Abstract: An injection retention plug is insertable into a hole in the outer bark layer of a tree so that upon injection of fluid through the plug to an area between the xylem and inner bark layers, the plug will fill the hole to block leakage of the injected fluid outwardly through the outer bark. The plug is of a size and shape to fill the cross-sectional area of the preformed hole in the outer bark. It includes a core of resilient material which is expandable upon withdrawal of the fluid injection device to fill the hole. A method for injecting fluids into a tree includes forming a hole in the outer bark, inserting the plug into the hole, injecting fluid through the plug for retention between the xylem and inner bark layers and allowing the plug to block leakage of fluid outwardly through the injection hole.

Abstract: The device of the present invention is a landscape device positionable at the base of a tree or other vertical object. The device includes a resilient rigid main body with an outer periphery. The device is constructed of a single, molded sheet of resilient rigid plastic enclosing a central opening and a radial slit extending from the opening to an outer periphery of the main body. The device further includes two upwardly extending annular walls integral with the main body, a plurality of radial slits extending from the central opening, and an annular flange integral with the main body at one of the annular walls for anchoring the main body into the earth.

Abstract: A turned burlwood vase has an epoxy coating on the interior to allow the vase to hold water for preserving fresh flowers.

Abstract: A simple, decorative design for a continuous flow gravity regulated water delivery system. The system uses no moving parts or electrical components. The system will automatically fill and then maintain the water level in any Christmas tree stand water pan. The container design is one-piece, seamless, and leakproof. The container design is suitable for injection molding. A false bottom allows the integral water exit nozzle to be recessed and hidden, and keeps the minimum system water level above the tree stump cut. The container is designed to be tip proof and hold approximately 2 gallons of water, large enough to be functional yet unobtrusive. The container has an injection molded lid which fits snugly but does not seal, allowing the necessary pressure equalization. Water is delivered to the tree stand via a small (1/4" nominal diameter) clear vinyl tube. A small spring is inserted in the water exit nozzle on the container and extends into the tubing to prevent kinking at the bend.

Abstract: A device for monitoring and maintaining the water level in the reservoir of a Christmas tree stand having a filler portion communicating with a flexible filler conduit. A water level indicator, includes an indicator float which is slideably engaged within the indicator float housing and which travels freely along a substantially vertical axis within the indicator float housing, a flexible indicator stem is attached to the indicator float and extends up through a flexible conduit for indicating, by means of the relative extension of the flexible indicator stem, the water level in the tree stand reservoir. The indicator float housing is formed having a number of holes through its outer wall for the free passage of water in and out of the indicator float housing from the reservoir for buoyantly raising or lowering the indicator float, consistent with the level of water in the reservoir.

Abstract: An improved plant container (10) having a protrusion (20) with plates (42) is disclosed. A typical protrusion is shaped like the frustum of a cone. It is situated centrally at the bottom of the container. This arrangement creates an annular soil receiving space whose vertical cross section is roughly W-shaped. The plates are thin imperforate members placed radially between the protrusion wall (22) and container wall (12) (i.e. in the notches of the `W`). This placement partitions the aforesaid space into open topped noncommunicating wedge shaped compartments (40).A plant grown in such a container obtains several benefits:1. The soil receiving space's shape causes soil to shed more excess water than does soil held in a conventional container.2. The plates prevent growing roots from becoming convoluted as is typical for plants grown in a conventional container.3. The compartments cause growing roots to form into lobes (80) which are easily spread out when transplanting.4.

Abstract: A multi-purpose automatic filing basin is provided for containing a selected amount of water which is used for various purposes. The water may be transferred from the basin by wicks or by a pump to water using devices such as plant pots or toys or may be provided for direct use from the basin for devices such as animal feeders and habitats. The basin is kept supplied with water from a pressurized source by a specialized valve which opens in response to a drop in water level below a first selected level and closes in response to the water level reaching a second selected level.

Abstract: A selective spraying weed control system utilizes weed detectors that identify weeds in a field of view and releases herbicide from individual nozzles. The timing of the release of herbicide from each nozzle is controlled to correspond to the actual ground speed of each nozzle. Such actual ground speed is extrapolated from direct measurements of ground speed taken from two separate locations in the weed spraying apparatus, and from the location of each nozzle within the apparatus.

Abstract: A plant preservation and growth control bag and method of using the bag are provided. The bag includes an open top, a tapered side and a bottom and is formed of a porous fabric which catches plant roots and prevents root circulation, induces root branching within the bag and resists substantial root penetration. The bag is used in accordance with the method of the invention for preserving a plant while restricting the growth thereof after initially growing the plant in the ground and removing it therefrom in anticipation of transplantation.

Abstract: The instant invention is a lawn and garden edging system which provides for a border device positionable adjacent walks and plant beds with provisions for the attachment of watering and lighting components. An insertion structure is provided which is inserted into the ground by use of a wooden handle placed into an aperture allowing an individual to stand on an upper end of the structure allowing the installer's weight to force the structure into the ground. The upper portion of the structure forms a passageway with apertures available for positioning watering components, electrical components may also be attached for connection to lighting products used to highlight trees, bushes or a home. A second embodiment of the invention provides a conduit for attachment to conventional extruded plastic edging dividers, the conduit provides the formation of a passageway for placement of the aforementioned watering components and electrical connections.

Abstract: An article forming system for forming at least one sheet of material into an article, such as a decorative flower pot cover for example, and a novel article formed utilizing such a system. The article forming system includes a male die, a female die and a platform having a support surface and an opening extending through the support surface. The female die is disposed generally within the opening in the platform with the upper end of the female die being disposed near the support surface. The article forming system includes means for slidingly holding portions of the sheet of material generally against portions of the support surface while permitting such held portions to slide on the support surface during the forming of the article for cooperating in forming a decorative border on the decorative flower pot cover type of article which flares generally away from the flower pot object when the decorative flower pot cover article is applied to the flower pot.

Abstract: A nursery container that provides an improved root structure for plants intended to be transplanted into the ground. This container is characterized by a base that is constructed to direct initial root growth towards an elevated opening that is centrally located in the base. It is through this opening where initial root growth is air pruned thus encouraging the early development of secondary lateral roots. The base design also serves to aerate the growing medium in the center of the container thus aiding in the reduction of medium compacting and drainage. This container is also characterized by a plurality of vertical indentations that protrude towards the periphery of the container, each one being open at the bottom. Because of these indentations the root tips are encouraged to grow down towards the openings for air pruning thus continuing the development of lateral roots. The indentations also serve to aerate the growing medium in the sidewall area.

Abstract: An underground irrigation device comprises a chamber dimensioned to accept a quantity of pesticide, insecticide or fertilizer, a cap secured to the chamber and having a fitting for receiving a garden hose, and a removable accelerator conduit depending from the cap and positioned within the interior of the chamber. The accelerator conduit has at least one hole in fluid communication with the interior of the chamber, which causes the acceleration of water into the chamber interior. A portion of the chamber's perimeter is fitted with a plurality of throughholes, while the chamber's interior is lined with a filter material to prevent the ingrowth of grass and roots and the intrusion of dirt as well as allowing for diffusion of pesticides and fertilizers and pressure nitigated effluent.

Abstract: A floral arranging aid for holding flowers in a vase comprises a vase top cover of plastic or cardboard having a plurality of partially scored apertures that are opened by a flower stem. The apertures are arranged in rows and columns that are coded so that each aperture is located at a junction.

Abstract: A radial garden support system for climbing plants and non-climbing plants that can be used directly on the ground, with or without planting containers, and can also be used on a deck or patio with planting containers. Adjustable upper and lower radial arms support the climbing surface to meet the vertical needs of the climbing plants chosen. Leveling screws on the lower radial arms maintain proper orientation of the system on uneven ground. Triangular planting containers fit between the lower radial arms defining the growing area and resulting in less weeds and decreased quantities of water and fertilizer. Removable greenhouse tents fit within each planting container and enable early plantings, therefore increasing the growing season. A watering collar introduces water directly to the roots of the plants and enables introduction of plant food to the roots minimizing water and plant food requirements.

Abstract: An automatic water supply device comprises a pot-shaped case having a space enclosing a flowerpot in the inside, a supporting bed of reverse bowl shape enclosed in the case and holding the flowerpot thereon, a control unit arranged in a gap between the inside of the case and the flowerpot and containing at least an air pump, a controller and a timer, an air tube connected to outlet side of the air pump and having a front end part communicating with the inside of the supporting bed, and a device to exhaust air in the supporting bed when the supplying water is finished. Since the water supplying device basically has simple structure that a supporting bed of reverse bowl shape is inserted from the upper side and enclosed in the case, a part storing water can be taken to pieces and inspection or cleaning is easy.

Abstract: An improved device for collecting excess water from suspended plant pots is described. A pan has a vertical post disposed in the center thereof, said post having on its top end a horizontal, keyed member with radially extending teeth. A lock ring, having a central opening corresponding to the keyed member, is attached to a spacer that is in turn connected to the bottom of a suspended plant pot. The keyed member may pass through the lock ring when the teeth are properly aligned. The pan may be attached to a pot by inserting the keyed member into the lock ring and then rotating the pan.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing substantially all of the soil from a section of grass sod by soaking the section of sod with water to loosen the soil and to remove an initial portion of the soil, then brushing the root and soil side of the grass sod to brush substantially all of the remaining soil off of the grass sod, and finally rinsing the sod to rinse off any remaining soil. The brush sweeping against the roots of the sod raises the root ends upwardly and scratches the roots, both of which stimulate the roots for improved growth into the recipient soil site.

Abstract: A hanging plant pot support apparatus is provided which supports a standard or conventional plant pot and a moisture barrier from a single point at the plant pot's base. The apparatus includes a single rod member, a plant pot base support nut, and a moisture barrier such as a drip or catch saucer or dish. The apparatus can hang plant pots that already contain soil and have plants growing therefrom.

Abstract: Liquid herbicide be applied to individual weeds with an apparatus that includes a shaft to which a herbicide reservoir is attached. A pair of opposing jaws is pivotally attached to a one end of the shaft. Each jaw includes a plate with a surface from which a plurality of needles project and an absorbent pad into which the needles extend. A user operable pump is mounted on the shaft and a conduit coupling an inlet of the pump to the reservoir. Another conduit couples the outlet of the pump to the absorbent pad on each jaw. An lever, at the other end of the shaft, is connected to the pair of jaws by a cable. When a user moves the lever, the pair of opposing jaws pivot into a position at which that the weed is grasped between the absorbent pads with the needles penetrating the weed. Herbicide, in the absorbent pads, coats the surface of the weed and then flows into holes produced by the needles.