Abstract: A plant growth support medium is described to enhance soil characteristics and provide where required, improved water, or nutrient contents. La addition the medium can be inoculated with microorganisms to aid soil characteristics and provide interactions within micron-scale environment between plant roots, water, nutrients and where applicable, bacteria and root exudates. This micro-environment provides direct delivery of active ingredients to the plant roots. The medium comprises a polymeric material having a primary pore size of greater than 30 micron. The walls of the pores are elastic, enabling the pore to swell in size to retain water, solutes or other biologically useful components and allow root penetration through them. Sulphonation of the walls renders the walls more hydrophilic so attracting water into the pores and also increasing the wall elasticity. Capillaries can be provided to interconnect pores and allow root penetration into the medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for nurturing phalaenopsis orchid seedlings with stalk with a high performance of land use, and comprises a nurture room having an air conditioning equipment for a temperature control; a multi-layer planting bed rack installed in the nurture room for placing the phalaenopsis orchid seedlings; and an illumination rack fixed above each planting bed, and having an artificial light source installed thereon for illuminating the phalaenopsis orchid seedlings in the planting beds. With the aforementioned arrangement, the large quantity of phalaenopsis orchid seedlings placed on each planting bed are grown under the conditions controlled at a temperature at 17° C. ˜25° C. and a light intensity of 100˜11000 Lux, so as to achieve the effects of improving the production efficiency, lowering the cost and providing a stable shipping time.

Abstract: A bag constructed of a weed suppression material for packaging a ground cover material. When the bag is in a closed configuration, the bag serves as a container for shipping, handling, and storage of the ground cover material. When the bag is opened and unfolded, and the ground cover material within the bag is spread over the opened and unfolded bag, the bag serves as a layer of weed suppression material on top of underlying soil and beneath the ground cover.

Abstract: A method for producing a biogas is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a polyculture of aquatic plants to a growth system; continuously providing water, carbon dioxide, air and nutrients to the polyculture contained within the growth system; growing the polyculture for a time sufficient to produce an aquatic plant-based biomass; withdrawing a portion of the aquatic plant-based biomass contained within the growth system; and treating the withdrawn aquatic plant-based biomass to produce a biogas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for cultivating strawberries and small leafy vegetables using a multi-layered device. The apparatus comprises a support plate in which a plurality of holes, which are paths for water and/or a nutrition solution, are formed in order to enable massive harvesting and cultivation of bulbous crops and decorative plants as well as strawberries and small leafy vegetables. A main body comprising a plurality of constant-sized holes for planting and cultivating strawberries and small leafy vegetables at a constant interval is located in the upper part of the support plate. The main body is filled with soil mixed with one or two or more selected from peat moss, coarse sand, charcoal, chaff mixture, carbonized chaff, perlite, organic mixture bed soil, and yellow soil in order to supply the crops planted in the side of the main body with water and nutrition solutions through the roots thereof.

Abstract: A biodegradable container for planting bulbs may include a plurality of layers with pre-positioned bulbs for each layer. Each layer may be a different species or type of bulb so that the depth of the specific bulb is appropriate for each type of bulb when the container is “planted” in the ground. The container may include a partition to separate each layer, and the partition may hold the layer of bulbs in relative position at a suitable depth throughout shipping of the container and eventual planting of the container. The container may include soil that holds the different bulbs in relative position, with or without the partition. The container permits easy planting of a variety of flowers by a consumer without inordinate labor or much concern about depth levels, since the container automatically establishes a suitable depth for each respective type of bulb therein, once the container is properly positioned in the ground.

Abstract: A storage device for maintaining potted plant viability and quality that allows for sufficient water or other suitable liquid to roots and growing media of a plant. The device includes a storage pot having a base and walls, a foam insert disposed within the storage pot; and the insert having a lower surface that engages the base and a flat upper surface where the root mass and growing media are placed. The root mass and growing media maintains its position by engaging the upper flat surface of the foam and at least one of the walls of the pot. A method is also disclosed for transporting or storage that includes potting a plant in the storage pot, and wetting the foam insert.

Abstract: A roof vegetation cassette for accommodating a substrate for roof vegetation.

Abstract: The Garden Waterbed is constructed of a durable tube of flexible UV protected material. The ends of the tube have been sealed, enabling it to hold water. Circular holes have been cut out and sealed down the center length of the tube, at regular intervals. A valve is installed at one end of the tube, allowing water to be filled into the large single chamber and hold it with a tight seal. There are multiple purposes of the Garden Waterbed. The water bed's intended use is; to be rolled out in a agriculture environment or garden area, to be filled with water, and to have plants buried in the soil within the growth units. The surrounding water increases the thermal mass surrounding the plants in the circular holes. The thermal mass absorbs the suns energy and increases soil temperature, thus increasing the growing season and boosting production. The opaque plastic stops sunlight from reaching the ground and eliminates weeds and undesirables from competing with your crop.

Abstract: A floral sleeve and method of using the floral sleeve to cover a pot. The floral sleeve has a body and an insert or extension attached thereto. The floral sleeve may have an inwardly folded bottom gusset for forming a bottom in the sleeve which is concealed by the lower sidewall of the sleeve when the sleeve is opened and the pot is disposed therein. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion for enclosing a floral grouping disposed within the pot.

Abstract: A system for growing a plant (1) in an at least partly conditioned environment includes a cultivation base (11) for receiving a culture substrate (3) with a root system (4) of the plant therein. Root temperature control elements (12) are provided which are able and adapted to impose a predetermined root temperature on the root system, and lighting elements (20,21,22) which are able and adapted to expose leaves of the plant to actinic artificial light. Leaf heating elements are also provided, which are able and adapted to impose on the leaf of the plant a leaf temperature varying from an ambient temperature. In a method for growing the plant a carbon dioxide assimilation management of a leaf system of the plant is thus influenced, and a supply of actinic light, the root temperature and the carbon dioxide assimilation management are adapted to each other.

Abstract: A modular planter assembly for growing plants includes a container with a bottom wall and an outer wall attached to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall. An elongated primary stake is mounted to the outer wall and is engageable with a ground surface. The primary stake is hollow and vertically oriented. An elongated secondary stake is mounted to the outer wall and is engageable with the ground surface. The secondary stake is vertically oriented, and has a size configured to be received by the primary stake.

Abstract: A preformed decorative wrapper for covering a flower pot has an open upper end, an open lower end, and a sidewall extending therebetween. At least a portion of the preformed decorative wrapper extends beyond an upper end of the pot and at least a portion of a lower end of the flower pot extends through the open lower end of the preformed decorative wrapper.

Abstract: Kits are disclosed for starting plant seedlings from seeds. The kits can employ self-watering structures and can create microenvironments that foster seed germination and seedling growth. The kits can include structures that minimize the transplanting stress to transplanted seedlings. Methods for growing seedlings from seeds also are disclosed.

Abstract: A raised bed garden assembly, kit, and method are provided. The garden assembly comprises a prefabricated enclosure along with additional components useful for creating a raised bed garden or similar growing enclosure, such as an irrigation system and greenhouse covering. The garden assembly can be provided in a kit for easily establishing a garden and growing fruits and vegetables at home, along with soil and plants. The garden enclosure can be a monolithic, self-sustaining body that is unitarily formed, or it can be modular. The modular enclosure comprises sidewalls and corner members, which are unitarily formed modular pieces that can be detachably-connected to define the enclosure shape. Advantageously, the enclosure is devoid of any non-integral attachment elements.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a stackable planter support apparatus and methods of utilizing the same. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a planter support apparatus adapted for stacking upon the rim of an additional planter. In one embodiment of the present invention, a stackable planter support comprises a horizontal platform for supporting the weight of a first planter, and a plurality of leg supports extending from a bottom surface of the platform, a distal end of each of the leg supports having a notch for receiving the rim of a second planter.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for the formation of biodegradable memorials. The present invention provides memorial devices that are biodegradable in natural environmental conditions and configured to provide and sustain plant life. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a biodegradable memorial configured for plant growth. The memorial device includes a substantially solid core growth medium capable of sustaining plant growth. The substantially solid core growth medium includes a first binder for maintaining a shape of the growth medium. The memorial further includes a first layer disposed over the growth medium, the first layer comprises a first mixture including seeds. The memorial further includes a second layer disposed substantially over the entirety of the growth medium and substantially solid core, the second layer comprises a biodegradable material configured to erode at a first rate to expose the first layer.

Abstract: A method for forming floral packaging materials from biodegradable and/or renewable polymer materials is provided. Methods of utilizing such floral packaging materials are also provided.

Abstract: A method of using a floral sleeve sized to fit a flower pot, or a floral grouping, the sleeve generally having a conical shape and having a bonding material disposed thereon for connecting the sleeve to a pot disposed within the sleeve or connected via a banding element to a pot disposed within the sleeve.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the arrangement and display of botanical specimens. In particular, the invention relates to supporting plants within a confined environment or where a vertical arrangement is required. The invention provides a planter assembly (2) for the growth and/or display of plants comprising at least one side support panel (10; 110) having a longitudinal axis and one or more plant supports (30; 130) connected to the at least one side support panel for supporting a plurality of plants in at least one row and/or column extending in a plane at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the at least one side support panel.

Abstract: A flower pot in combination with a retaining medium for holding and retaining a floral grouping. The flower pot includes a base portion defining a receiving space for receiving at least a portion of the retaining medium so as to hold and retain the retaining medium. The base portion is constructed of a thermoformed plastic material, and has an upper end, a lower end, and a sidewall extending between the upper end and the lower end. The sidewall is substantially devoid of overlapping folds and has decorative ornamentation associated with at least a portion of the sidewall.

Abstract: The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relates to methods for providing decorative covers, decorative collars and decorative cover-collar combinations for covering a flower pot. The decorative covers and/or collars are formed from a variety of configurations of heat shrinkable sheet of material placed over all or a portion of a peripheral surface of the flower pot and then heated to shrink the sheet of material into a pressing engagement against the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot.

Abstract: A system and method of modular gardening is disclosed which may include a planter, a planting medium such as peat, coconut husk (coir), etc., a planting template for determining the proper locations for planting seeds, and a planting guide which indicates locations on the planting template that should be used to maximize the amount of vegetables or other plants that can be grown in the planter. The planter may have a raised base with openings for water drainage. The modular planter may also include a channel to retain water which allows for proper hydration of the soil and decreases the frequency needed to water the plants. The modular gardening system may also include a drain pan for receiving the planter and a lid to protect plants grown in the planter from adverse environmental conditions. Additionally, a planting stick may be provided to ensure proper planting depth of seeds for germination.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a lower portion and optionally an upper detachable portion which may be sized to surround a plant disposed in a pot. The floral sleeve has a lower end having an angular arcuate portion for improving the conformation of the sleeve to the shape of a pot.

Abstract: A multiple plant container self-watering system is disclosed which through use of an adjustable wicking system maintains for a plurality of plants a uniform water draw rate despite varying water depths among containers. The invention comprises a primary container and a plurality of secondary containers in fluid relation with one another such that when water is supplied to one container it flows through to all other containers. Gravity ensures water depth remains constant among containers on flat ground, but to offset differences in depth caused by elevational differences among containers, a wick elevator is provided so the wick may be vertically adjusted to the water level.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for delivering a fluid to a target potted plant. In an embodiment, the potted plant includes an array thereof positioned in a container; in another embodiment, the potted plant includes at least one plant not contained in a container. In both embodiments the plant is positioned in a pot having an aperture through a bottom surface thereof. The system includes a membrane at least a portion of which is hydrophilic, the membrane having an outer surface that is positionable in communication with the pot aperture. The membrane further has an interior adapted for holding a fluid desired to be delivered to the plant. The membrane interior is connectable to a source of the fluid, preferably under low pressure.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for growing an array of plants. In an embodiment, the device includes a containment membrane positionable in surrounding relation to an array of plant root systems. A plant growing medium can be positioned in an interior of the membrane into which the plant roots can grow. Portions of top edges of the membrane can be sealed, leaving apertures through which a plant stem can project upward. A fluid delivery tube can extend along and within the membrane interior. The tube can comprise a drip tube such as known in the art, or can be adapted for delivering fluid to the plant roots “on demand.

Abstract: A method of containing a floral grouping or potted plant in a sleeve is disclosed. The sleeve has first and second panels, and at least a portion of at least one of the first and second panels is constructed of at least two layers of material. At least a portion of the at least two layers of material may be connected.

Abstract: A collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining container having a substantially erect condition and substantially collapsed condition is disclosed. The collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining container is provided with at least one condition modifying element to facilitate erecting and/or collapsing the container.

Abstract: A collapsible floral container stored and shipped in a substantially planar configuration and expanded into the form of a flower pot or flower pot cover is disclosed. The collapsible container includes a plurality of segments and a connecting member for connecting the segments such that the segments define a sidewall and such that the segments are movable between an expanded position wherein the segments cooperate with one another to form an object receiving space and to provide the sidewall with a unitary appearance and a collapsed position wherein the sidewall is substantially flattened.

Abstract: A seed and plant growth medium module includes a seed embedded in plant growth medium which is encapsulated in a biodegradable moisture retaining shell. The shell has a bottom with an upper covering. A root opening is provided in the bottom to allow egress of roots as the seed germinates. A plant egress opening is provided in the upper covering to allow upward growth of a plant resulting when the seed germinates. At least one water entry opening is provided in the shell to allow entry of moisture into the shell to wet the plant growth medium.

Abstract: A container having upwardly and outwardly extending walls from a base to a rectangular open top that can be covered by flexible top or lid and with walled shape includes ribbing for strength and for nestable stacking in delivery. The container to form a top section above the platform and a lower section below the plate and providing an air pocket between the plant material and plant growth material in the upper section and the water in the water reservoir in the lower section by providing outlet of water at a level just below the upper section; and maintaining water reservoir with inlets and outlets with restricted communication to the external environment such that mosquito ingress is prevented while providing a self watering gardening system with water overflow.

Abstract: A system and related method for purifying indoor air comprising: a filter bed comprising a growing medium suitable for growing plants rooted therein and configured to be capable of sustaining an airflow therethrough between a top surface thereof and a bottom surface thereof; a micro-irrigation system comprising a plurality of irrigation source outlets for delivering water to the filter bed in a substantially-uniform fashion; an active region of the filter bed comprising that region of the filter bed configured so as to substantially have the airflow flowing therethrough; and micro-irrigation system configured such that water therefrom is capable of being projected so as to reach at least 50% of a top surface area of the active region.

Abstract: A floral sleeve and method of using the floral sleeve to cover a pot are disclosed. The floral sleeve has an inwardly folded bottom gusset for forming a bottom in the sleeve which is concealed by the lower sidewall of the sleeve when the sleeve is opened and a pot is disposed therein. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion.

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 decorative cover positionable about a flower pot or floral grouping is formed of a polymeric material or a laminated polymeric material. The decorative cover has a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of paper on at least a portion of one surface thereof while exhibiting improved durability and decreased sensitivity to water, humidity and pressure when compared to a decorative cover formed of paper. In addition to the texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of paper, the decorative cover may further be provided with printed and/or embossed patterns, which may be in or out of register with one another.

Abstract: A plant package includes a flower pot containing a floral grouping and a flexible sleeve which may be provided with detaching elements at preselected areas. The sleeve may be secured about the flower pot by a banding element when the flower pot is positioned within the sleeve. When the sleeve is positioned about the flower pot, a decorative lower portion of the sleeve contains the flower pot, and a skirt portion of the sleeve is disposed about a lower portion of the floral grouping contained within the flower pot.

Abstract: The invention discloses a planter container made of flexible material in a bag-like shape used to fill, ship and cultivate a plant from seedling to mature plant. The planter can be used both with the plant upright for initial growth and stability during cultivation and shipment and then inverted to an upside down position to hang plants in the home garden. The container can be folded for easy storage and shipment and is inexpensive to manufacture and ship. Due to its versatility, the planter also ensures healthier and unbroken plants due to the upright and stable position of seedlings during cultivation and shipment.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system including a floral sleeve having a decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have a lower portion sized to cover a pot and an upper portion which can surround a plant disposed in the pot and which can be detached after the protective function of the upper portion is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from a support device prior to use. The decorative pattern preferably has an arcuate upper boundary in the flattened condition which when opened gives the sleeve the appearance of having an upper edge which is parallel to the upper rim of the pot disposed within the sleeve.

Abstract: A method of covering a potted plant or a floral grouping with a floral sleeve. The sleeve has, in one embodiment, a plurality of randomly positioned overlapping folds disposed in a sidewall of the sleeve. The sleeve optionally has a detachable upper portion.

Abstract: A plurality of plants of at least one species are planted in starter soil contained in a starter tray. The tray can have a perforated floor with a plurality of reinforcing ribs and one or more walls rising from the floor peripherally. The plants are nurtured in the starter tray long enough to develop entangled roots with an interplant root entanglement that at least partially consolidates the starter soil.

Abstract: A method for cultivating a plant, wherein a substrate is formed, in which substrate a seed or a root of the plant is placed, which substrate containing the seed or the plant is placed in a holder for the plant to grow, characterised in that at least two substrate parts are formed, with the seed or a root of the plant being placed between said at least two substrate parts before the substrate containing the seed or the plant is placed in the holder.

Abstract: A method provides the steps of: bending a first length of hot rolled steel bar to define a trunk member of a tree frame; bending and welding second cut lengths of hot rolled steel bar onto a bottom end of the trunk member to define feet members; placing a planting pot on top of the feet members with the trunk member extending up through and above the pot; bending and welding third cut lengths of hot rolled steel bar to the trunk member at spaced intervals above the pot to define branch arms; planting flowering vine plants in the pot and braiding the vines up the trunk member and out onto the branch arms; trimming the vines on the trunk member to remove foliage; and allowing foliage of the flowering vine plants to grow on the branch arms to create the appearance of a giant Bonzai tree.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of covering a flower pot with an oversized sleeve, as well as a plant package formed therefrom. The sleeve has an inner diameter which is greater than the maximum diameter of a pot disposed therein. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion, a skirt portion with a linear or non-linear upper end, or with or without gussets in the lower end or sides. The sleeve may be secured about the pot by crimping a portion of the sleeve having a bonding material thereon, or by using a securing element.

Abstract: A process for breeding plants which comprises growing plants of a species in an array of containers charged with growing medium of uniform characteristics in an environment of controlled climatic conditions with controlled supply of nutrients and feed water and changing the positions of the containers within the environment as required to ensure at least substantially uniform exposure of all plants in the containers to conditions in the environment. A process for the breeding of open pollinating plants in a greenhouse environment is also provided. A process for breeding plants which comprises identifying trait leads.

Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping a flower pot and/or floral grouping is disclosed. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material having an extension attached to a portion of the sheet of material. When the wrapper is formed about a flower pot to form a decorative cover, upper edges of the sheet of material and extension cooperate to form a skirt portion preferably having at least two separate edges providing a “two-sheet” effect in the decorative cover. The wrapper may have extensions on opposing ends of the sheet of material and may have one or more additional overlapping extensions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for forming a decorative covering about a flower pot or a floral grouping, wherein the decorative covering has a graphic image that is prominently displayed on a selected portion of the decorative covering. The graphic image may be a masterpiece of art produced by one of the Great Masters of the Renaissance, at least a portion of a musical score, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A system and a method of computer controlled irrigation and fertigation composed of one or more sensors positioned in order to quantify the amount of water and/or nutrients that a plant is consuming. By controlling the fertigation, the plant or a part thereof, has improved yield and quality.

Abstract: A floral sleeve and method of using the floral sleeve to cover a pot. The floral sleeve has a body and an insert or extension attached thereto. The floral sleeve may have an inwardly folded bottom gusset for forming a bottom in the sleeve which is concealed by the lower sidewall of the sleeve when the sleeve is opened and the pot is disposed therein. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion for enclosing a floral grouping disposed within the pot.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for the treatment, e.g., cleaning, humidifying, filtration and/or detoxifying, of ambient air incorporates a plant, soil, roots and a water reservoir to allow for effective filtration of air over an extended period of time. In particular, the device is designed with an air impeller system such that external ‘dirty’ air is circulated within the device in the proximity of the plant, soil, roots and/or water reservoir, thereby removing impurities, toxins and other undesirable chemicals from the air. The apparatus and methods of the present invention are readily applicable to a number of applications where air treatment is desired, e.g., household use. Moreover, by incorporating a plant system, the apparatus serves not only a functional but an aesthetic purpose as well.