Abstract: The present invention includes a method of growing collections of flowers or plants, the method comprising the steps of propagating the collection of flowers or plants in a multiple cavity tray, wherein the tray comprises multiple individual cavities integral to the tray for receiving one or more flowers or plants of one or more varieties, removing the collection of flowers or plants, and planting the collection of flowers or plants.

Abstract: A plug tray for growing, planting and transplanting plants includes a surface member having a plurality of rows of inner cells and a pair of rows of outer cells. Each row of outer cells is positioned proximate to an end of the surface member. A plurality of aeration apertures are formed in the surface member to thereby provide aeration to plants growing within the cells. The inner cells and outer cells are offset with respect to the major axis of the surface member to thereby provide increased strength and rigidity, allowing the tray to be manufactured using the relatively inexpensive process of thermoforming. The outer cells are configured such that the center-to-center distance between adjacent outer cells of a pair of plug trays placed end-to-end is substantially equal to the center-to-center distance between adjacent cells within a particular plug tray.

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: 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 flat (40) for containing a plurality of nestable pots (20). Flat (40) includes a like plurality of “cells” (42) each sized and configured to frictionally hold one of the pots (20). Each cell (42) includes a frame (44) and a plurality of “struts” (54), each strut including a top portion (58) and a bottom portion (60). The top and bottom strut portions have different angles, so that only the strut bottom portions, which are angled at approximately the same angle as the sides of the pots (20), actually grip the pot(s); whereas the strut top portions (58) angle away from the pots and do not frictionally grip same. Preferably, the strut bottom portions (60) grip the bottom portion of the lower pot (of a stack of nested pots) in register with the “dead space” (32) between the nested pots.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved nursery tray and apparatus for handling such a nursery tray during propagating and growing periods, the tray (10) comprising a plurality of cells (18) in a predetermined array having two opposed side walls (14, 15) and two opposed end walls (16, 17), the tray being characterized by a plurality of spaced slots (28) located in opposed walls (14, 15, 16, 17) with each slot (28) being aligned with a space between two of said cells (18) and each slot (28) having an open end at a lower edge of the walls (14, 15, 16, 17) in which the slots are formed, the apparatus for handling such trays being characterized by support members (40) interconnected by chains (46) into an endless configuration capable of being driven by drive means (42) such that the support members move along guideways (41), the support members (40) each having at least one elevated tray engagement part (45) configured to engage in tray edge formations such as the slots (28) to support the trays in a manner

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. An impermeable liner rests within a box with the liner being interposed between the box and drainage board to confine the containers and drainage board. A drain in the liner recycles fluid or permits runoff.