GB2498220A - Planting aid - Google Patents
Planting aid Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2498220A GB2498220A GB1200255.6A GB201200255A GB2498220A GB 2498220 A GB2498220 A GB 2498220A GB 201200255 A GB201200255 A GB 201200255A GB 2498220 A GB2498220 A GB 2498220A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- text
- planting
- mulching
- strip
- planting aid
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 241000196324 Embryophyta Species 0.000 claims description 53
- 239000003337 fertilizer Substances 0.000 claims description 19
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000004575 stone Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000004009 herbicide Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- YZHUMGUJCQRKBT-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium chlorate Chemical compound [Na+].[O-]Cl(=O)=O YZHUMGUJCQRKBT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920000098 polyolefin Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 239000002362 mulch Substances 0.000 description 11
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 241001236294 Hebe Species 0.000 description 2
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010413 gardening Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000003550 marker Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004753 textile Substances 0.000 description 2
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001503987 Clematis vitalba Species 0.000 description 1
- 102000004190 Enzymes Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 108090000790 Enzymes Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 241000238631 Hexapoda Species 0.000 description 1
- 206010021639 Incontinence Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000008346 aqueous phase Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000013078 crystal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005538 encapsulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004746 geotextile Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000008187 granular material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000976 ink Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000015097 nutrients Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 150000007524 organic acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 235000005985 organic acids Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000575 pesticide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003516 soil conditioner Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013619 trace mineral Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011573 trace mineral Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G13/00—Protecting plants
- A01G13/02—Protective coverings for plants; Coverings for the ground; Devices for laying-out or removing coverings
- A01G13/0256—Ground coverings
- A01G13/0268—Mats or sheets, e.g. nets or fabrics
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Toxicology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Protection Of Plants (AREA)
Abstract
A planting aid comprises a strip of mulching fabric intended to cover the area of ground to be planted, said mulching strip bears a template setting out plant positions, together with a planting code indicating which type of plant should be planted in which position. The mulching strip may be made from paper or polypropylene.
Description
PLANTING AID
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a planting aid. It is particularly applicable, but in no way limited, to an aid for planting up garden borders and to a method of using such a planting aid.
Background to the Invention
For householders who are new to gardening or have little experience of garden design and planning, creating a new border can be a daunting prospect. Whilst books are available giving garden design tips and planting theories, it is very hard for those without experience to translate that written advice into a practical planting scheme. Furthermore, when buying young plants it is often difficult to visualise the size the plants will attain when fully mature, and thus what space should be left around each plant for that development.
It is an object of the present invention to overcome or mitigate some or all of the problems outlined above.
Summary of the Invention
According to the present invention there is provided a planting aid comprising a strip of mulching fabric intended to cover the area of ground to be planted, said mulching strip bearing a template setting out plant positions, together with a planting code indicating which type of plant should be planted in which position. The strip of mulching fabric provides what is, in effect, a life-sized 1:1 scale template for selling out plants and avoids any scaling, measurements or guesswork by the user.
Preferably the mulching strip comprises a biodegradable fabric, more preferably paper. Paper mulch mats are known and are relatively inexpensive and easy and economical to print on.
Preferably the mulching strip is impregnated with a fertilizer. This is a most useful technical effect because the fertilizer is released over time as the mulch strip rots down or as water passes through or over it.
In one embodiment the fertilizer is in granular form. Granules can be incorporated into or onto the mulching strip as desired.
In a further embodiment the fertilizer is applied to the mulching strip in the form of a solution, which is allowed to dry.
Preferably the mulching strip comprises a porous mulching fabric and more preferably the mulching fabric is formed from a plastics material.
Preferably the plastics material comprises a polyolef in, such as a woven polypropylene or a spun bonded polypropylene.
In a particularly preferred embodiment the mulching strip is printed with a decorative effect intended to match a covering material applied over the mulching strip, such as a bark chipping effect or a gravel or stone chippings effect.
Preferably the porous mulching fabric incorporates a fertilizer.
In an alternative embodiment, particularly when the strip is formed from paper, the regions on the strip of mulching strip between the planting positions incorporate a weed killer. This can be achieved by applying a concentrated liquid weed killer to the appropriate regions of the mulching strip, formulating the weed killer in an adhesive as and if necessary.
Preferably the mulching strip incorporates openings at the individual planting positions where a plant should be planted. That is to say, the mulching strip comes pre-perforated, pre-slit or with holes punched in it where the plants are intended to be positioned.
Preferably each planting position is surrounded by an indicator giving an indication of the eventual circumference of the plant intended to occupy that planting position, when mature.
Preferably the planting aid includes a plurality of reference markers or indicators directing the user as to which edge of the mulching strip should be placed towards the back of the border.
Preferably the mulching strip carries a different planting template on each side.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of components for creating a planted border, said kit comprising a planting aid as claimed and described herein and a plurality of plants according to chosen planting code, said plants being numbered or lettered according to a code in the planting aid.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:-Figure 1 illustrates in a diagrammatic form a representation of one side of a mulching strip bearing plant positions and plant sizes, a planting code, and space for a picture of each plant.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments
The present embodiments represent currently the best ways known to the applicant of putting the invention into practice. But they are not the only ways in which this can be achieved. They are illustrated and they will now be described, by way of example only. Referring to Figure 1, this illustrates a scaled down version of a strip of mulching fabric bearing a planting plan. The planting plan consists of a number of substantially circular shapes with an associated number, the centre of each circle representing the approximate point at which a particular plant should be planted.
Associated with the planting aid is a planting code. This code relates a number, for example 1, with a particular plant, in this example "Hebe Mrs Windsor". The number of plants required of this particular Hebe plant to complete the scheme, in this example 3, is also given, together with, optionally, a picture of this particular Hebe for reference.
Whilst circles are shown in figure 1 designating the radius of a fully-grown plant, it will be understood that such indications need not be circular. Any suitable indicator will suffice for this purpose, such as a polygonal or irregular shape or merely an indication of the radius or diameter of the plant, once mature. Alternatively no indication of size may be given, simply a suggested planting position.
This type of planting aid is particularly helpful for new homeowners or people with limited gardening experience that want to create borders with instant impact according to a particular theme. Thus, an evergreen planting scheme can be provided, or a "cottage garden" theme or an "all year round interest" theme. This list is intended to be non-limiting and simply illustrates the wide number possibilities available. A "shady garden" a "fragrant garden" or a "butterfly garden" are other possibilities.
The term "mulching strip", "mulching fabric", "mulch mat", "weed mat" and "weed barrier" are used interchangeably in this description. Such mulch products are available from a wide range of suppliers, such as Eco Cover (NZ) Limited, Auckland, New Zealand or Harrod Horticultural, Lowestoft, UK. All of these may form a suitable vehicle for printing or otherwise depicting the required planting scheme onto.
The mulching strip employed in this invention may take a number of different forms.
It can be formed for example from biodegradable mulching paper. This has the advantage that it is relatively inexpensive to produce and easy to print on. After planting it can be covered by some aesthetically pleasing ground covering such as topsoil, bark chippings or stone chippings and will biodegrade over time.
In a particularly preferred embodiment the mulching strip is impregnated with a fertilizer, such as a general fertilizer. This may be achieved by incorporating a highly concentrated liquid fertilizer into the aqueous phase used in the production of the mulching paper or, alternatively, post manufacture the mulching paper can be sprayed with concentrated fertilizer solution and allowed to dry. As a further alternative, particulate fertilizer may be applied to the mulching paper or incorporated between two layers of mulching paper.
Whichever method is chosen this fertilizer gives the new plants a boost immediately after planting.
In addition to, or as an alternative to fertilizer, the mulching strip can be used as a vehicle or carrier for a number of agricultural or horticultural agents. These include soil conditioners such as enzymes, organic acids and beneficial bacteria, trace elements and nutrients, pesticide control such as insect deterrents, and water gel crystals. Such agents can be incorporated into paper or fabric (see below) mulch strips by spraying, encapsulation or by incorporating into the fabric of the mulch strip.
As an alternative to mulching papei, the mulching strip may be formed from a plastics material. Any suitable plastics material may be used, as selected by the materials specialist. Typically polyolefins such as polyethylene or polypropylene are used. Such plastic weed barriers, as they are called, are known. Woven or spun bonded polypropylene geotextiles are widely commercially available and virtually eliminate vegetative competition with newly planted shrubs. Advantageously the plastic sheet can be overprinted with a pattern similar to the proposed ground covering, such as a bark chippings effect. This means that if the bark itself becomes displaced, perhaps by wind or weather, one is not left with an obviously bear and unsightly patch. This is an important technical effect and improves the operational effect of the invention with both paper and plastic mulching strips.
Once again, the mulch fabric can be impregnated with fertilizer. For example, fertilizer liquid or solids can be mixed with an adhesive, such as FVA adhesive, and applied in strips along the length of the mulch fabric, or to one or both faces of the fabric.
In the case of a spun bonded textile it is possible to incorporate horticultural agents within the textile itself. Such technology is known from the manufacture of nappies, diapers, sanitary or incontinence pads. It is thus possible to suspend within the fabric a wide range of agents including, but not limited to, those listed above, either alone or in combination.
One major advantage of this invention is that the mulching strip can be supplied pre-printed on a roll. The purchaser can therefore purchase a length sufficient to cover the complete border. The requisite number of plants are also provided.
Alternatively, the planting aid may be provided in a fixed length, say 5 metres or 10 metres. The requisite number of plants, for example 20 or 30, may be provided to suit the planting scheme shown on that 5-metre length.
A reference marker or markers are provided indicating which is the back of the border. For example, one or more arrows may be provided pointing towards the back of the bed. Other markers such as notches along the back edge or the word "back" reproduced along the back edge are also possible. In this description the term "plurality" has the meaning one or more. One marker is sufficient on each planting aid.
In a further important embodiment, the mulching strip may be pre-perforated in the desired planting positions. Preferably the perforations are formed by two cuts formed substantially at right angles to each other in the form of a cross. In this way, the excess mulch mat or membrane can be folded back under itself to reveal a hole through which to plant the desired plant. Once the plant is in place and the soil around it compacted down, the membrane may be drawn back towards the plant to maximise the weed suppressant effect. In this context the term "perforation" has a broad meaning. It may mean that the mulching strip substrate is cut through completely, for example in the cross cut arrangement described above. Or a shape through which the plant is to be planted is punched out of the substrate.
Alternatively a series of small holes may be formed in the substrate which make it easier for the user to create an aperture. These perforations may guide the user as to where to make a cut or cuts or may enable the user to tear the substrate to create the necessary aperture.
Because it is envisaged that a number of different planting aids will be offered, incorporating different planting schemes, the mulching strip may be printed on both sides, with a different planting scheme on each side. It is also possible that, using different coloured inks, more than one scheme could be printed on one side of the mulching membrane.
It will therefore be appreciated that the invention provides a roll of mulching membrane which is used as a planting template enabling the complete novice gardener to provide their dream border by positioning their plants on pre-determined positions. Where the mulching membrane is formed from biodegradable paper, this will be impregnated with fertilizer to feed the plants as the paper rots down.
It is envisaged that the purchaser will watch a short "GARDEN-ON-A-ROLL" dvd at home or at the sales office which shows the various different planting schemes which are available with their relevant costs and with a step-by-step guide on how to achieve the desired effect. They will thus see just how easy it is to create their ideal border in just one weekend. It is envisaged that the plants and planting aid would be delivered to the purchaser's door! carefully packed into boxes, with each plant having its name plus a number which corresponds to a number on the roll of mulching strip.
In practice it is then only necessary to mark out the width of the border on the ground and to remove any turf or extraneous matter which is within the confines of the border. The ground is then prepared by digging, adding soil conditioner as required together with a general fertilizer. Any large stones are removed and the site is raked to provide a level surface. The mulching strip is then unrolled and pegged out over the prepared border. If not already cut, the marked crosses in each of the circles are then cut and the mulching material folded back under itself to create an adequately sized hole through which to plant each plant. Once planted and the soil around each plant is compacted, the mulch mat is covered with a layer of the desired topping material, be it topsoil, bark chippings, or stone chippings. All that is left is to water the plants regularly and enjoy the new border. A maintenance guide for the plants is also provided.
In summary the invention provides a foolproof method for the complete novice to produce their dream garden border by using a numbered and pictured landscaped fabric/paper. A target market is to new homeowners and the product would be sold through garden centres and over the internet.
The customer purchases the relevant length of numbered fabric/paper along with the correct number of plants corresponding to whichever design they choose from.
They unroll the fabric/paper around their prepared border. They then match up to the numbers and pictures with the corresponding plants which have been supplied to go with that design. After the plants have been placed in the correct numbered position they then dig a hole through the fabric/paper and plant the plant through it.
Along with the purchase of the plants and the fabric/paper together with the associated planting scheme, they will also receive a step-by-step guide in leaflet form and on a dvd on how to create the border of their choice and also how to maintain the plants. The plants are all numbered so the border grows in a particular way. Largest wall climbers to the back, smaller slow growers to the front and so forth. When the planting is achieved all that remains is to add the desired finish over the mulching membrane such as bark, pebbles, soil, organic mulch or gravel to complete the finished look.
Claims (1)
- <claim-text>Claims: 1. A planting aid comprising a strip of mulching fabric intended to cover the area of ground to be planted, said mulching strip bearing a template setting out plant positions, together with a planting code indicating which type of plant should be planted in which position.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A planting aid as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the mulching strip comprises a biodegradable fabric.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A planting aid as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the mulching strip is impregnated with a fertilizer.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A planting aid as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the mulching strip comprises paper.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A planting aid as claimed in Claim 3 or Claim 4 when dependent on Claim 3 wherein the fertilizer is in granular form.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A planting aid as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the mulching strip comprises a porous mulching fabric.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A planting aid according to Claim 6 wherein the mulching fabric is formed from a plastics material.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A planting aid according to Claim 7 wherein the plastics material comprises a polyolefin.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A planting aid according to Claim 8 wherein the mulching fabric is formed from woven polypropylene.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A planting aid according to Claim B wherein the mulching fabric is formed from spun bonded polypropylene.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. A planting aid according to any preceding claim wherein the mulching strip is printed with a decorative affect intended to match a covering material applied over the mulching strip.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A planting aid according to Claim 11 wherein the decorative effect is a bark chipping effect.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A planting aid according to Claim 11 wherein the decorative effect is a gravel or stone chippings effect.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A planting aid according to any of Claims 6 to 13 inclusive wherein the porous mulching fabric incorporates a fertilizer.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A planting aid according to any preceding claim wherein the regions on the strip of mulching fabric between the planting positions incorporate a weed killer.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. A planting aid as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the mulching strip incorporates openings at the individual planting positions where a plant should be planted.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. A planting aid as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each planting position is surrounded by an indicator giving an indication of the eventual circumference of the plant intended to occupy that planting position, when mature.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. A planting aid according to any preceding claim wherein the mulching strip carries a different planting template on each side.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. A planting aid substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in any combination of the accompanying drawings.</claim-text> <claim-text>20. A kit of components for creating a planted border, said kit comprising a planting aid as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 19 inclusive and a plurality of plants according to chosen planting code, said plants being numbered or lettered according to a code in the planting aid.</claim-text>
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1200255.6A GB2498220A (en) | 2012-01-09 | 2012-01-09 | Planting aid |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1200255.6A GB2498220A (en) | 2012-01-09 | 2012-01-09 | Planting aid |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201200255D0 GB201200255D0 (en) | 2012-02-22 |
| GB2498220A true GB2498220A (en) | 2013-07-10 |
Family
ID=45788629
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1200255.6A Withdrawn GB2498220A (en) | 2012-01-09 | 2012-01-09 | Planting aid |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2498220A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20130333282A1 (en) * | 2012-06-14 | 2013-12-19 | Jeffrey Alan Bisgrove | Landscaping Ground Cover System |
| GR1009267B (en) * | 2017-01-23 | 2018-03-30 | Σπυρος Θεοδωρου Κρομπας | Soil-covering framework for vegetable gardens protection |
-
2012
- 2012-01-09 GB GB1200255.6A patent/GB2498220A/en not_active Withdrawn
Non-Patent Citations (1)
| Title |
|---|
| None * |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20130333282A1 (en) * | 2012-06-14 | 2013-12-19 | Jeffrey Alan Bisgrove | Landscaping Ground Cover System |
| GR1009267B (en) * | 2017-01-23 | 2018-03-30 | Σπυρος Θεοδωρου Κρομπας | Soil-covering framework for vegetable gardens protection |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201200255D0 (en) | 2012-02-22 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US6446386B1 (en) | Seed germination medium | |
| US6658790B2 (en) | Method of propagation and product produced thereby | |
| EP1734805A1 (en) | Crop production apparatus | |
| US6763601B1 (en) | Template apparatus for garden planting | |
| GB2498220A (en) | Planting aid | |
| US20090178334A1 (en) | Seed mat system | |
| Byczynski | The flower farmer: An organic grower's guide to raising and selling cut flowers | |
| GB2442357A (en) | Planting aid | |
| US20060185230A1 (en) | Vegetation barrier | |
| US10210770B2 (en) | Landscape and garden stencils | |
| US20200329651A1 (en) | On Top of Ground Weedless No-Till Gardening System | |
| CN202819134U (en) | Weed preventing seeding raising bag | |
| JP3791693B1 (en) | Seedling raising body | |
| EP1424004A1 (en) | Weed-preventing paper for use in plant cultivation | |
| US10091949B2 (en) | Compact pattern arrangements of live plants | |
| GB2225693A (en) | Seeding system | |
| JP3241954U (en) | Raising seedling sheet | |
| JP3041300U (en) | Vegetation net | |
| JP2002305914A (en) | Sowing sheet | |
| FR2694678A1 (en) | Procedure for setting out and planting garden plan - plan is drawn, actual size, onto sheet of biodegradable material, which is then laid in place and planted through | |
| JP2007020478A (en) | Planting sheet, method for producing the same, and planting method | |
| JP3170774U (en) | Plant growing cover sheet | |
| Moss et al. | Managing turfgrass in the shade in Oklahoma | |
| Patterson | Planting in urban soils | |
| JPH11164620A (en) | Vegetation |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |