The invention relates to a planar textile drainage element for preventing moisture to accumulate around plants, as well as to the use thereof.

An optically transmissive light directing sheeting and a method of making the same are disclosed. The light directing sheeting includes a core sheet of an elastic material that can be laminated onto other surfaces or sandwiched between sheets of various rigid materials. The core sheet includes a plurality of deep and narrow parallel channels configured to direct light by means of a total internal reflection. The method includes a step of slitting of a soft, optically transmissive plastic sheet with a blade and forming at least one array of substantially parallel linear slits in a surface of the sheet, a step of stretching the sheet in a direction perpendicular to the linear slits, and a step of bonding the sheet to a different sheet of an optically transmissive, rigid material. Various light directing devices employing the light directing sheeting are also disclosed.

A drip irrigation device for a flower pot is provided with a main member including a central aperture, porous top and bottom layers around the central aperture, an intermediate layer around the central aperture and sandwiched between the top and bottom layers, and a slit extending from the central aperture to an edge of the main member and cutting through the intermediate layer and the top and bottom layers; and a base including at least one curved member, a central hole, a plurality of first compartments in an outer portion of each curved member, a plurality of holes through a bottom of each first compartment, a second compartment in an inner portion of each curved member, a drip hole through a bottom of each second compartment, and a plurality of spaced legs extending downward from a bottom of the base.

One embodiment provides a modular green roof tray, house plant growth media and horticulture growth media, and a tree protection mat for weed and moisture control made from recycled disposable diapers. The growth medium and tree protection mat contain superabsorbent materials from diaper that can absorb waters and greatly reduce irrigation so to provide a drought resistant feature. One embodiment also provides a manufacturing process to perform 100% recycling of disposed diapers.

An impermeable sectional apparatus for soil moisture retention has a frustoconical member separable along a medial longitudinal axis into a first section and a second section for connection around a plant to inhibit evaporation from the soil matrix. Securement of the first and second sections together is effective by mating engagement between each of a first male edge with a second female edge and a first female edge with a second male edge. A plurality of rectilinear insert sections is fittable in between each of the first and second sections engaged by edgewise interconnection therebetween, whereby the frustoconical member may be elongated to cover more ground surface. Additionally, a polychromic material is included devised to signal a color change to a user in response to an environmental stimulus.

This disclosure relates to compositions, containers, systems, assemblies, and related methods for cultivation and shipping of live and growing plants. The compositions, containers, systems, assemblies, and related methods disclosed herein provide additional stability for a plant's growing environment and enable prolonged storage and shipping shelf life while also reducing or eliminating the need for refrigeration.

The planter system using waste materials repurpose waste materials to construct a self-irrigating planter that promotes plant growth in a protective environment. The planter system includes a water reservoir constructed from scrap tire defining a hollow interior serving as water storage, the reservoir being buried in soil. A condensation funnel having a sloped condensation skirt extends into the center opening of the scrap tire to direct condensate into the water reservoir. A root ball cover made from scrap newspaper covers the root system of a plant, and the plant is buried in the center opening of the scrap tire. A soil protection cover is placed atop the root ball cover to protect the soil of the root ball, and a support tube extends therefrom to protect the stem of the plant from environmental conditions. A valve regulates delivery of water to the reservoir. Most components are made from scrap plastic.

An irrigation apparatus and feeding system for dispersing liquid through a plant growing medium is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first and a second geometrically shaped container each having an outer wall with an inner surface, an open top, and a base portion configured to cover the plant growing medium. Second container is configured to be positioned within first container such that base portion of second container sets atop base portion of first container and is secured therein from an open position to a closed position thereby forming a single unit. Each base portion is configured with a plurality of elongated holes for receiving liquid therethrough such that holes of first and second container are offset from one another for blocking light from penetrating therethrough when second container is secured within first container in closed position. First and second container are configured with at least one center opening therethrough having an inner wall for receiving a plant such that center opening has at least one longitudinal opening extending therefrom to outer wall to allow placement of first and second container on the plant or to allow removal of first and second container from the plant.

A device for promoting root function of a plant may include a first container configured to retain a root growing medium; a second container below the first container, wherein the second container is configured to store a liquid; an insulated enclosure surrounding the first container and the second container and including an opening above the first container that is sized so that the plant may grow through the opening; a pump configured to transport the liquid from the second container to the first container; a heater within the insulated enclosure; and a flow path from the first container to the second container that allows the liquid to flow from the first container to the second container after the liquid is transported to the first container.

A method and system for inhibiting the growth of unwanted plants at and about the base of trees, shrubs, and other ornamental and/or commercial plants; while providing protection to the trunk, stalk, root crown, and/or plant roots from damage inherently caused by mulching material itself, and from damage caused landscaping or cultivation techniques, while promoting the oxygenation of the plant, and additionally avoiding and/or treating pathogen infection or infestation of the plant.