a plurality of flower stems, the flexible film bag having, on a first end, an opening for receiving the plurality of flower stems, and, a rigid or semi-rigid ring non-detachably affixed about (either internally or externally) the circumference of the flexible film bag. A method of making the holder and a frame for accommodating holders are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-functional 2-piece bouquet holder that shortens the time required to construct a floral bouquet and provides dual uses for the floral portion and the handle portion. The 2-piece hand-held floral bouquet holder comprises a handle portion and a head portion that are releasably connected together. The handle portion includes a replaceable re-hydration cartridge that allows for selected re-hydration of the flowers in the bouquet. When the head portion is not attached to the handle, the head portion can be attached to an adjustable stand, a storage unit or to a display unit. The adjustable stand assists in construction of the floral bouquet by allowing the florist to place the head portion in any desired position. The present bouquet holder also includes an attachment device that allows functional accessories to be added to the bouquet. A full line of accessories can also be provided for attachment to the bouquet.

Abstract: A holder for silk flowers including multiple extensions extending laterally outwardly of the holder, a pair of spaced discs respectively interconnected with the inner surface of the holder, a pair of apertures formed respectively in the discs, and multiple pointed prongs extending from the lower disc and into the aperture formed therein.

Abstract: A method of making a decorative arrangement includes providing a wet foam, securing a plurality of decorative elements which may, for example, consist of live flowers or other live vegetation, dried flowers or other dried vegetation, artificial flowers or other artificial vegetation and additional ornaments. A plurality of decorative elements are secured to the wet foam and the wet foam is subsequently permitted to dry or dried. The wet foam may be applied to a release surface or to a support structure. Portions of the decorative arrangement may be made by sequential applications of wet foam, if desired. The wet foam, after partial curing, is shaped to provide a nodule within which the decorative elements are placed. The surface of the foam may be wet, as by spraying water thereon prior to shaping and partial curing, and may also be sprayed thereafter as by spraying water thereon.

Abstract: A method of making a decorative arrangement includes providing a wet foam, securing a plurality of decorative elements which may, for example, consist of live flowers or other live vegetation, dried flowers or other dried vegetation, artificial flowers or other artificial vegetation and additional ornaments. A plurality of decorative elements are secured to the wet foam and the wet foam is subsequently permitted to dry or dried. The wet foam may be applied to a release surface or to a support structure. Portions of the decorative arrangement may be made by sequential applications of wet foam, if desired. The wet foam, after partial curing, is shaped to provide a nodule within which the decorative elements are placed. The surface of the foam may be wet, as by spraying water thereon prior to shaping and partial curing, and may also be sprayed thereafter as by spraying water thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying at least one of culinary, horticultural and floral item(s) allows the item to be easily attached to or removed from a variety of bases. The display may include a support for holding the arrangement. The support may be made of reformable sculpting wire, allowing a user to form the wire in any desired shape. The interface may comprise an insulating material, allowing the arrangement to be mounted to an ice sculpture. The base may be any decorative base.

Abstract: A decorative apparatus comprising a frog, a frog holder, a decorative attachment, and a means of attaching, positioning and orienting the decorative attachment.

Abstract: A display assembly for supporting an object includes three loops, each loop formed from an elongated flexible element. Each loop is formed so as to define an apex. The apices of the three loops define a plane. The three loops are non-linear and are in secured relation to one another by a retaining member. The loops form a petal like support.

Abstract: A plant anchor for securing a plant that includes a base member, having a top and bottom, and at least one support portion located within the base member and each support portion includes at least one opening for frictionally securing a plant. Preferably, there is more than one leg that is attached to the bottom of the base member. The base member as well as the legs can be in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. There can be more than one support portion located on each base member. The optimal opening is two transverse, v-shaped slits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the in situ manufacture of plant extracts from living plants. Since the plant remains intact, a flower or other component of the plant can be extracted one or more times. Following the extraction process, the plant is typically able to continue with its lifecycle. Such extracts have a variety of uses including use for, but not limited to: herbal and homeopathic medicines, hair and skin treatments, and cosmetics. The present invention also relates to apparatus useful for manufacturing plant extracts from living plants.

Abstract: A base (2) for supporting artificial flowers or foliage comprises a spike (4) and one or more stem-supporting members (6, 8, 10) securable on the spike (4) by means of a securing member (12) which engages with the spike (4), the stem-supporting members (6, 8, 10) having a plurality of apertures for receiving stem ends of the flowers or foliage.

Abstract: A foldable container made of a liquid resistant carton blank has a bottom bracing and bottom closing tab or portion that provides rigidity when the container is expanded for use.