Abstract: The present invention provides a horticulturally diverse garden for growing botanicals having a plurality of transportable modules, at least two of which provide differing microenvironments. The modules can comprise various soil compositions such that a variety of diverse botanicals can grow and thrive in close proximity. The present invention also provides for a garden which is irrigated from below the modules. The garden can also be heated or cooled underground. The present invention can also comprise a flexible plastic film or other transparent enclosure covering the top of the garden or modules. The modules may also comprise a synthetic surface.

Abstract: A molded plant tray is provided in the form of a unitary molded plastic member formed of relatively light foamed plastic and having downwardly extending tapered plant cells for receiving planting medium in which individual seedlings are grown. The plant tray is provided with integral drive member receiving groove means in the form of U-shaped grooves along bottom portions of intermediate walls that define the plant cells. An alignment groove can also be provided perpendicular to the drive member receiving groove means and bisecting the length of the drive member receiving groove means for accurate positioning of the plant tray relative to drive members. In a second embodiment a relatively hard plastic insert is molded, manufactured or adhesively secured to create a dual body tray in the molded plastic member and defines the plant cells.

Abstract: A landscape edging or border block has an essentially trapezoidal shape, and is capable of being used to form a linear, serpentine or combination border or edge. The blocks can also be used to enclose an area. By orienting each block such that its inner edge faces inwardly, a substantially circular shape is attained to enclose a circular area. To expand the area to be enclosed, at least two expansion blocks are added for each quadrant of the shape. The two expansion blocks are oriented so as to provide a linear segment in each quadrant between adjacent ends of each arcuate segment. Additional pairs of expansion blocks can be added for each quadrant to further expand the area to be enclosed. In all cases, the enclosed area is formed by placing adjacent blocks such that their edges engage each other to form a shape without the presence of gaps between adjacent blocks.

Abstract: Vertically stackable benches and pallets for holding three inch and four inch diameter planting pots, wherein the benches can be entirely formed from wire. Each of the benches has a center portion formed from a planar shaped wire grid. Support members on opposite ends of the wire grid allow the benches to be stacked on top of one another while maintaining an airspace therebetween. Each support member has an upper bent tip extending upwardly from the surface of the grid, and a lower legs that form a downwardly opening slot opening, the legs extending below the undersurface of the grid. The bent tips of a first bench interlock into the slot in the legs of a second bench that is stacked on top of the first bench. Airspaces between each of the stacked pallets allows for seedlings in the pots to grow regardless of whether the pots are arranged in every grid opening or in staggered grid openings.

Abstract: A modular soil conserving planter constitutes a longitudinal trough having open transverse end faces, the trough including a lower horizontal grate and an upper horizontal grate, each of such grates extending along substantially the longitudinal length of the trough, the lower grate defining a drainage grate and the upper grate defining a soil retention grate, a region of the trough beneath the drainage grate including apertures for control of drainage from the trough, in which longitudinal ends of the trough. Each longitudinal end of the trough further include means for selectable connections to open end faces of adjoining like planters.

Abstract: A planter adapted for circling an umbrella pole and resting upon a patio table top includes a large pot divided into two halves of identical geometry, and a drip tray similarly divided into two halves of identical geometry. Features are provided to lock each drip tray half into a corresponding pot half. Additional features allow each pot half to interlock to another, thereby forming a complete planter. The planter halves are separable and may be interchanged with other planter halves of the same geometry.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing decorative plants, particularly, in earth, while allowing for easy removal and replacement of the stored plants, includes a receptacle body which is embedable in the earth, the receptacle body having at least one cavity formed therein for receiving a storage tray, the receptacle body further having a hole formed therethrough below the cavity to allow drainage therefrom. A storage tray is shaped to fit inside the cavity of the receptacle body, and the storage tray has a hollow space formed therein to receive stored plants such as flowers therein. Among other uses, the apparatus hereof is suitable for replaceably holding flowering plants at grave sites, and elsewhere where flower beds are desired.

Abstract: A molded plant tray is provided in the form of a unitary molded plastic member formed of relatively light foamed plastic and having downwardly extending tapered plant cells for receiving plating medium in which individual seedlings are crown. The plastic member is provided with a plurality of parallel, U-shaped indexing rod-receiving grooves defined on the bottom surface of the plastic member by portions of the intermediate walls that define the plant cells. The indexing rod-receiving grooves are complementary in shape to a plurality of indexing rods arranged in parallel spaced relation in a drum shape rotatable about a longitudinal axis and spaced to receive the indexing rods as they rotate about the longitudinal axis. A U-shaped alignment member-receiving groove is also provided, and is defined on the bottom surface of the plastic member by portions of the intermediate walls to extend perpendicular to the central axes of the indexing rod-receiving grooves.

Abstract: A plantable retaining wall block having a plant-receiving cavity located in a top surface thereof. The block is constructed so that the plant-receiving cavity lies between portions of side walls which are generally parallel with a front face of the block. The shape of the block is such that a nearly vertical retaining wall may be constructed such that each plant-receiving cavity is substantially exposed to allow vegetation to be planted. The wall block may include a connection member or an alignment member to allow the block to be stabilized and aligned with blocks in adjacent rows of a retaining wall.

Abstract: The invention provides a cultivation medium promoting germination of plants and growth of the seedlings while precluding the plant from suffering damage from insect pests. The cultivation medium comprises a particulate, granular or fibrous rubber. Particulate, granular or fibrous pieces of plant or soil can further be incorporated into the medium. Seeds of a plant are sown on the cultivation medium or mixed with the medium for cultivating the plant.

Abstract: A plant growing tray comprises a plurality of strips of tray compartments and a foldable portion or pleat connecting two adjacent strips of the tray compartments. The foldable connecting portion is generally a V-groove having a folding line along the bottom of the groove. Two end members are provided optionally at both ends of the foldable V-groove portion. Each tray compartment has an opening on its bottom.

Abstract: A product made of bound mineral wool for the cultivation of plants, in which a reversibly water adsorbing agent insoluble in water is bound to the mineral wool, serves for the extensive grassing of soilless grounds, in particular the grassing of roofs. It contains, as a reversibly water adsorbing agent, in particular pyrogen silicic acid. Preferably, the product is available in the form of a felt or the form of a plate with a density of more than 50 kg/m.sup.3, particularly more than 70 kg/m.sup.3.

Abstract: An assembly of pots for raising and transplanting seedlings. A plurality of cylindrical pots are made of paper and each pot is connected by a connection member into a continuous form. The connection member includes slits for allowing the spacing between adjacent pots to be elongated to a length corresponding to one intrarow spacing for various kinds of plants. The generally H-shaped or generally U-shaped slits can be vertically and alternatively provided from upper and lower edges of the connection member.

Abstract: A landscape edging or border block has an essentially trapezoidal shape, and is capable of being used to form a linear, serpentine or combination border or edge. The blocks can also be used to enclose an area. By orienting each block such that its inner edge faces inwardly, a substantially circular shape is attained to enclose a circular area. To expand the area to be enclosed, at least two expansion blocks are added for each quadrant of the shape. The two expansion blocks are oriented so as to provide a linear segment in each quadrant between adjacent ends of each arcuate segment. Additional pairs of expansion blocks can be added for each quadrant to further expand the area to be enclosed. In all cases, the enclosed area is formed by placing adjacent blocks such that their edges engage each other to form a shape without the presence of gaps between adjacent blocks.

Abstract: The invention discloses flower pots forming a self-supporting modular structure comprising a plurality of flower pots (4, 7) each comprising first container elements (41; 71) united together through at least one channel (42; 72) and suited to contain ornamental plants, co-axially matchable through the fixed joint formed by their matching profiles (8, 9). Each of the mentioned flower pots (4, 7) can be co-axially matched with a second container element (5) through the fixed joint formed their matching profiles (8; 9). Moreover, each of said container elements (41, 71) fits co-axially inside an underpot tray (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable modular drainage system that is attached to a series of cylindrical planting containers. The system comprises a plurality of peaked modules with opposing, convergent curved side walls designed to conform to the curve of a planting container. Between each side wall is a notch which accepts one or more containers and firmly connects the module to the containers. The modules are preferably designed in four distinct shapes, one with quadrature symmetry for connecting four containers at once, one smaller triangular unit which connects three staggered containers, one three-legged unit that connects two containers which are positioned at an edge of a plant farm, and one edge unit designed to connect three staggered containers at the end of three rows. When these modules are appropriately connected to the containers, they effectively drain the water that would otherwise have fallen between the pots directly into the pots.

Abstract: A carrier for bulbous plants on which the bulbs are disposed mutually adjacently according to a predetermined pattern, comprising a number of individual bulb holders for each bulb which are disposed in that pattern on the carrier, in addition to a liquid reservoir which belongs to each or a number of holders and which in use lies under the holders, wherein the or each liquid reservoir is provided with an overflow edge for defining the maximum liquid level in the reservoir.In preference the bulb holders are provided with fixation means for fixing the bulb.The fixation means are usually formed by protrusions, for instance pins, onto which the bulb is fixed.It is thus possible to keep constant the distance between the underside of the bulb and the water level, and use no longer has to be made of culture material and sand.

Abstract: A planting tray for direct deployment of trays and plants is described. The tray is ideally formed of a sturdy, biodegradable material. The tray has a flat member with a specific matrix of openings formed therein. A plurality of baskets, in a specific deployment, are affixed to the flat member. The baskets have a plurality of perforations, so that the roots of plants, deployed in soil within the basket, can grow out therethrough. Thus, the tray with plants can be embedded within the ground without the need for transplanting. The deployment of the baskets affixed to the flat member is such that two trays of the present invention may be intermeshed for spaciously efficient deployment.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a band for forming a seedling raising bottomed pot aggregate, in which multiple rows of a plurality of pots are aggregated. The bottoms of the pots are formed by making specific planar structures in a material paper having a constant width and by adhering, combining and cutting the paper. The pot aggregate can be easily manufactured by expanding the band. The bottoms are extended from the lower sides of the side walls of the cubes and are folded inward at a right angle from the adjoining extensions. These adjoining extensions are adhered on one of the diagonals of the bottoms, and the extensions on the other diagonal are overlapped.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wall material for a cell-structure plant growing container comprising several layers out of which at least one is of a decayable material, such as paper, and which is characterized in that it comprises at least three material layers bonded together, all the layers being permeable to water and nutrients and the middle layer being formed by a nonwoven or reticulate material impregnated with a growth control agent or comprising firmly attached to its both sides a growth control agent, or a layer of decayable material, such as paper, in which the side facing said middle layer is coated with a growth control agent. The invention is also concerned with the use of said wall material, and to a cell-structure plant growing container made of the material.

Abstract: Apparatus for transplant propagation comprising a unitary lower tray-forming member and a separate unitary upper tray-forming member carried on lower tray-forming member and cooperatively forming a regular array of transplant plug cells for containing a transplant medium for growing of seedlings. In one embodiment, the upper tray-forming member is removable from the lower tray-forming member and carriers transplant plugs out of the array of cells. In another embodiment, the upper tray-forming member is removable from the lower tray-forming member and leaves the transplant plugs in place on the lower tray-forming member to be carried thereby.

Abstract: Stadia and other activity surfaces are provided comprising natural turf. Natural turf units are provided which are transportable between first and second locations, the second location being for the growth and maintenance of the turf unit; the first location being a location for the performance of the desired activity. Means of transporting the units between the first and second locations are also provided. Artificial plant growth media are also provided comprising sand fractions and at least about 30% of shaped pieces of expandable polymer which are substantially inert to plant growth chemistry. In accordance with preferred embodiments, domed stadia are provided with natural turf activity surfaces which are able to withstand intensive wear during multi-season activities.

Abstract: An assembly of pots for raising and transplantation of seedlings, the assembly made of paper or a paper-like thin film, in which the side wall of each pot is provided, by means of a cut, with tongue-like pieces which can be easily lifted-up toward the outside of the pot by the pressure of seedling roots while in the soil after transplantation, therefore, making the extension of roots from the tongue-like portion both vigorous and untangled with respect to adjacent potted seedlings.

Abstract: An insert for a planting container is useful to support planting soil above a water reservoir. A base member includes several leg openings, a fill tube opening, and a plurality of air vents. Hollow leg members are attached to the base member to maintain the base member above the floor of the container. The leg members have conduits that are open to the leg openings. Flaps are flexibly connected to the periphery of the base member. The flaps contact the inside walls of the container and prevent soil from falling beneath the insert. A fill tube is positioned in the fill tube opening and is designed to extend from the floor of the container to a position above the soil. Water added to the fill tube creates a water reservoir beneath the base member. A webbed cover portion attached to the bottom of the leg members has slots that allow water to enter the conduits of the leg members. Soil may fill the conduits and draw water from the reservoir, while soil on the base member is aerated through the air vents.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for propagating, growing and handling plants. A tray is provided having a pluralilty of spaced apart elongated containers which are removably attached to one another. Each container has a plurality of planting compartments with adjacent planting compartments being separated by an air compartment each having an elongated opening which permits the movement of air into the root system of a plant located in an adjacent compartment. The air compartments also provide for vertical airflow to the leafy parts of the plants. The elongated containers are readily separated from one another and reassembled using automated apparatus. The automated apparatus removes the plants from the container for grading, transplanting and/or packaging.

Abstract: A propagation tray configured to receive a plurality of seedlings or the like comprising a tray member having an outer peripheral ledge formed about the periphery thereof and plurality of elongated frustum conical propagation cells each having a centrally disposed aperture formed in the upper portion thereof to receive individual seedlings formed inwardly of the outer peripheral ledge and a drainage aperture and cell support surface formed on the lower portion thereof such that the seedlings disposed within the plurality of elongated frustum conical propagation cells are provided drainage and air pruning through the drainage apertures while supported on the ground or other supporting surface by the cell support surfaces.

Abstract: The system includes an efficient, closed irrigation system in conjunction with insulating components for minimizing the harmful effects of extreme changes in ambient temperature, moisture and chemical concentrations in plant containers. Mechanisms are provided for permitting a single pallet, or a single plant within a pallet, to be readily removed from an integrated plurality of pallets without interfering with irrigation of the plants that are contained in the remaining pallets.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the planting out of the plants wherein the plants to be planted out are fitted into pieces of substrate. Said pieces of substrate are located in compartments formed between blocks fitted onto strips. Usually these strips are located adjacent and each second strip is shifted lengthwise over the length of a block, being equal to the length of a compartment so that a chess-board-pattern develops in plan view. For the planting out, the strips are separated and subsequently supplied to a pushing element which pushes the pieces of substrate including the plants in a transverse direction out of the strip and into bigger containers. To use only a single directional movement the strips are inclined relative to the bigger containers. To compensate for this inclination the pieces of substrate are slightly rotated during the movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multiple pot comprising individual pots interconnected by connector portions so as to be capable of being pulled out. The multiple pot is used to raise and transplant seedlings of plants. The invention also relates to a method of fabricating the pot. The pot is designed especially to promote growth of roots across the side walls of the individual pots after transplantation. Also, the resistance encountered when the multiple pot is unfolded is reduced. Further, the individual pots are uniform in size. These feature arise from the facts that the connector portions are formed by applying a waterproof paste discontinuously and that a water-soluble paste is not applied around the edges of the individual pots created when the multiple pot is unfolded. Hence, a coating of the paste is formed in none of these portions. The multiple pot is fabricated by continuously carrying out three steps.

Abstract: A tray is disclosed for retaining a flower pot having a pot bottom with drain holes. The tray has a planar bottom wall for supporting the pot bottom and restrains the pot from moving parallel to the plane of the tray bottom wall. A protrusion is formed in the tray bottom wall in registration with a pot drain hole. The protrusion has a transverse lip adapted to overlie the pot bottom and restrains transverse movement relative to the plane of the tray bottom wall.

Abstract: A plant tray having a locking mechanism which secures the contents of a propagation strip having a plurality cells containing growth medium and plants, and methods of using the same during the transportation or storage. The locking mechanism is an L-shaped moveable device which, when pivoted, easily secures the contents of the cells in place during shipment. The locking mechanism may be readily placed in an open position to facilitate removal of the contents.

Abstract: The book-type seedling container is provided with shiplap seals extending the full length of the cavity-forming shoulders, without crossover of the shiplap ledges. This shiplap structure is combined with prong-and-socket means pinning the shoulders together at their outer ends. The seal resulting from this combination gives improved resistance to penetration of seedling roots from one cell to another.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful propagation assembly consisting of at least one propagation tray comprising a lower plant support section including at least one longitudinal channel for nutrient solution flow; and an upper space section having a series of spaced openings positioned longitudinally above each at least channel.

Abstract: A modular, foraminous ground cover for constructing custom floricultural grounds displays. Pre-shaped, fiberglass ground cover subassembly modules are provided with a plurality of discretely placed foramens which will accommodate therein the placement of seedlings or plants. The subassembly modules are joinable to one another by tongue-in-groove margins that are straight edges interior of a display assembly; the outer border of the display is reinforced and is defined as its periphery. Where required for strength and pest protection, a flexible planar strip is attachable to the display periphery reinforcement and serves as an in-ground footing and rodent barrier.

Abstract: An apparatus for the gripping of plants located in a container is disclosed. This apparatus comprises a pushing element, which pushes the ball of the plant upwardly from underneath, until the ball is released for a substantial part above the container. Then the ball is gripped by a number of gripping arms, movable in a horizontal direction, which transports the ball including the plant to its destination. To be able to push the ball upwards the continer comprises at location of each of the cavities for the balls a guiding channel for the pushing element. This channel has a cross-section of a star-like configuration, the number of points thereof coinciding with the number of points of the pushing element.

Abstract: Thin-walled plastic flower pots are stacked upside down with a plurality of stacks arranged in a preset spaced manner and a loading tray having a number of cavities spaced the same as the stacks of pots formed to receive and hold a pot from each of the stacks is used to lift the pots off the stacks. Each cavity has a horizontal rib located near the bottom for grasping and lifting off the topmost pot in each stack when the tray is placed with the open end of the cavity over each of the corresponding stacks of pots and then pushed gently onto the stacks of flower pots and then lifted off. The flower pots have means for providing a gap between the bottoms of each successive stacked flower pot so that the rib of the cavity grasps the flower pot in the gap between the bottom of the topmost flower pot in the stack and the next lower flower pot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multiple pot comprising individual pots interconnected by connector portions so as to be capable of being pulled out. The multiple pot is used to raise and transplant seedlings of plants. The invention also relates to a method of fabricating the pot. The pot is designed especially to promote growth of roots across the side walls of the individual pots after transplantation. Also, the resistance encountered when the multiple pot is unfolded is reduced. Further, the individual pots are uniform in size. These feature arise from the facts that the connector portions are formed by applying a waterproof paste discontinuously and that a water-soluble paste is not applied around the edges of the individual pots created when the multiple pot is unfolded. Hence, a coating of the paste is formed in none of these portions. The multiple pot is fabricated by continuously carrying out three steps.

Abstract: A box for cultivating plant such as turfs which can be mounted on the roof of the building is disclosed. Such box comprises a box body made of a bottom plate and a circumferential wall integrally connected to the periphery of the bottom plate, hollow ridges formed by elevating a part of the bottom plate, the hollow ridges having the upper surfaces thereof disposed below the upper end of the circumferential wall of the box body and a soil for cultivating plant filled in the box body, wherein the hollow ridges having water drainage apertures on the upper surface thereof and such water drainage apertures communicate with water drainage grooves defined on the rear surface of the hollow ridges. Due to such construction, the box can make the roof of the building being greenery which can be used for various purposes while protecting the surface of the roof.

Abstract: A plant tray (10) having a plurality of cups (14) in a flat sheet (12) of moldable material wherein the cups are in parallel rows (1-7) with at least some of the rows (2,4,6) having spaces (24) between some of the cups (14) for air openings (26) in the flat sheet (12) to supply air to the foliage of plants growing in the cups (14). The cups (14) in adjacent rows may be offset and have a variable width shape such as a hexagon to provide a maximum number of cups in the available space and which are located close to the air openings (26). The cups (14) of hexagonal cross section also have corners (46) for directing the root growth of the plants. The sidewalls (38) of adjacent cups (14) surrounding the air openings (26) form funnels (43) for improved air drainage.

Abstract: An ornamental flower bed base assembly or matrix material comprising a flower bed base plate having a plurality of insertion through-holes disposed at appropriate intervals and a plurality of flower plant holders each having a side wall provided with irrigation orifices and an open top end, each of the flower plant holders being removably engageable with the respective insertion through-holes of the base plate. This matrix is lightweight and can be easily transported to the contemplated site of erection. Using this ornamental flower bed matrix material, a variety of ornamental flower beds can be constructed easily at site. The resulting flower beds are attractive and easy in maintenance.

Abstract: A frame unit for protecting and maintaining a plurality of uniform plant containers therein as each container is affixed to the frame unit around the container upper extremity in sealed manner so that the plant container bottoms may rest on the earth's surface in normal disposition. The frame unit assures dead air space therebeneath while allowing container bottoms to rest directly on the ground. Each of the frame units includes a gripping means to enable manual movement in unison of plural plant containers, and each of the frame units includes sealing edge joinder means so that a plurality of frame units can be assembled into a frame array of preselected size wherein a much larger number of plant containers may be supported in operative position.

Abstract: A plant growing frame for securing a number of form-stable growing medium blocks so that, after they are placed in the frame, they are mutually separated by air spaces running from under the bottom and up between and over the growing medium blocks to control root growth out of the blocks by root air pruning and thereby prevent root growth from one block to another. The frame includes a planar network of criss-crossing horizontally extending spaced double rib members defining a plurality of vertically extending open ended block-receiving openings for receiving the blocks therein and a plurality of air-passage forming openings. The space between the double rib members defines the block-receiving openings and the space between each rib of the double rib members defines the air passage forming openings. The air passage forming openings encircle each block receiving opening and separate each block receiving opening from all neighboring block receiving openings.

Abstract: Apparatus for propagation of plant seedlings including a cell chain comprising a series of cells rigidly connected to form a group of aligned cells each group being pivotal relative to its adjacent group by a link cell to form a continuous chain of cells able to be mechanically handled by transport devices or concertined into a solid block of cells having little or no wastage of space.

Abstract: An indoor multiple purpose hydroponic cultivation planter is a non-water-leaking structure including an upper opening for a plant and a side surface having a coupling opening for a rootstock of said plant. A plurality of planters are coupled to each other via the coupling openings and positioned in a desired arrange pattern, each the planter receives porosity grain fillers and water. The plant is cultivated in at least one of the planters.

Abstract: A portable growing system for propagating seedlings or rooting cuttings comprising an upper propagation tray configured to receive a plurality of seedlings or rooting cuttings and a lower support bench configured to support the upper propagation tray above the ground or other supporting surface, the upper propagation tray comprising a tray member having an outer peripheral support ledge formed about the periphery thereof and plurality of propagation cells each having a centrally disposed aperture formed in the lower portion thereof to receive individual seedlings or rooting cuttings formed inwardly of the outer peripheral support ledge and the lower support bench comprising a pair of side walls held in fixed spaced relationship relative to each other by a pair of end walls and a lattice floor, the upper surfaces of the pair of the side walls and pair of end walls cooperatively forming an upper peripheral support surface to support the outer peripheral support ledge, the pair of side walls and the pair of end

Abstract: Framing system in which plant pot sets (12) are shifted onto a pallet (5) provided with a bottom with holes by means of a roll conveyor (4) extending through the holes in the bottom of the pallet, and in which the pallets filled in this way are stacked.

Abstract: A sheet having apertures registering with said locations of the receptacle in the first orientation is used to distribute seeds or tissue culture elements. The receptacle may be placed in a growth medium reservoir and the plant precursors delivered through conduits from the apertured sheet to the receptacle by means of pressurized gas. After some growth the receptacle is reoriented to the second orientation. Apparatus is disclosed to perform the reorientation.

Abstract: Method and equipment for planting of band ball plants in which the plants are grown in a cassette consisting of a bottom part and an upper part (2). The bottom part comprises several parallel grooves. The upper part is made of paper coated with plastic, and having perforations (19) to produce a ball support network when tamped from above. The plants in a groove are separated by folds (17) of the upper part, which straighten when the bands are pulled after the incubation from the grooves.

Abstract: Set of growing cells (1) for the growing of plants, the said set of growing cells (1) comprising several lines of pots parallel to each other. Each of the lines of pots adjoining each other has a common wall construction (3) partly decomposing during the growing of the plants, the said wall construction consisting of three material layers laminated together.The middle portion (5) of the wall construction (3) is composed of a plastic material, such as, e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene.On both sides of the middle portion (5) of the wall construction (3), there is a thin paper layer (6) decomposing in the ground during the growing of the plants. After the stage of growing of the plants, after decomposition of the paper layers (6), the adhesive strips (4), which do not adhere to the plastic layers, i.e. to the middle portions (5), remain as plugs between the middle portions (5).

Abstract: Stadia and other activity surfaces are provided comprising natural turf. Natural turf units are provided which are transportable between first and second locations, the second location being for the growth and maintenance of the turf unit; the first location being a location for the performance of the desired activity. Means of transporting the units between the first and second locations are also provided. Artificial plant growth media are also provided comprising sand fractions and at least about 30% of shaped pieces of expandable polymer which are substantially inert to plant growth chemistry. In accordance with preferred embodiments, domed stadia are provided with natural turf activity surfaces which are able to withstand intensive wear during multi-season activities.