Non woven fabrics including at least one nonwoven layer comprising a plurality of fibers comprising a polymeric material having a melt flow rate (MFR) of less than about 40 g/10 min according to ASTM D1238 (2.16 kg at 230° C.) are provided. The plurality of fibers includes (i) one or more ultraviolet radiation protective agents (UVPA), and (ii) one or more inorganic pigments comprising an inert coating thereon.

A protective device for use with a hanging planter includes a container that houses a shade. Both the container and the shade are connected to a main shaft that includes a runner. The shade is connected to the runner. When the runner is toward the top end of the container, the shade is housed by the container and is not deployed. When the runner is toward the bottom end of the container, the shade is deployed and extends outward of the container side-to-side.

A photo-selective light spectrum-modifying net for use in citrus fruit production, the net comprising a woven array of parallel and mutually spaced first threads and an array of parallel and mutually spaced second threads, the second threads being inclined to the first threads to define an array of openings between the first and second threads, wherein the first threads are uncolored and composed of a first polymer which is selected from a polymer incorporating a white pigment or dye, a transparent polymer or a translucent polymer, and the second threads are colored red and composed of a second polymer which incorporates a red pigment or dye, the second threads being adapted to transmit, scatter and reflect electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of from 640 to 680 nm. Also disclosed is a method of producing citrus fruit using the net.

The invention relates to a plate-shaped structure for cultivating one or more plants. The plate-shaped structure (1) may optionally collect moisture from the atmosphere and comprises a generally flat upper surface (30) provided with a cavity (31, 32, 33) for holding plant material. The cavity has a sidewall (41, 42, 43) and a bottom portion (51, 52, 53). Further, the bottom portion includes an aperture (61, 62, 63) traversing the plate-shaped structure. In use, the plate shaped structure can cover a reservoir (10) or can be placed on the soil. Optionally, the plate-shaped structure comprises a drain opening (35) with a floating cap and a covering cap so as to allow moisture to flow through the drain opening while minimizing evaporation. Further, the plate-shaped structure may have a cap structure (84) at its periphery for clampingly receiving the upwardly extending exterior sidewall of the reservoir. The plate-shaped structure can be fixed to the reservoir using protrusions (57a-c. 58a-c) traversing corresponding openings.

The main objective of this invention is to improve the efficiency and service life of a rubber tree rain guard seal. The performance of existing rubber tree rain guard seals depends on a fixed mechanical and or chemical attachment of the seal to the tree. These methods of attachment prevent the seal from expanding with the circumferential growth of the tree resulting in premature seal failure and damage to the tree within a year of operation. In this invention the seal is comprised of five components that are not fixed to the tree, allowing the seal to expand along with tree growth. An adjustable outer seal connector regulates the pressure required to establish consistent sealing contact against the tree, thus providing extended service life of the seal assembly. The seal assembly comes apart for easy maintenance.

The main objective of this invention is to improve the efficiency and service life of a rubber tree rain guard seal. The performance of existing rubber tree rain guard seals depends on a fixed mechanical and or chemical attachment of the seal to the tree. These methods of attachment prevent the seal from expanding with the circumferential growth of the tree resulting in premature seal failure and damage to the tree within a year of operation. In this invention the seal is comprised of five components that are not fixed to the tree, allowing the seal to expand along with tree growth. An adjustable outer seal connector regulates the pressure required to establish consistent sealing contact against the tree, thus providing extended service life of the seal assembly. The seal assembly comes apart for easy maintenance.

A system for creating three-dimensional grass graphics can include a means for cutting grass with an adjustable cutting height, a chlorophyll-based agent for coloring grass, and at least one stencil. The chlorophyll-based agent can be non-detrimental to a health of the grass and can be available in multiple shades. The stencil can be securable to the grass and can define a graphic to be painted on the grass using the chlorophyll-based agent. The means for cutting the grass can be able to pass over and around the stencil without damaging the stencil. Application of different shades of the chlorophyll-based agent to varying heights of grass can produce a three-dimensional effect for the graphic when viewed.

Disclosed is a plant watering device comprising a body forming a well for receiving water; at least one plant aperture disposed in the well for receiving a plant; and at least one water aperture disposed in a base of the well for allowing water to pass therethrough. In some embodiments, there is also provided a disk rotatably disposed in the well, the disk comprising a body, at least one blade on one side of the body such that in use, upon rotation by a user of the disk within the well, the blade scrapes along the base of the well. In other embodiments, a dome is connectable to the device to provide a green-house effect. The system disclosed provides for an efficient and environmentally-friendly means of watering plants.

A breathable reflective cover for hydroponic or aeroponic grow apparatus is devised to cover an extant standalone grow unit. The cover comprises a porous fabric matrix that serves to subdue the illuminance emitted by the grow unit during use while enabling gaseous exchange with the surrounding atmosphere. The cover enables easy access to plants grown in the grow unit while protecting the plants from external influences, including pets.

A polytunnel structure is described having a plurality of cover support members supported upon respective pairs of legs, a cover member supported by the cover support members, an edge of the cover member being secured to a rotatable beam, and an anchor rope, strap or the like extending over the cover member to anchor the cover member in position, wherein the cover support members are each shaped to define a step between a first section and a second section, wherein when the rotatable beam is supported upon the second section, the anchor rope, strap or the like provides a reduced resistance to movement thereof.