Abstract: A layered façade panel for being secured to a building or structure. In one embodiment, the panel includes a porous metal outer layer, a non-porous backing layer and an intermediate layer between the outer and backing layers, the outer metal layer having a porosity for allowing vegetation to grow through and to be supported in pores in the outer layer, and the intermediate layer being for supporting roots of the vegetation.

Abstract: An aeroponic chamber incorporating a molded tub incorporates an integral angled interface having ports to receive misting nozzles, a drain sump including an outlet, and support brackets incorporating saddles adapted to be received on support rails with integral conduits. The conduits are connected to the misting nozzles. At least one support tray with an arcuate surface is supported on the molded tub and has a plurality of apertures to receive mesh seed pouches.

Abstract: A railing planter is disclosed comprising a body formed as a single unit having at least two tiered cavities for receiving plants and a recess for seating the planter on a railing. The railing planter may further comprise at least one connector for coupling with a matching connector of a second planter to attach the planters one to the other.

Abstract: A green roof planter module includes a planter including a bottom wall, a plurality of sidewalls each including an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the bottom wall and the plurality of sidewalls cooperate with one another to form an interior space, and a biodegradable collar member extending upwardly from at least a select one of the biodegradable sidewalls, wherein at least a portion of the collar member is in-molded within the upper portion of at least one of the sidewalls, and wherein the collar member is adapted to retain a plant matter that extends above the plurality of sidewalls.

Abstract: A seedling tray includes a top body member constructed of a rigid solid plastic material having a plurality of planting cells formed in an upper surface with each of the cells converging downwardly and inwardly to define an opening at the bottom thereof. A plurality of air chambers are formed between adjacent ones of the cells which are closed at the bottom by a bottom plate member constructed of a rigid plastic material which is fixedly attached to the body member and which has openings therein corresponding in number and alignment with the openings of the bottoms of the cells which are sealingly engaged with the openings in the bottom plate member.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a device (1) for accommodating plant material (4), such as in particular seed, but also a cutting, a seedling or other plant material. The device (1) comprises at least one holder (2) in which at least the plant material (4), and possibly herein a substrate material (5), can be placed, and the bottom of which is substantially open and can be closed with a closing element (6).

Abstract: A floating cell with a floating macrophyte filter that can be installed in a chamber containing a volume of fluid to be filtered. The cell has: a layer with a floating macrophyte filter between a perimeter and a centre of the island; supporting means with peripheral structural means for defining a periphery; internal structural means for defining a framework; a central node; peripheral connecting means; internal connecting means; central flotation means and peripheral flotation means.

Abstract: A structural module (10) for use in water irrigation, water drainage, water retention and water filtering systems, comprises a load bearing base unit (10) and porous material (15), wherein the base unit has a top wall (11) and a bottom wall (12) spaced therefrom by one or more supporting elements (13, 20) so as to define a volume between the top and bottom walls. The base unit being provided with apertures (17, 18, 19) to permit the flow of liquid into and out of the volume. The porous material is a block (15) foamed polymeric material which occupies a substantial portion of the volume within the base unit and absorbs and retains water that passes through the apertures.

Abstract: An assembly in use forming a tray for plant material includes a holder; and at least one insert which can be respectively placed in and removed from the holder. The insert includes at least one cell defining a plant position. The cell includes at least a wall and a bottom for accommodating content in the cell during use of the assembly. The at least one wall substantially encloses the plant position. The wall and/or bottom comprises an opening through which access is provided with means for removing the content of the cell, such as a pusher or a ram.

Abstract: A labeling device that can be attached to an article and subsequently modified by separating at least a portion of the device to be located within the article to provide information regarding the contents of an article.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to green roof, deck and patio apparatuses, also known as roof, deck and patio landscaping apparatuses and roof, deck and patio gardens, that are suitable for supporting live plant growth on building decks, rooftop and patio surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising a trough (2) with a base wall (4) and side walls (5), said trough (2) designed to contain a liquid and a tray (3) for placing in the trough (2), for supporting a growing substrate with at least one well (15), the bottom of which communicates with the liquid in the trough (2) each of which has an adjacent breaking zone (7, 12), the cutting of which permits the device to be divided up.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a planter includes a plurality of sidewalls extending from a base, wherein the base in corrugated and includes alternating peaks and valleys thereon. An irrigation aperture disposed on at least one of the plurality of the sidewalls, wherein the irrigation aperture is adapted to receive a soak hose.

Abstract: This new composting opaque garden pot (1) of chosen shape, size, and material has at least two removable partitions (2) with multiple root holes (3) covered by a sliding plate (4) forming plant and composting chambers. The plant chamber has a side excess water drain hole (6); an inside plant stem support tube insert (7) and filled with garden soil (11). The compost chamber is primed with earth worm and decomposing germs. Organic waste is (12) filled, covered with soil and composted in few weeks. The plant roots grow into partition holes (3) and suck up this nutrition for faster growth and more yields. Tree pots are bottom open cylinders with a detachable upper inlet (8) with its lid (9), a pull off handle and an inside cylindrical plastic film tube (14). Organic waste forms vegetables and fruit plants in few weeks with free nutrition, lower pollution, carbon trapping & lower global warming with more food security.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for cultivating one or more plants, wherein the apparatus has at least one first chamber and at least one second chamber which are separated from one another by at least one first partition wall, wherein the inner spaces of the first chamber and of the second chamber are connected by one or more connection openings in the first partition wall, and wherein the first partition wall is made movable and/or is arranged so that the size of the first chamber and/or of the second chamber is changeable.

Abstract: A labeling device that can be attached to an article and subsequently modified by separating at least a portion of the device to be located within the article to provide information regarding the contents of an article.

Abstract: A slope planting structure includes containing bags laid on the surface of a slope, stuffing filled in the containing bags, and fasteners. The containing bags are provided with plant seeds. The stuffing composed of plant growing material and absorbent material is filled into the containing bags. The containing bags are laid on the surface of the slope, and then the fasteners are inserted through the containing bags to secure the containing bags on the slope. The containing bags are integrated with the slope to secure the slope, providing protection and green effects.

Abstract: A vase in one embodiment includes an outer shell comprising open top and bottom ends and at least one opening on the surface; a base comprising a projecting member on the top with the bottom end of the outer shell being securely put thereon, an annular flange on the top of the projecting member, and an annular bearing releasably fastened in the flange; and an inner container disposed in the outer shell and comprising an upper member projecting out of the top end of the outer shell, a central shaft projecting downward from the underside to be rotatably disposed in the bearing, and at least one pattern on the outer surface. The inner container is adapted to rotate about the outer shell by rotating the upper member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for cultivating biological material, comprising a solid inert substrate, a growth medium and biological material arranged in or on the substrate, wherein the container is substantially closed, wherein the volume of the container is sterile and wherein the biological material comprises sowing material, and to a method and the use of the container for cultivating biological material.

Abstract: A plant pot adapted to be stacked geometrically within a lateral 180° radial array with one or more other similar plant pots in tiered alignment offset one level to the next. A back wall (1) of the pot is adapted to be received and interlock with an multi-channelled elongated supporting stem (9) and connector (28B) which are adapted to fastened to any vertical or near vertical surface. The stem (9) has a centrally located hollow channel (22) to receive the connector (28B) located partially within its top and/or bottom portions to connect two or more stems (9) allowing a continuance of plant pots supported in a stacked formation.

Abstract: A panel assembly includes a plurality of open faced cells fluidly interconnected for retaining a growing medium and live vegetation in a vertical orientation of the panel assembly. The fluid interconnection of the cells provides for gravitationally induced water transfer from the growing medium of a first cell to the growing medium of a second cell, as well as root growth between the cells.

Abstract: A continuous assemblage of pots for raising and transplanting seedlings and a method of manufacturing the assemblage is provided, in which it is possible to extend the length of a link piece without folding an extension portion or arranging a slit, thereby making it possible to handle enlargement of the interval between the planted seedlings stably and reliably. A link piece is formed by folding back both ends of a strip-shaped thin film in the length direction, such that approximately one-fourth of the length of the thin film is folded back onto the same face of the thin film at each end, then attaching the folded-back portions to the same face of the thin film with a water-soluble adhesive. The link pieces are disposed in two rows in a staggered arrangement in which the folded-back portions are oriented such that they face the folded-back portions of the opposing link pieces.

Abstract: A vertical wall garden made from modular perforated plastics wall members, which form a back walls, compartment walls and horizontal shelf members, whereby the back walls, compartment walls and horizontal shelf members, interlock with each other to form a layer of box like plant holding compartments with an open face. A first layer is positioned against a vertical wall with the open face facing outwardly from the wall, and additional layers are connected on top of each other until the required height of vertical wall garden is reached. The layers are then secured to the vertical wall. Plants are then placed in water permeable containers with soil and placed in the holding compartments with the plants facing outwardly from the wall. Watering means can be connected to wall garden to supply water to each plant.

Abstract: A panel assembly includes a plurality of open faced cells fluidly interconnected for retaining a growing medium and live vegetation in a vertical orientation of the panel assembly. The fluid interconnection of the cells provides for gravitationally induced water transfer from the growing medium of a first cell to the growing medium of a second cell, as well as root growth between the cells.

Abstract: Planting pots and a multi-compartment tray are provided, the pots and tray having a self-orienting configuration for urging the pots into proper alignment when same are placed within compartments of the tray. The pots include angled recesses disposed radially about the bottom portion of the pots. The compartments of the tray include angled protrusions disposed radially about the bottom portion of the compartment. The angled recesses of the pot engage with the angled protrusions of the compartment when the pot is placed in the compartment to urge the pot into proper alignment. A plurality of slots are included along an upper portion of each pot for allowing optional identification tags to be inserted thereinto. The identification tags, in addition to logos, artwork, or other indicia, if included, are positioned by the self-orienting configuration of the pots and tray to face in a desired direction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to, a container, multiple arrangements of container and flat/tray pallets, corresponding container/flat/tray/pallet assemblies, an automated pallet assembly/disassembly system, autonomous pallet assembly transfer units, an autonomous pallet assembly transport train, and an integrated automated production system, for use in a horticultural nursery environment for: substantially reducing labor needed to produce; stabilizing of; collecting and shedding broadcast applications to; reflecting desired sunlight to foliage of; reducing root tip heating of; reducing water consumption in growing; reducing wetting of foliage of; controlling excess root growth of; and, reducing weed growth proximal to; spaced potted plants.

Abstract: A panel assembly includes a plurality of open faced cells fluidly interconnected for retaining a growing medium and live vegetation in a vertical orientation of the panel assembly. The fluid interconnection of the cells provides for gravitationally induced water transfer from the growing medium of a first cell to the growing medium of a second cell, as well as root growth between the cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to, a container, multiple arrangements of container and flat/tray pallets, corresponding container/flat/tray/pallet assemblies, an automated pallet assembly/disassembly system, autonomous pallet assembly transfer units, an autonomous pallet assembly transport train, and an integrated automated production system, for use in a horticultural nursery environment for: substantially reducing labor needed to produce; stabilizing of; collecting and shedding broadcast applications to; reflecting desired sunlight to foliage of; reducing root tip heating of; reducing water consumption in growing; reducing wetting of foliage of; controlling excess root growth of; and, reducing weed growth proximal to; spaced potted plants.

Abstract: Planting pots and a multi-compartment tray are provided, the pots and tray having a self-orienting configuration for urging the pots into proper alignment when same are placed within compartments of the tray. The pots include angled recesses disposed radially about the bottom portion of the pots. The compartments of the tray include angled protrusions disposed radially about the bottom portion of the compartment. The angled recesses of the pot engage with the angled protrusions of the compartment when the pot is placed in the compartment to urge the pot into proper alignment. A plurality of slots are included along an upper portion of each pot for allowing optional identification tags to be inserted thereinto. The identification tags, in addition to logos, artwork, or other indicia, if included, are positioned by the self-orienting configuration of the pots and tray to face in a desired direction.

Abstract: Planting pots and a multi-compartment tray are provided, the pots and tray having a self-orienting configuration for urging the pots into proper alignment when same are placed within compartments of the tray. The pots include angled recesses disposed radially about the bottom portion of the pots. The compartments of the tray include angled protrusions disposed radially about the bottom portion of the compartment. The angled recesses of the pot engage with the angled protrusions of the compartment when the pot is placed in the compartment to urge the pot into proper alignment. A plurality of slots are included along an upper portion of each pot for allowing optional identification tags to be inserted thereinto. The identification tags, in addition to logos, artwork, or other indicia, if included, are positioned by the self-orienting configuration of the pots and tray to face in a desired direction.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a plant cultivating unit that can perform a watering operation in a simple manner and can supply water uniformly to plants in locations where a floor surface is sloped, such as the rooftop of a building, without requiring separate water supply piping work. A plant cultivating unit (1) comprises a water storage tray (2) in which water can be stored and in which receivers (3) for housing the roots of plants can be arranged in an interior thereof, a water storage space (8) in the water storage tray (2) and the receivers (3) being communicated via water feeders (7), and the water stored in the water storage space (8) being able to be supplied to the plants via the water feeders (7).

Abstract: In a green roof structure, containers formed of carpet, desirably of recycled carpet, are used in growing plants that are installed in the green roof system. The trays can be preplanted and installed with the plants already growing in the trays. Alternatively, the trays can be positioned as components of the green roof system, filled with plant growing medium, and planted following their installation. Desirably the trays are substantially rectangular with adjacent corners of adjacent trays interconnected when on the roof structure. Pieces of carpet cut in various shapes can be used to form the respective trays.

Abstract: A multipurpose planting base includes a holding cover having an open window divided by a holding crosspiece, and a tray for supporting the opening side of the holding cover and for receiving a culture soil with which the holding cover is filled. When used for pot planting, it includes a planting pot tray having a planting pot exposed toward the open window when housed in the holding cover. When used for pot planting on a wall surface, in addition to the planting pot tray having the planting pot exposed toward the open window when housed in the holding cover, it also includes a pocket-type soil receiving tray attached to the outside of the planting pot of the planting pot tray for receiving culture soil in the planting pot, and a mesh board for holding the soil-receiving tray at a predetermined position and for holding down the holding cover.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive nursery device is provided, comprising: at least two identical trays containing plant cells, identical bushings coupled to the trays so that each of the trays furnished with an equal number of the bushings identically disposed at corresponding predetermined points of the trays, and identical rods of a predetermined height. Bushings internally include upper and lower cavities, and partitions fixed therebetween. The rods are made insertable into the cavities, being supported by the partitions. The trays can be assembled in stack by making one tray a lower tray, inserting the rods into the lower tray's upper cavities, inserting the rods into the lower cavities of the corresponding bushings of another tray, thereby making it an upper tray. Embodiments include different bushings dispositions on the trays, combined rods assembled of component rods. Some rods include threaded top holes and threaded bottom heads, some bushings cavities include fixation threadings.

Abstract: A planting board system is provided for use in performing germination testing or planting within the flat of a seed type. The planting board system includes a housing, a lower panel disposed in the housing, said lower panel having a plurality of apertures disposed within the lower panel in a predetermined, spaced apart relationship and an upper panel disposed within the housing, the upper panel at least partially overlapping the lower panel and being moveable within the housing relative to the lower panel between first and second positions.

Abstract: The invention includes an improved container and method for growing a plant to be subsequently transplanted. In one embodiment, an upwardly extending container wall is adapted for retaining soil. A plurality gutters are disposed on an interior portion of the container wall. The gutters extend along the container wall to one or more openings, thereby guiding roots to the openings for air pruning the roots. A root guiding surface of the gutter may extend downwardly and outwardly to the container wall, to form a substantially v-shaped gutter. Alternatively, an upwardly extending lip may be disposed on an inner portion of the root guiding surface, forming a substantially u-shaped gutter between the lip, ledge, and the interior portion of the container wall. The gutters may also slope downward in a direction along the container wall to better accommodate the geotropic nature of plant roots.

Abstract: A modular field planting system adapted for installation on a roof surface includes an arrangement of substantially identical tray members with each tray member containing two tray compartments. An array of first tray members is positioned on the roof surface with the tray members being in contiguous relationship and oriented in a first direction. A second tray member positionable in overlying relationship with respect to the first tray and rotated 90° with respect to the first direction, is nestably seated within corresponding tray compartments in each of two adjacent first tray members. A wicking material in the first tray member is placed in communication with a wicking material in the second tray member when the respective first and second tray members are seated. The first tray member is adapted to provide a reservoir for water and the second tray member is adapted to retain a growth medium whereby the wicking material provides continuous moisture migration for hydrating the growth medium.

Abstract: A set of stackable plant starter cell trays in which each of the plant trays include a plurality of inwardly tapering starter cell sockets for removable insertion of plant starter cells. Each of the plant trays has upper and lower leg connection means for the removable insertion of support legs, and each of the support legs is adapted for removable insertion into one of the leg connection means.

Abstract: A culture tray, in particular for the rooting of young plants, includes channels that run in parallel and at predefinable distances and serve to accommodate young plants. To enable removal of individual young plants preferably without harming them and to enable relatively economical consumption of water for the young plants the space for each young plant is limited by the sidewalls of the channel and across the longitudinal direction of the channel by partition webs. This arrangement will, in particular, ensure that the water is directly supplied to each plant space and, moreover, that the plants can be pushed sideways out of the culture tray by pushing out of the culture tray the web and ledge skeletons, and the plants are easy to take out, because there are then no sidewalls.

Abstract: A rotary growing apparatus comprises a cylindrical structure or drum provided with a series of parallel elongated, longitudinally extending, baskets adapted to receive therein the plants to be grown. A support base is provided for the drum, and a drive mechanism is adapted to rotate the drum on the support base about a rotational axis of the drum. At least one light source extends inside the drum about which the drum and the plants carried thereby can rotate. A feeding system provides nutrient fluid to the growing plants as the drum rotates and the baskets contact the nutrient fluid. The elongated baskets each include a bottom wall and a pair of side walls and are capable of receiving therein a series of plants supported by a growing medium. The elongated baskets define in the bottom and side walls thereof a plurality of apertures for allowing the nutrient fluid to access the plants. The elongated baskets are removably attached to a pair of parallel and opposed rims of the drum.

Abstract: Planting pots and a multi-compartment tray are provided, the pots and tray having a self-orienting configuration for urging the pots into proper alignment when same are placed within compartments of the tray. The pots include angled recesses disposed radially about the bottom portion of the pots. The compartments of the tray include angled protrusions disposed radially about the bottom portion of the compartment. The angled recesses of the pot engage with the angled protrusions of the compartment when the pot is placed in the compartment to urge the pot into proper alignment. A plurality of slots are included along an upper portion of each pot for allowing optional identification tags to be inserted thereinto. The identification tags, in addition to logos, artwork, or other indicia, if included, are positioned by the self-orienting configuration of the pots and tray to face in a desired direction.

Abstract: A growing system for plant seedlings that takes into consideration the varied requirements of the seedling; seedling and transplant environment; seedling cell (312) size; mechanical transplanter requirements; seedling leaf, stem and root development and coordinates all these requirements to increase transplanting yields may include larger containers that maximize yield and minimize damage. Aspects may eliminate left-over seedlings, reduce the number of manual steps, decrease labor, and increase transplant yields.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retaining wall planter block that is resistant to damage and wear caused by the environment in which it is placed, but also accommodates the growth of desired vegetation. The planter block contains a fill material that is conducive to vegetation growth, and has apertures for the emerging vegetation. The deterioration resistant planter block is generally a hollowed frame or shell of a deterioration resistant material that is light-weight and is configured to accept and retain any type of organic filling material and seeds. The filling material provides weight and stability to the retaining wall planter block and also provides weight, stability and security to a retaining wall constructed of such planter blocks, as well as suitable growth medium for the vegetation.

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: A retaining wall planter block that is resistant to damage and wear caused by the environment in which it is placed, but also accommodates the growth of desired vegetation. The planter block contains a fill material that is conducive to vegetation growth, and has apertures for the emerging vegetation. The deterioration resistant planter block is generally a hollowed frame or shell of a deterioration resistant material that is light-weight and is configured to accept and retain any type of organic filling material and seeds. The filling material provides weight and stability to the retaining wall planter block and also provides weight, stability and security to a retaining wall constructed of such planter blocks, as well as suitable growth medium for the vegetation.

Abstract: An indexable vacuum formed nursery tray and a method of making same, the tray being formed from a sheet of plastic material and including a plurality of rows of vacuum formed cells positioned between at least two spaced rows of indexing apertures formed in the sheet and wherein the thickness of the plastic sheet at least the zones containing the indexing apertures being no less then the minimum thickness of the street of plastic material prior to forming and preferably of a thickness greater than said minimum thickness.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transplanting a seedling and/or plant from a container that substantially reduces damage to the seedling and/or plant. The container includes at least one upstanding sidewall and an outwardly extending flange at an upper portion thereof. The upper portion includes slots therein which define a tab therebetween. A stress riser proximate an end of the slot is formed when the tab is manually forced downward, resulting in a portion of the sidewall stripping away to expose the contents of container. The contents of the container can thereby be easily and quickly removed without substantially damaging the seedling and/or the plant therein.

Abstract: An in-ground rechargeable planter assembly comprising a receptacle body having two or more recesses formed therein and further having a broad peripheral flange which lies at ground level when properly installed. Insert bodies which are precharged with soil and living plants are dropped into cavities in the receptacle body. The adjoining side walls of the cavities are fused together in a thermoforming operation to prevent flexing and hinging of the structure when under load.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transplanting a seedling and/or plant from a container that substantially reduces damage to the seedling and/or plant. The container includes at least one upstanding side wall and an outwardly extending flange at an upper portion thereof. The upper portion includes slots therein which define a tab therebetween. A stress riser proximate an end of the slot is formed when the tab is manually forced downward, resulting in a portion of the side wall stripping away to expose the contents of the container. The contents of the container can thereby be easily and quickly removed without substantially damaging the seedling and/or the plant therein.

Abstract: A cellular container assembly comprises collapsible linked two-layer, open-ended structure containers formed of opposed container walls. The containers are formed by weldment at opposed contacting wall portions to form multiple cells for retention of a soil mix and an associated plant. The assembly also comprises a soil drain board upon which the containers are supported. The drain board defines a fluid permeable mat having pylons and a foraminous screen resting upon the mat. The drain board is mounted in a watertight box to confine the containers and drainage board. A drain in the box recycles fluid or permits runoff.