A new or improved modular plant display and storage system that reduces the risks of plants tipping over and of spillage of plant and soil (or other growing medium) out the top of the pot, as well as the risk of water (and soil/growing medium) seepage and mess from the bottom of the pot. The invention can house potted plants without the need to re-pot or transplant the plants into growing medium that sits within the modular structure.

An apparatus and method for training a grape vine. The apparatus is a swing arm supporting a linear grid composed of transverse and longitudinal elements that are configured to result in a network of spaces that are sized to capture and separate the grape vine shoots. The apparatus is mobile within the vine canopy serving various functions as the growing season progresses. The mobility of the grid apparatus allows repositioning throughout the growing season while still retaining the shoots within the grid openings.

An apparatus for growing plants (100) is provided. The apparatus comprises at least one base member (110) having a periphery (112), at least one cover member, or wall member (120), having at least one channel (122a, 122b), and at least one intermediate filter (170) operable to be supported by the at least one cover member (120). The one or more cover members (120) are couplable to the periphery (112) of the at least one base member for providing a hollow space (140), and the at least one channel is operable to receive at least one tubular member (160, 162) supported at a distance from the at least one base member. The at least one intermediate filter is arranged for dividing the hollow space into at least two segments (172, 174). The apparatus is optionally operable to provide irrigation of one or more plants growing therein from seawater supplied to a bottom region of the apparatus.

A tree net assembly includes a pole that is vertically oriented and is positioned adjacent to a plant. A pair of globes is each of the globes slidably positioned around the pole, and each of the globes has a plurality of wells each extending toward a center of a respective one of the globes. A plurality of rods is provided and each of the rods is comprised of a resiliently bendable material. Each of the rods is removably coupled between the globes when the globes are positioned on the pole. Moreover, the globes are spaced apart from each other a distance that is less than a length of the rods. Thus, the rods curve outwardly from the pole when the rods are coupled between the globes thereby facilitating the plurality of rods to define a sphere surrounding the plant. A net is positionable around the rods when the rods are positioned in the globes having the net surrounding the plant. In this way the net inhibits animal pests from accessing the plant.

An IPC device may include a pole in a ground surface. The IPC device also includes an upper end with tapered walls extending inwardly from a base and into an apex to abut the pole, and a seam extending along a peripheral edge of the tapered walls. The upper end defines a plant-receiving cavity. The IPC device also includes a lower tubular end opposite the upper end and having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a major mesh surface extending between the first end and the second end. The lower tubular end also defines the plant-receiving cavity therein. The IPC also includes a medial seam coupling the base of the upper end and the first end of the lower tubular end. The IPC also includes a curved flexible support carried by the medial seam. The IPC also includes a base member.

A plant cover transformable between collapsed and expanded states and including: a frame including a plurality of rods; a foldable canopy secured to the rods; and a pivoting support assembly operatively coupled to the frame. The pivoting support assembly includes: a brace having a central base and a plurality of projections extending radially outwardly from the central base and defining a longitudinally extending socket, a pivot support defining a pivot axis, and a latch receiver; and a plurality of rod supports pivotally coupled to a respective projection of the plurality of projections of the brace. Each rod support including a split hearing collar at one end pivotally mounted to the pivot support of a corresponding projection and a latch member at the opposite end, the latch member engaging the latch receiver to secure the corresponding rod support in the open position.

A lockable cultivator for growing crops. The cultivator defining an enclosed growing environment including a cover (aka dome) defining a volume in which the plants can grow, a tray (aka container) for receiving a growing medium in which the seeds can germinate and/or the roots can grow. A downwardly oriented channel is provided on the edge of the tray on which the dome rests when installed together. A clip (attachment device/means) is provided to releasably connect the dome to the tray to prevent accidental disengagement. The clip having a first section which is adapted to be inserted into the channel, and a second section which is adapted to snap into the recess, wherein insertion of the first section into the channel activates a substantially horizontal tension force that pushes the second section to snap into the recess and a vertical tension force that pushes the cover onto the tray.

A method for shipping live plants that require illumination during shipping including steps of selecting an illuminated shipping container that includes a lower pot configured to hold soil and a plant, and an upper lid with pendent side wall and an upper closed end made of material that allows light from an illuminating light source attached to its upper closed end. Soil is placed into the lower pot and a light requiring plant in embedded in the soil with the stem, branches, and leaves extending above the soil. Next, an elastic seal is places around the stem of the plant and pressed against the soil to hold the soil in the pot during shipment. Next, the lower edge of the upper lid is attached to the upper edge of the lower pot. A tamper resistant indicator then disposed between the pot and lid. Next, the illuminating source is activated. The shipping container containing the plant is then shipped to the desired destination.

A method for shipping live plants that require illumination during shipping including steps of selecting an illuminated shipping container that includes a lower pot configured to hold soil and a plant, and an upper lid with pendent side wall and an upper closed end made of material that allows light from an illuminating light source attached to its upper closed end. Soil is placed into the lower pot and a light requiring plant in embedded in the soil with the stem, branches, and leaves extending above the soil. Next, an elastic seal is places around the stem of the plant and pressed against the soil to hold the soil in the pot during shipment. Next, the lower edge of the upper lid is attached to the upper edge of the lower pot. A tamper resistant indicator then disposed between the pot and lid. Next, the illuminating source is activated. The shipping container containing the plant is then shipped to the desired destination.

The following invention is a system for protecting tall bamboo plants from winter weather. The system includes several improvements over existing plant covers. It uses a simple method involving a vertical funnel for covering bamboo. A two-piece funnel is clamped around the base of the bamboo. A long strip of fabric with hook and loop on both sides is connected to the bottom of the funnel. The funnel is then pulled by a rope to the top of the bamboo. The hook and loop is fastened around the bamboo while the funnel is raised. A wireless relay allows the funnel and sleeve to be remotely disconnected. For extra cold protection and aesthetic beauty, Christmas lights can easily be included inside the cover.