Abstract: A stand displaying a member of the cucurbitaceae family includes a support for holding the member of the cucurbitaceae family. A figure associated with the support cooperates with the member of the cucurbitaceae family to complete a display.

Abstract: A unitary garden stake is provided from a formable length of tubing wherein an anvil is formed on an upper end of the tubular body and a wedge is formed on a lower end thereof. The anvil is formed by a plurality of longitudinal crimps along the length of the upper end. The wedge is formed by compressing the lower end of the unitary stake while removing a segment of the tubing wall near the lower end. The anvil is sufficiently strong to absorb the impact of blows administered to drive the wedge into underlying soil. A protective coating is applied to the stake when necessary.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tree stabilizing assembly and method for using same, wherein the stabilizing assembly is designed to support or provide supplementary bracing to a tree so as to maintain it in a substantially upright or other predetermined position when the tree is planted or replanted. More specifically, the subject tree staking assembly comprises at least one, but preferably two, or a plurality of support members. A V-strap assembly is used to removably, but securely, position the support members in spaced relation to one another about the circumference of a trunk of the tree being supported without actually encircling or girdling the tree. Consequently, the tree is not blemished or scarred. Advantageously, the assembly affords a system by which a tree can be supported in a predetermined, upright position by a single worker without the need for specialized parts or tools.

Abstract: A flexible trellis and method of forming and using the same is disclosed. The flexible trellis includes a first primary section and a second primary section. Each of the first and second primary sections includes a first upright, a second upright, and a plurality of vertically spaced cross members joined to the first upright and the second upright and maintaining the first and second uprights in spaced apart relationship. A plurality of vertically spaced hinge members are provided. Each of the hinge members includes a first end and a second end, with the first end pivotally connected to the first primary section and the second end pivotally connected to the second primary section. The hinge members are arranged to permit pivotal movement of the first primary section relative to the second primary section about a pair of spaced apart vertical axes. Additional and substantially identical primary sections may be provided as desired.

Abstract: An adjustable protective platform for supporting, for example, potted plants includes a plurality of multi-legged links. Each link includes a pair of linkage legs angled with respect to each other at an acute angle. Each linkage leg includes a plurality of projections extending from the upper and lower surfaces and at least two transverse slots cut into the upper surface, extending from the outer side to the inner side, and angled at least partially towards the origin end of the opposite linkage leg. The slots in each linkage leg are symmetrical with respect to the slots in the opposite linkage leg. Therefore, the links are coupled together by arranging the links in an alternating up and down (one link facing up and the next facing down) fashion forming an outer enclosed loop, and further, by engaging a slot in a linkage leg of an upward facing link with a slot in an immediately adjacent linkage leg of an adjacent downwardly facing link.

Abstract: A metal trellis post comprises a generally triangular-shaped elongated body having a rear portion connected to a first longer leg secured to a second shorter leg. One or two rows of notches are formed in the first longer legs and the second shorter legs. Each of the notches have horizontal slots connected to vertical slots having enlarged wire holding ends. Tensioned wires for supporting foliage and fruit are securely held in the enlarged wire holding ends and may only be removed upon pressing the tensioned wires into the trellis post and around holding element and then slid to the horizontal slots for removal.

Abstract: A collapsible plant support structure is described which provides a structure wherein a plant may be grown and properly supported. The collapsible plant support structure has three or more vertical members (11) connected to a plurality of rings (12) by guide hubs (18) on the vertical members, thusly providing the collapsible feature of the structure. A vertical member typically is rod-like and extends the entire length of the structure and has connection points (19) set equidistant along the vertical members. The vertical members also include a tapered (20) and angled staking structure to assist in strengthening the structure. The vertical members also have geometrically shaped footplates (20) to assist in placing the structure into any given terrain.

Abstract: A fastener to secure and train branches of a vine or plant to a horizontal support wire or other structures comprises a longitudinal body including first and second hook portions and a longitudinal flexible member having first and second ends connected to the respective first and second hook portions. The first and second hook portions are mirror images of each other but rotated 180°.

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 vine support system for supporting vine crops includes a vertical post having one or more slotted apertures extending horizontally therethrough. A plurality of cross arms are provided, each cross arm fashioned and dimensioned to snap-engage in one of the slotted apertures and to extend horizontally outwardly from the post. The cross arms are adapted to support lateral trellis wires which engage the canes of a vine crop. Each cross arm is a planar member elongated in a lateral direction and vertically oriented, and includes a pair of L-shaped trellis wire slots opening upwardly at laterally opposed ends of the cross arm. The slots are dimensioned to capture and support trellis wires. A pair of spring tabs are integrally formed with the cross arm and bent outwardly therefrom. Each cross arm is dimensioned to be pushed through the slotted aperture of the vertical post described above, and the spring tab is deflected and compressed as it passes through the aperture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sheet for growing a plant in cultivation comprising a base material in the form of a sheet and a polymer for forming saccharide-free hydrogel disposed on at least one of the surfaces of the sheet. The polymer for forming saccharide-free hydrogel has a crosslinked structure.

Abstract: An adjustable pot supporting device including an adjustable circular band adapted for being positioned below the annular ridge of the small pot. A pair of adjustable brackets are secured to the adjustable circular band. The adjustable brackets are positionable on the upper end of the larger decorative pot to support the small pot within the larger decorative pot.

Abstract: A plant support assembly for rigidly supporting a plant in an upright position in various types of soil conditions. The inventive device includes a base, a tubular member attached to the base and extending upwardly, a shaft positionable within the base, and a locking strap for securing a plant to the shaft or tubular member. The shaft is preferably constructed of a material that is easily severed for allowing support for various heights of plants. The base is shaped for fitting within the lower portion of a conventional pot for plants. In an alternative embodiment, the tubular member includes an upper spiked end for inserting through the roots of the plant and thereafter receiving the adjusted shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is a plant support that can be used on either a T-shaped post or a U-shaped post. The support includes a ring for supporting the plant and a latching section which engages the post. The height of the support on the post can be easily altered if the user so desires. The support ring may further include a removable arc section to allow the support ring to be easily removed from around the plant.

Abstract: A unitary garden stake is provided from a formable length of tubing wherein an anvil is formed on an upper end of the tubular body and a wedge is formed on a lower end thereof. The anvil is formed by a plurality of longitudinal crimps along the length of the upper end. The wedge is formed by compressing the lower end of the unitary stake while removing a segment of the tubing wall near the lower end. The anvil is sufficiently strong to absorb the impact of blows administered to drive the wedge into underlying soil. A protective coating is applied to the stake when necessary.

Abstract: Clip (1) which is to be attached to a wire (2) and is designed to clamp a part which is to be clamped in a first enclosure. A second enclosure is delimited by the free ends of the clip (1), which are bent in the shape of a C. This second enclosure for receiving the wire (2) becomes smaller as the area within which the stem is accommodated becomes larger.

Abstract: A resilient fastening clip (10) for attaching a plant member (22) to a portion of a support structure includes a clip wall (24) that creates a first enclosure (12) and a second enclosure (14) which are integrally fashioned from the clip wall (24). The first enclosure (12) has a first enclosure entry mouth (16), and the second enclosure (14) has a second enclosure entry mouth (18). The first enclosure entry mouth (16) may lie either within the second enclosure (14), or may be external to it. A flexible arm (34) is optionally provided to help capture the support wire (20). The clip (10) may also have a number of gripper protrusions (46) which prevent rotation of the plant member (22) within the second enclosure (14). An alternative preferred embodiment of a resilient clip (110) has a transverse wire channel (58) formed in the first enclosure region (12), into which a support wire (20) may be inserted.

Abstract: A self-watering vertical supporting planter includes a growing medium cavity formed by the combination of outer and inner walls fixed to a bottom. The inner walls are fixed to a top and bottom forming a water reservoir with a centrally located sleeve to support a vertical telescopic support pole and pole cap fixed at its upper end. The reservoir is fixed to the bottom of the growing medium cavity. The reservoir has a filler hole and wick ports for self-watering of the growing medium. A plurality of strings are attached to the pole cap and the outer walls by means of hook-like elements fixed to the outer edges of the pole cap and the outer walls. The strings inclined with respect to the vertical form individual supports for vine type plants such as beans, tomatoes and cucumbers.

Abstract: The young tree support comprises a flexible polymer tube having its end staked by a first stake close to the tree. The flexible polymer tube is wound up the tree to a point between one-third and one-half the distance up the trunk of the tree. From that point, the second end of the tube is pulled to the windward. The second end of the tube has a spring by which the second end is connected to a second stake driven into the ground so that the second end is resiliently connected to the second stake. This provides adequate support for a young tree to permit flexure of the trunk during early growth.

Abstract: A blind for use by hunters, bird watchers, field observers and the like comprises at least three upstanding walls, a top cover, a bottom pan where at least one of the walls has a means for ingress and egress disposed therethrough and at least one of the walls has a openable and closeable window disposed therein.

Abstract: an adjustable protective platform for supporting, for example, potted plants includes a plurality of multi-legged links. Each link includes a pair of linkage legs angled with respect to each other at an acute angle. Each linkage leg includes a plurality of projections extending from the upper and lower surfaces and at least two transverse slots cut into the upper surface, extending from the outer side to the inner side, and angled at least partially towards the origin end of the opposite linkage leg. The slots in each linkage leg are symmetrical with respect to the slots in the opposite linkage leg. Therefore, the links are coupled together by arranging the links in an alternating up and down (one link facing up and the next facing down) fashion forming an outer enclosed loop, and further, by engaging a slot in a linkage leg of an upward facing link with a slot in an immediately adjacent linkage leg of an adjacent downwardly facing link.

Abstract: A garden marker device has a cover, a back and a stake. The cover is transparent and has a periphery bounded by a top margin, a bottom margin and a pair of side margins. The back is connected to the top margin and the pair of side margins of the cover, so as to define an enclosure between the cover and the back extending between the side margins. The stake is connected to the back.

Abstract: A device for retaining different types of plant supports comprises a frame consisting of four members with ends that are releasably inserted into bores of a collar having a central passage and ends that are inserted into holes in container. The central passage on the collar receives the plant support.

Abstract: A supporting frame for a portion of a stem of a plant comprises a generally arc-shaped guiding member, two spacers projecting away from an inside concave surface of the guiding member, and a pressing member pivotally connected to the spacers. The guiding member, the pressing member and each spacer define a U-shaped cross-section for permitting insertion of the portion of the stem therein. The pressing member is deformable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the pressing member is away from the guiding member and the portion of the stem can be inserted between the guiding member and the pressing member.

Abstract: This invention provides a plant growth sheet structure which includes a base web layer and a core layer integrally coupled together in this order, a base web layer, a plant seed holding layer and a core layer integrally coupled together in this order, or a base web layer, a core layer, a plant seed holding layer and a cover web layer integrally coupled together in this order, and is provided at its surface with plant protection projections, and also provides a natural turf sheet structure including a natural turf grown on the plant growth sheet structure.

Abstract: Jardin Gem is a set of three multipurpose, independent identifier stratagems. Jardin Gem Topper is the primary device and is a hose support/hose guard/holder/identifier with a variety of configurated tops through which each top a hose can be laced or something attached. Every top also serves as a push-pull handle to put its opposite end into soil, predrilled wood, a cored brick, or whatever. The secondary identifier is the Jardin Gem Straww used as a marker while in the ground before, during, and after plant growth. If a Topper is slid into a Straww, the latter functions as an auxiliary identifier or when a watering, soaker, or sprinkler hose needs to be laced through a series of tops. The third device is the Jardin Gem Barr . . . a single Jardin Gem Straww nested in between two elbow connectors . . . which can be easily positioned horizontally or vertically.

Abstract: A floral foam which contains nutrients an preservatives for cut flowers is described, which floral foam has been pre-injected with nutrients and preservatives in an amount of 8-12 g per dm.sup.3 water which can be absorbed by the foam. A method for the production of such a floral foam is also described. The floral foam is pre-injected with 10-30 ml of a solution containing nutrients and preservatives per dm.sup.3 water which can be absorbed by the floral foam.

Abstract: A plant tie for securing a plant limb of a plant to a supporting member, for example, a plant stake, comprises a soft flexible, elastic loop; more especially the loop is of knitted material and is in particular formed from a toe clip remnant of knitted hosiery manufacture.

Abstract: A plant container which includes a plant-stake fixing device, wherein the plant container in the region of its rim is provided with at least two coupling components rigidly connected with the side-wall of the plant container. The plant-stake fixing device is provided at least on one end with a mating coupling component and, at a distance from the mating coupling component, with at least one retaining component serving as a holder for a plant stake. The plant-stake fixing device is provided with two mating coupling components arranged at a predetermined distance and in the region of the rim of the plant container there are provided at least two coupling components arranged in correspondence with the mating coupling components and at a distance from each other.

Abstract: A stake system has a set of couplings and fiberglass rods and can be expanded to include bendable wire and light holders which fit onto the rods. The connector has a tubular body open at opposite ends and a transverse inner wall or collar between the opposite ends which with the inner wall of the body defines an open upper cavity and an open lower cavity. Each cavity is sized to receive one end of a rod. A pair of arms extend outwardly from opposite edges of one end of the tubular housing. Each arm has a slotted opening of sufficient diameter to permit a cord of a decorative light string to be inserted into and pass through the opening. Elbows and rod holders are provided to have one end which fits into the coupling upper cavity and an opposite end that has a cavity or mouth sized to receive of a rod. This stake system allows a person of average mechanical ability to create lighted lawn ornaments in an almost infinite variety of shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A vessel for growing a plant, comprising: a base material 11 in the form of a vessel which is capable of accommodating therein at least a part of a plant; and a hydrogel-forming polymer 12 having a crosslinked structure disposed inside of the vessel-form base material 11 is disclosed. When such a vessel is used, a transfer operation for the plant can be automated, and any damage caused by transferring the plant can be reduced.

Abstract: A bird arbor having a span member supported above the ground by a pair of vertically oriented support members. The span member and support members comprise a free-standing architectural structure forming a through-way. One or more birdhouse are integrally formed within the span member, which can have a shape, such as an arch, for example.

Abstract: An anchor comprising a curved picket is provided. The picket has a first end and a second end and an attachment element, for receiving a trainer, positioned proximate to the first end of the picket. The second end of the curved picket is penetrable into a surface of a soil or other penetrable substance, in a manner that anchors the picket. The picket penetrates the root system of the plant. The root system provides additional anchoring support for the picket and the attached trainer. A trainer is attached near the first end of the picket and a plant is trained to grow along the trainer. The anchor is a simple and inexpensive device that firmly anchors a trainer near the ground while preventing the trainer from directly contacting the ground. The anchor is more resistant to winds and erosion when compared to conventional anchors. The tension on the trainer is adjustable after the anchor is set into the soil.

Abstract: A shrub shelter assembled from modular, interlocking components forms an inverted-V-shaped device to protect shrubs, bushes, small trees and other plants from the damaging effects of falling ice and snow. The assembly of the preferred embodiment utilizes a modular hinge assembly connecting a front framework panel to a rear framework panel. The framework panels are themselves assembled from modular legs, modular horizontal slats, and optional modular vertical slats. Leg extenders enable the height of the shelter to be easily varied, and leg anchors are used to firmly attach the shelter to the ground. Assembly is very simple and fast, and requires no tools.

Abstract: A method of holding plants to a stake is provided. A posable figure preferably having a plurality of elongate positionable appendages is provided. The posable figure preferably has an internal bendable wire frame and external relatively soft body, appendage, and head portions surrounding the wire frame. In addition, the figure is preferably a whimsical figure, such as a fanciful frog, garden bug, or farmer. A stake is inserted into the soil or other ground or potting material adjacent the plant. Then a pair of appendages of the figure are positioned on either side of the plant stem and stake and bent about the plant stem and the stake. The process is preferably repeated for additional appendages. The method provides a quick, easy, and decorative manner for safely holding a plant to a stake. A kit of posable figures is also provided for practicing the method of the invention.

Abstract: A seedling culture mat comprising a mat which comprises a fibrous substrate or a water-soluble film or paper, a nonionic water-absorbing polymer in a film, tape, fiber or powder form which is anchored to the mat and seeds which are applied on the mat.

Abstract: A plant support and irrigation system for domestic and commercial use is assembled without tools from two principal interlocking components, i.e., tubular members and hubs, to form modules. Modules are joined in mating relation vertically, horizontally and/or at varying angles to construct a variety of useful plant support structures including, for example, A-frames, trellises, arbors and fences and other forms of enclosures. The horizontal and/or vertical components of the modules are optionally perforated tubing making the structures capable of providing low-pressure drip or spray irrigation for the supported plants. The assembly can include connecting members of varying angles, plugs and valved hose connections configured to securely mate with one or both ends of the tubular members.

Abstract: A method for drying grapes from a vineyard using vertical supports extending above the rows of grapevines and porous horizontal trays extending above the grapevines along each row supported by the vertical supports. A black plastic porous tray material defines the trays which stretch between parallel wires supported by a periodic structure for spreading the wires. The tray material may be wrapped about the wires at its outer edges and held by synthetic materials which adhere when pressed together.

Abstract: A plant is grown or regenerated while suppressing the propagation of bacteria and fungi, by use of a carrier comprising a culture medium and a polymer constituting a network structure wherein the culture medium is substantially absorbed into and retained by the network structure in a proportion of 10% to 100% of the equilibrium culture medium absorption of the polymer constituting the network structure. The propagation of bacteria and fungi is much faster, and the metabolic rate thereof is much larger, than those of a plant. Therefore, the necessity of providing a nutrient (such as water and saccharide) from the culture medium to the bacteria and fungi is much greater than that in the plant tissue. Unlike a liquid medium, the culture medium which has been absorbed in the network structure comprising the polymer is hardly available to the bacteria and fungi, which have high metabolic activity.

Abstract: Trellis wires tieing clips are used with pairs of spaced longitudinal trellis wires which are located to control the direction of growth and support of plant foliage of crops such as raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and grapes. One wire is the longitudinal reference trellis wire, and the other wire is the longitudinal gathering trellis wire. Each trellis wires tieing clip is made of a molded plastic having: resiliency and a retention of shape memory, and having the integral portions of a transverse elongated top body portion; a transverse elongated trellis wire receiving volume in the top body portion; a centered bottom entry to guide trellis wires into the transverse elongated trellis wire receiving volume; a right side arm depending at a wire guiding angle from the transverse elongated top body portion; and a left side arm depending at a wire guiding angle from the transverse elongated top body portion.

Abstract: A method for producing natural, sun-dried raisins from the Thompson seedless grape variety in vineyards located in the Central Valley of California, or similarly situated vineyards, having about 4000 to 5100 degree days during the growing and drying season and an annual yearly rainfall of between about 10 to 12 inches. Rows (2) of grape vines (4) are grown at the vineyard site. The canes are trained so to create divided canopies along the rows of grape vines. The divided canopy has fruiting canes (26) primarily on one side of the row and replacement canes (28) separated from the fruiting canes, typically on the other side of the row. Once the grapes are sufficiently mature, the fruiting canes are cut (34) adjacent the crowns (32) of the grape vines. The grapes (30), still hanging from the cut fruiting canes, are left to dry naturally in the sun to create natural raisins. When sufficiently dry, the raisins are harvested directly from the cut canes.

Abstract: A system for drying grapes from a vineyard using vertical supports extending above the rows of grapevines and porous horizontal trays extending above the grapevines along each row supported by the vertical supports. A black plastic porous tray material defines the trays which stretch between parallel wires supported by a periodic structure for spreading the wires. The tray material may be wrapped about the wires at its outer edges and held by synthetic materials which adhere when pressed together.

Abstract: A method of plant culture including the steps of growing plants, which produce elongated flexible portions, in supported relation on a structure; permitting the flexible portions to grow; and moving the flexible portions substantially into separate predetermined positions relative to the plants, based upon predetermined distinguishing characteristics of said flexible portions, for subsequent plant cultural practices. An apparatus for plant culture wherein the plants grow elongated flexible portions each growing season, the apparatus having a frame adapted to be disposed adjacent to at least one of the plants and having a laterally projecting first support portion and an upwardly projecting second support portion; and a support system for moving the flexible portions of the plant discriminately to the first or second portions based upon predetermined distinguishing characteristics.

Abstract: A stalk support for flowers comprises generally a roughly R shaped clamp displaceably attached to a cylindrical rod thereon. The clamp is made from a flexible plastic material having a roughly hoop clasp with a pair of spaced legs parallel extended outward at a rear periphery therefrom, a slotted opening formed on an opposing periphery of the hoop clasp, three circular finger contacts formed respectively at the free ends of the two legs and the arcuate arm of the clasp thereon and a cylindrical sleeve connected perpendicularly to the free end of a straight arm of the hoop clasp therewith so as to define a roughly circular space to receive a peduncle of the flower therein. An alterative embodiment provides an openable sleeve that facilitates a ready attachment of the clamp to a rod thereon. Another embodiment provides a sealed sleeve that suitable for attaching to the top of a rod in different diameter.

Abstract: An apparatus,for supporting various different types of plantlife growing in a ground area including stakes adapted to be inserted into the ground with preferably a pointed end formed of hard plastic preferably recycled. The one or more stakes define a slot extending therethrough adapted to receive a supporting strap of hard or preferably recycled plastic. The supporting strap includes a flat surface adapted to support the shaft of a vertically growing plant or tree without damaging thereto. The strap is preferably generally rectangular in cross section and includes a plurality of studs thereon and defines a plurality of apertures therein. The studs are adapted to extend through the apertures to form the supporting strap into circular formations of varying lengths for supporting of plantlife growing adjacent to the stake. The supporting strap is designed to extend through the preferably rectangular slots in the stakes to facilitate support.

Abstract: A decorative ornament which can be mounted on an inside or outside wall of a house or other structure and which simulates the appearance of a column. The ornament comprises an upper section which simulates the capital of a column, a lower section which simulates the base of a column, and a folded wire strung between the upper and lower sections which has parallel segments simulating the fluting of a column. When mounted on a wall facing a garden or on an inside wall, the ornament can serve as a trellis with the wires supporting plants, flowers or vines.

Abstract: A plant tie including an elongate strip of flaccid or cloth material having flexible cloth fastener elements on the opposed ends thereof for selective engagement with each other to secure the strip about a plant stem. A mounting element is positioned centrally of the strip and includes an enlarged pressure-receiving head engaged with one face of the strip and an elongate pin shaft engaged through the strip and projecting beyond the other face thereof for manually driving into engagement with a wall.

Abstract: A method for producing natural, sun-dried raisins from the Thompson seedless grape variety in vineyards located in the Central Valley of California, or similarly situated vineyards, having about 4000 to 5100 degree days during the growing and drying season and an annual yearly rainfall of between about 10 to 12 inches. Rows (2) of grape vines (4) are grown at the vineyard site. The canes are trained so to create divided canopies along the rows of grape vines. The divided canopy has fruiting canes (26) primarily on one side of the row and replacement canes (28) separated from the fruiting canes, typically on the other side of the row. Once the grapes are sufficiently mature, the fruiting canes are cut (34) adjacent the crowns (32) of the grape vines. The grapes (30), still hanging from the cut fruiting canes, are left to dry naturally in the sun to create natural raisins. When sufficiently dry, the raisins are harvested directly from the cut canes.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for maintenance of moisture level throughout a topiary. A plurality of fluid containers disposed at different vertical levels are mounted to a metal topiary frame. The containers each contain a wick that is used to transport fluid from the containers to topiary filler material which is bound to the metal topiary frame. Each container acts to passively regulate the level of moisture content in a region of the container through wick action. Ivy may be planted on the exterior surfaces of the topiary filler material, which may be a moss material.

Abstract: There is provided a novel adjustable clasp for suspending a plant, integrally molded of a semi-rigid polymer material and comprising a pair of arcuate arms hinged together by means of an integral hinge section of reduced thickness which tends to bias apart said arms to an open position of the clasp, which can be closed manually to encircle a portion of the plant, the arms being secured in the closed position by interengaging locking means provided at or adjacent the free ends of the arms, e.g. an integral buckle at the end of one arm capable of irreversibly engaging a plurality of integral retaining teeth provided on the outside of the other arm.