The invention provides a flower shipment kit comprising: a container holding an aqueous flower gel; and one or more cut flowers whose stems are immersed in the aqueous flower gel; wherein the aqueous flower gel comprises (i) 1-4 wt. % of disc-shaped smectite clay nanoparticles having two opposing flat surfaces that are negatively charged and a rim that is positively charged, and (ii) 0.01-250 mM of one or more gel destabilizing agents selected from acidulants, dissolved metal cations and dissolved ammonium cations.

The flower gel of the present invention slowly releases water over time in a way that enables cut flowers to take it up immediately.

The invention also relates to a kit of parts for preparing a gelled hydration medium and to a method of preparing such a gelled hydration medium.

The invention provides a flower shipment kit comprising: a container holding an aqueous flower gel; and one or more cut flowers whose stems are immersed in the aqueous flower gel; wherein the aqueous flower gel comprises (i) 1-4 wt. % of disc-shaped smectite clay nanoparticles having two opposing flat surfaces that are negatively charged and a rim that is positively charged, and (ii) 0.01-250 mM of one or more gel destabilizing agents selected from acidulants, dissolved metal cations and dissolved ammonium cations.

The flower gel of the present invention slowly releases water over time in a way that enables cut flowers to take it up immediately.

The invention also relates to a kit of parts for preparing a gelled hydration medium and to a method of preparing such a gelled hydration medium.

An apparatus, method and system for use in the shipment, delivery, and display of flowers. The apparatus comprises a preferably translucent enclosure with a lid, housing a removable tray assembly. The removable trays have aligned openings for the insertion of flower stems. The enclosure itself is configured to be stacked conveniently on a pallet for bulk shipment and delivery. The system and method comprise providing an interface for users to order flowers contained in the enclosure and delivering the enclosure with a customized multimedia electronic greeting.

An apparatus, method and system for use in the shipment, delivery, and display of flowers. The apparatus comprises a preferably translucent enclosure with a lid, housing a removable tray assembly. The removable trays have aligned openings for the insertion of flower stems. The enclosure itself is configured to be stacked conveniently on a pallet for bulk shipment and delivery. The system and method comprise providing an interface for users to order flowers contained in the enclosure and delivering the enclosure with a customized multimedia electronic greeting.

A kit for taking cut flowers and preserving them into a three-dimensional display comprises, in one box: a pre-packaged amount of silica (or other drying) gel; one or more packets of pre-measured epoxy resin; mixing tools and bubble popper; at least one end product mold, and a directions/instruction card. A method of use is also disclosed.

A kit for taking cut flowers and preserving them into a three-dimensional display comprises, in one box: a pre-packaged amount of silica (or other drying) gel; one or more packets of pre-measured epoxy resin; mixing tools and bubble popper; at least one end product mold, and a directions/instruction card. A method of use is also disclosed.

A membrane for covering the cut end of a tree trunk to prevent the tree from creating a seal after it has been cut. The membrane is attachable to the cut end surface of the tree trunk and includes a hydrating layer comprising a hydrogel. The hydrogel, made up primarily of water, adheres to the cut end surface of the tree trunk to continue hydrating the tree, and prevents air from reaching the tree's exposed transport tissue. In some embodiments, the membrane includes a backing layer and a release layer on opposite sides of the hydrating layer.

A tamper-evident container comprising a vessel and a barrier that together enclose an interior space. The barrier has a marking chamber at least partially filled with a marking substance, such that when a product is inserted into the tamper-evident container through the barrier and passes through the marking chamber, the marking substance is applied to the product's surface. The presence of the marking substance on the product can indicate that it is the original product inserted into the tamper-evident container, while the absence of the marking substance on a product removed from the tamper-evident container can indicate that the original product has been replaced in the tamper-evident container with a substitute.

A packaging system for shipping floral arrangements includes an elongated presentation box sized to hold a floral arrangement, such as a dozen roses. The presentation box includes two long side panels, a floor panel extending between the side panels, head end and a stem end panels each extending between the side and floor panels, a top opening defined by the side and end panels, and an elongated inner lid hingedly connected on one of its long sides to one of the side panels. The inner lid extends longitudinally from a first end adjacent to the stem end panel to a second end spaced away from the head end panel such that it folds over only a portion of the top opening and creates a presentation opening bounded by the head end panel, side panels and the second end of the inner lid for displaying the flowers of the floral arrangement.

A device and method for retaining freshness of a cut flower by retaining the fragrance of flower head and providing stability to flower stem. The device comprises a plastic molded container for placing within a flower head of the cut flower, the container having a centrally located well filled with a gelatinous material impregnated with a fragrant liquid for emitting fragrance for an extended period. A bendable metal wire extending from a base of the plastic molded container, configured to be spirally wound around the flower stem for providing stability to the flower head attached to the stem.