Abstract: A plant container including at least one section of flexible material having an inner and an outer surface. The inner surface is formed at least in part by a lattice of recesses, and at least some of the recesses converge toward a hole through the material. The outer surface is formed at least in part by a lattice of protuberances at the same relative positional arrangement as the recesses. Each section is formed as a parallelogram having two acute angles and two obtuse angles. Each section is arranged to form a cylinder with adjacent ends overlapping and the protuberances on the outer surface of one end nesting within the recesses of the inner surface of the adjacent end at the overlap.

Abstract: A stackable deep-drawn plastic container has an at least slightly conical wall and a bottom connected to the conical wall. The wall has a rim area remote from the bottom. The rim area has a first ledge and a second ledge located below the first ledge. It also has an intermediate support area having a first end connected to the first ledge and a second end connected to the second ledge. A stacking spacing of the deep-drawn plastic container when stacked in a stack is determined by the first and second ledges. The first and second ledges in a plan view onto the rim area overlap at least partially. The intermediate support area has a first width at the first ledge that is smaller than a width at the second ledge. The intermediate support area has a wave shape at least at one of the first and second ends.

Abstract: There are provided a plant-cultivating container and a plant-cultivating method which facilitate “water control”, which is particularly important in view of the control of the gaseous environment in soil and the soil moisture environment. In the above-mentioned plant-cultivating container, a selective moisture vapor-permeable portion which prevents water from passing through it, but which allows water vapor to pass through is provided as at least a portion of the container having a receiving portion for receiving a plant body. Water per se cannot pass into the container through the selective moisture vapor-permeable portion, but water vapor can selectively pass into the container. As a result, the relative humidity in the container to a can be increased degree which contribute to the growth of the plant disposed in the container, and the frequency of supply and/or the amount of water per se provided to a plant by a measure such as irrigation can be, at least, reduced markedly.

Abstract: A plant container liner or blank therefore includes a first layer of dry or at least substantially dried plant material and a water resistant layer. The water resistant layer may be disposed between the first layer and a second layer of plant material. An appropriate shape of the blank has a base section and an arcuate section associated with the base section. The arcuate section is adapted to fold about the base section to form a continuous wall in a three-dimensional form of the liner. In one embodiment, the blank may include a base section, one or more wall sections, and connectors in the form of extension tabs, flaps or lips. The connectors facilitate attachment of the base section and the wall section(s) together wherein, in the three-dimensional form of the liner, the extension tabs, flaps or lips overlap with each other or other portions of the blank.

Abstract: Growth of a plant can be properly controlled, when a flower pot made of a transparent plastic and detachable light shades to the flower pot for controlling light are employed, as growth and increase of roots of the plant being observed through the transparent flower pot.

Abstract: A bag sleeve that provides a protective packaging for a floral bouquet contained therein while providing a convenient way to pick-up and carry the bouquet. The bag sleeve has a shield portion defining a bouquet receiving space that can be made of a rigid paper layer and a water-resistant layer attached to the paper layer. At least one handle can be attached to a blossom end of the shield portion. In one embodiment, a water-resistant base portion extends from a stem end of the shield portion, wherein the base portion has an opening which permits stems of the floral bouquet to protrude from the bag sleeve. In another embodiment, the bag sleeve comprises at least two panels configured to form v-grip backbones along a lateral edges of the bag sleeve.

Abstract: A portable plant container apparatus which can be worn by a user which allows constant monitoring of the growth of a plant. The portable plant container comprises a base and a cover secureable to a user which houses a living plant growing in a tissue culture medium. The apparatus is transparent allowing visual monitoring of the plant growth. The method of using the device provides for growing the plant in the device and then transplanting the plant into the soil of a larger container.

Abstract: A liner (80) for a plant container includes one or more sheets of partially compressed, dried or at least substantially dry, reconstitutible sphagnum moss. The liner (80) is formed into a 3-dimensional shape having a top opening and one or more walls extending in an upstanding configuration towards the opening, the walls having a body and top edges 86 defined along the top opening. The top edges 86 are compressed to a lesser degree than the body of the walls. A blank (84)for forming the liner (80) and a method of forming the liner or the blank (84) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A root control composition comprising zinc or a compound of zinc, in latex or other suitable binder. The composition may be painted, sprayed, injected, or molded into a container or fabric to prevent root circling of ornamental plants. Also, devices that might use this composition include weed barriers, grow bags, mats, nursery containers, nursery pots, and flats. The present inventive compositions also act as a micro nutrient, in plants, affecting cell elongation while encouraging cell division. The useful range of compositions is from about 3% to about 28% zinc by weight of zinc compound in a binder such as latex paint, and the preferred range is about 14% zinc in a carrier.

Abstract: A two piece vase adapted to house flowers or a floral arrangement. An insert is adapted to be mounted in a chamber of a vase structure. The insert is not readily visible when inserted into the vase structure and provides a watertight seal. The insert is further easier to clean and provides a more convenient method of mounting the flowers into the vase.

Abstract: Methods are provided for growing a plant in a grower's container at a grower's location prior to shipment to wholesale or retail distribution points for sale of the plant, the grower's container having an aesthetically pleasing appearance without the use of a decorative cover when a grown plant contained therein is on display at wholesale or retail distribution points.

Abstract: The invention relates to a planting pot with a conical outer surface, bottom and shaped rim on the pot opening. The aim of the invention is to provide a method for producing such a planting pot from a blank that can be produced without material loss. To this end, a conical blank produced from a single rectangular unwound section is transversely cut from a larger, web-shaped flat structure that has two parallel straight web edges (10, 12). The blank has two identical arched separating edges (14, 16), and the outer edge of the two straight longitudinal edges (12) of the ribbon section is glued. The invention further relates to a planting pot with an inverted dome shaped bottom (22) from the tapered end of the blank shaped using heat and pressure, and with a flange-type edge (24) from the widening end of the blank shaped using heat and pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new delivery systems for cyclopropenes in which the cyclopropene, either free or encapsulated within a molecular encapsulation agent is incorporated into produce packaging materials.

Abstract: The potting system employs a flower pot, a layer of discrete loose fill polymeric material in the bottom of the pot and a layer of potting soil over the layer of polymeric material. Over time, the roots of a plant potted in the potting soil grow into the layer of polymeric material. The polymeric material is water adsorbent to retain water thereon and is composed of randomly spaced elements to form air spaces for retaining air. The combination of the water retention and aeration are believed to enhance the growth of the plant. The polymeric material may be packaged in mesh packets for ease of use.

Abstract: A floral display device includes a tapered foam body and a ballast embedded within the foam body. The ballast is positioned near a lower portion of the foam body and has a density which is substantially greater than that of the foam body. In this way, the center of gravity of the device is lower than without the ballast and the total mass is greater, rendering the device less likely to tip over. In one embodiment, the ballast is molded within a closed interior chamber of the foam body. In another embodiment, the ballast is provided in a recess in the underside of the foam body. In one form, the invention comprises a foam flowerpot which is hollow and defines an open interior region for receiving dirt, plants, etc. In another form, the invention comprises a solid floral arrangement base for receiving plant stems and flower stems to be inserted therein and has an external shape similar to that of a flowerpot, but is solid, not hollow.

Abstract: A floral display device includes a tapered foam body and a ballast embedded within the foam body. The ballast is positioned near a lower portion of the foam body and has a density which is substantially greater than that of the foam body. In this way, the center of gravity of the device is lower than without the ballast and the total mass is greater, rendering the device less likely to tip over. In one embodiment, the ballast is molded within a closed interior chamber of the foam body. In another embodiment, the ballast is provided in a recess in the underside of the foam body. In one form, the invention comprises a foam flowerpot which is hollow and defines an open interior region for receiving dirt, plants, etc. In another form, the invention comprises a solid floral arrangement base for receiving plant stems and flower stems to be inserted therein and has an external shape similar to that of a flowerpot, but is solid, not hollow.

Abstract: A biodegradable plant shell comprises a mixture of particulate organic base material such as shredded southern pine bark or rice hulls in combination with peat moss, manure, top soil, time-release nutrients or other organic materials, and a water responsive biodegradable organic tackifier or glue. The components are mixed and compressed in the shape of a plant pot or shell having relatively thick walls. The shell retains its shape until used but disintegrates readily when the shell is planted in a moist environment. The walls permit root permeation, provide desirable water retention, and provide nutrition during plant development. The shells are sized to mate with standard sizes of temporary nursery pots and are inserted in the ground as a nutrient and water retention liner for a new plant. A series of shells of graduated sizes can fit inside each other to facilitate transplanting of plants during nursery development.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for planting aquatic plants underwater on the bottom of estuaries in propeller scars and for encouraging plant growth in propeller scars. Aquatic plant shoots are transplanted by positioning shoots in a sediment tube which is in turn placed in the propeller scar. When the sediment tube is placed in the propeller scar the sea grass shoots are held in position for an extended period of time to allow the sea grass shoots to take root on the estuary bottom. The sediment tubes may be preformed or they may be formed just prior to their placement in the estuary. A watercraft may be used to position the sediment tubes with and without sea grass shoots over an area of the propeller scar. With the process and apparatus of this invention, sea grass plants can be replanted on the bottom of an estuary and new plant growth encouraged in propeller scars.

Abstract: A biodegradable tray for raising seedlings is obtained by obtaining a pulp mold from pulp slurry by suction molding and hot pressing after the molding. Thus, there is provided a biodegradable tray for raising seedlings composed of a pulp mold that has superior mechanical strength and dimensional accuracy during use and can easily be degraded after raising seedlings.

Abstract: In order to avoid the poor root penetration and poor decomposition characteristics of a planter (FIG. 1)—consisting essentially of a coconut fiber fleece material with a fiber binding agent—if a known airtight deep-drawn dry fleece with latex as the impregnating binding agent is used, the invention proposes as material an air-permeable dried wet fleece (FIG. 2) whose holes permit unimpeded penetration by roots and that can be biologically decomposed without problems.

Abstract: A recyclable flowerpot is made of a mixture by casting. The mixture is formed of natural fibers, a reinforced resin, and a chemical substance capable of producing gas to enhance the aeration of the flowerpot so made.

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: A pulp mold is prepared by suction molding from pulp slurry, preferably pulp slurry containing a heat-fusible resin, antifungal agent and water repellant or waterproofing agent, and then by hot pressing to form a tray for growing plants composed of the pulp mold, which exhibits excellent dimensional accuracy, maintains mechanical strength in use over a long period of time, and applies little load on the environment.

Abstract: A rock arrangement having a plurality of foliage. The arrangement includes a rock and a plurality of foliage. The foliage may include flowers, plants, and feathers. Each of the plurality of foliage includes a stem. A rigid polystyrene material is formed and affixed to a portion of the rock. In addition, a segment of moss material is affixed to a top portion of the rigid polystyrene material. Each stem of the foliage is embedded into the polystyrene material. The moss is used to conceal the polystyrene material, thereby providing an appearance of the plurality of foliage growing from the rock.

Abstract: A hanging planter includes a bowl-like lower portion and a ring-like upper portion, with the upper portion nesting within the rim of the lower portion to provide a plant holding assembly. The upper edge of the lower portion and lower edge of the upper portion are crenelated, with the mating edges defining a series of plant growth openings therethrough when the two components are assembled. The crenelations are preferably of variable depths in each section, to define at least two different levels of plant growth openings through the sides of the assembly, with the upper edge of the upper portion defining a third plant growth opening for the device. Plants are selected according to their growth habits, with trailing plants being placed low in the planter, long flowering plants being placed at an intermediate level, and more upright plants being placed atop the others. The result is an essentially unbroken array of plant life covering the present planter, after the plants have grown out.

Abstract: A liner (80) for a plant container includes one or more sheets of partially compressed, dried or at least substantially dry, reconstitutible sphagnum moss. The liner (80) is formed into a 3-dimensional shape having a top opening and one or more walls extending in an upstanding configuration towards the opening, the walls having a body and top edges 86 defined along the top opening. The top edges 86 are compressed to a lesser degree than the body of the walls. A blank (84) for forming the liner (80) and a method of forming the liner or the blank (84) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A biodegradable tray for raising seedlings is obtained by obtaining a pulp mold from pulp slurry by suction molding and hot pressing after the molding. Thus, there is provided a biodegradable tray for raising seedlings composed of a pulp mold that has superior mechanical strength and dimensional accuracy during use and can easily be degraded after raising seedlings.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of flower pots are disclosed. The pots include a transparent or transluent panel or cylindrical portion which exhibit a pattern when one or more light sources are provided behind the panels or cylindrical portions.

Abstract: A plant pot providing an internal plant growing vessel formed at least partially from a transparent material. The plant pot can be formed in two portions, an internal vessel and an external vessel. To allow the root and soil matrix condition to be viewed without lifting the plant out of its pot, the internal vessel is manufactured from a transparent material. The internal vessel may be supported within the exterior vessel by a rim or tabs projecting from the top of the internal vessel and bearing against the upper rim of the exterior vessel. Alternatively, a support may be located in the base part of the interior vessel and bear against the base part of the exterior vessel. The plant pot may have a variety of geometries including circular, rectangular, square and the like. The exterior vessel may be adapted so as to prevent the admission of light into the space between the interior and exterior vessels thereby avoiding root damage from prolonged exposure to light.

Abstract: A rock planter apparatus includes a receptacle made from rock material. The receptacle includes a top receptacle portion and a bottom receptacle portion. A plant-reception well opens at the top receptacle portion and extends downward toward the bottom receptacle portion. The plant-reception well has a well diameter. A drainage channel extends from a bottom portion of the plant-reception well through the bottom receptacle portion. The drainage channel has a channel diameter, and the well diameter is greater than the channel diameter. Preferably, the receptacle is made from natural rock material. The plant-reception well can be cylindrical in shape, and the drainage channel can also be cylindrical in shape. The rock planter apparatus of the invention can be used for receiving plants directly or for receiving potted plants. A base member can be provided upon which the receptacle can be placed. The base member can include a drainage bevel in registration with the drainage channel of the receptacle.