Abstract:
A plant growing, transportation, display, and maintenance system including a plant pot and corresponding container having a selectable valve that controls the flow of liquid into and out of the container.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application, is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/860, 606 , 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention. 
       [0004]    The present invention relates to the field of agricultur. More specifically, the invention comprises a method for irrigating, storing, transporting, and displaying a plant growing in a pot. The invention includes a variable valve used to control the flow of liquid into and out of an integrated container and plant pot. 
       2. Description of the Related Art 
       [0005]    The invention is useful in the commercial nursery business where many potted plants are grown in bulk. However, the invention could also be used in a wide variety of agricultural applications and it is by no means limited to any particular portion of the field of agriculture. 
         [0006]    Growing plants require water. The water may be furnished via rainfall, overspraying, drip irrigation, and other known techniques. Some plant species may be watered continuously without fear of damage. Other species are much more sensitive to the amount of water applied and the application must be regulated precisely. 
         [0007]    It is known in the prior art to employ an “ebb and flood” approach to watering (alternatively referred to as an “ebb and flow” approach). In an ebb and flood system, a large amount of water is periodically applied to a group of potted plants (the “flood stage” ). It is typical, to drain the water so that it does not remain in contact with the potted plants for very long (the “ebb stage” ). Drains may be provided in the pots in order to allow excess water to escape. 
         [0008]    One objective of an ebb and flood system is to ensure an adequate water supply to each plant without over-saturating any particular plant. The flow control is efficient in such a system. It is common to provide many plants in a watertight (or mostly watertight) basin. This basin is flooded to a desired level and the water is allowed to stand for an interval in order to soak into the plants residing in the basin. A drain valve is then opened to remove the water. 
         [0009]    In this manner, a large amount of water may be efficiently moved into and out of contact with the plants. The water removed may be pumped to another similar basin to create the “flood” cycle there while the “ebb” cycle is occurring in the original basin. 
         [0010]    While the ebb and flood approach is effective, it does not work well for some plant species. In particular, some plant species that are sensitive to overwatering may not perform well where an ebb and flood system is used. It is known in the prior art to use a wick-based system to provide water to many different types of plant species. In this approach a wick is inserted into the interior of the pot. One end of the wick extends out of the pot&#39;s interior and is connected to a water source. 
         [0011]    The wick slowly carries water and possibly dissolved nutrients into the interior of the potted plant. This approach is effective in ensuring an appropriate amount of water without fear of overwatering. However, the use of a wick often requires a complex series of connections between a water source and each individual potted plant. The water distribution is much more complex than is possible with an ebb and flood system. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a system that combines the advantages of a wick-based system with the advantages of an ebb and flood distribution system. This is an objective of some of the embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0012]    However, as will be seen in the descriptive sections that follow, the present inventive method and system may be used in combination with many known irrigation methods. It is by no means limited to an ebb and flood system. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0013]    The present invention comprises a plant growing, transportation, display, and maintenance system including a plant pot and corresponding container having a selectable valve that controls the flow of liquid into and out of the container. In the “open” position, the valve allows water to pass into and out of the container in order to provide water to the contents of the plant pot resting in the container. In the “closed” position, the valve prevents any water flow into or out of the container. 
         [0014]    The valve allows the assembly of plant pot and container to be “open” during irrigation cycles and “closed” when a fixed supply of water is to be maintained—such as for shipping and use purposes. The supply of water resides near and preferably below the bottom of the plant pot. In the preferred embodiments, one or more wicks extend from the interior of the plant pot down into the water supply. Each wick draws water from the water supply up into the interior of the plant pot. 
         [0015]    Each wick is doubled back on itself to form a loop. The loop is placed near the top level of the substrate within the piano pot. An anchor is connected to the loop. The anchor is configured to resist being pulled beneath the top level of the substrate. 
         [0016]    In the preferred embodiments, the selectable valve is retained in an overflow opening in the container. In the preferred embodiments, the valve may be easily moved between the “open” and “closed” position using a linear motion such as pushing or pulling. 
         [0017]    The assembly of the plant pot and container may preferably be combined with other systems. During the growing phase, the assembly may be combined with an ebb and flood irrigation system. During the display phase, the assembly may be combined with an external water supply such as contained in a trough—with the trough supplying water to the water supply within the container. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  shows a schematic side view of a plane pot and a wick to be inserted in the plant pot; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  shows a schematic perspective view of the plant pot of  FIG. 1  after insertion of the wick; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  shows a schematic partially cut away view of the plant pot of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  with additionally a label; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  shows a schematic partially cut away view of an alternative plant pot with an added label; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  shows a schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a plant pot and more detailed manner of arranging the wick; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  shows a schematic view of an alternative embodiment relative to  FIG. 5  with respect to aligning and arranging a wick in the plant pot; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  shows a schematic view of a plant pot and container assembly in use in an ebb and flood based tray; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  shows a schematic top view of the plant pot and container assembly of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  shows a schematic, partially broken away side view of the plant pot and container assembly of  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8  with additionally a water level indicator; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  shows a schematic perspective view of a plant pot much like the one in  FIGS. 5, 8 and 9  in an accommodating tray suitable for growing, transporting and displaying for sale of plants; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  shows a schematic side view along arrow XI in  FIG. 10 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  and  FIG. 13  show schematic top views of plant pots in an alternative accommodating tray suitable for growing, transporting and displaying for sale of plants; 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  shows a perspective schematic view of a stack of trays with a collapsible structure between subsequent trays in the stack, wherein the trays are suitable for at least growing plants in pots and the stack is suitable for growing, transporting and displaying for sale of plants; 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  shows a schematic side view of a collapsible structure in a collapsed state; 
           [0032]      FIGS. 16-21  show a succession of steps and parts of a system for inserting a wick into a plant pot as depicted in  FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 22  shows a schematic perspective view of a system adapted to accommodate plant, pots with a wick, for instance for display plants for sale; 
           [0034]      FIG. 23  shows a cross sectional schematic side view along arrow XXIII in FIG. 22; 
           [0035]      FIG. 24  shows a schematic perspective view of an alternative configuration relative to  FIG. 23 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 25  shows a further alternative embodiment, exhibiting similar features relative to trays in  FIGS. 12   
           [0037]      FIG. 27  shows an alternative relative to  FIG. 8 ; and 
           [0038]      FIG. 28  shows an arrangement for di9splay for sale of plants in plant pots that can be formed from the assembly of  FIGS. 14 and 15 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view, showing still another embodiment of a plant pot and corresponding container, 
           [0040]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view with a cutaway, showing internal details of the plant pot and container shown in  FIG. 29 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 31  is a sectional elevation view, showing an assembly of the plant pot and the container, 
           [0042]      FIG. 32  is a sectional elevation view, showing the assembly of  FIG. 31  with, the addition of soil and a pair of wicks. 
           [0043]      FIG. 33  is a perspective view, showing a sealing plug made according to the present invention. 
           [0044]      FIG. 34  is a sectional detail view, showing the area of the overflow in the container. 
           [0045]      FIG. 35  is a sectional detail view, showing the area of the overflow with a sealing plug in the “open”position. 
           [0046]      FIG. 36  is a sectional detail view, showing the area of the overflow with a sealing plug in the “closed”position. 
       
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS 
       [0000]    
       
           1  plant pot 
           2  soil 
           3  plant 
           4  wick 
           5  lance 
           6  hole 
           7  root 
           8  head 
           9  loop 
           10  label 
           11  string 
           12  knot 
           13  hole 
           14  drive 
           20  plant pot 
           21  bottom 
           22  side wall 
           23  indentation 
           24  container 
           25  water supply 
           26  channel 
           27  float 
           28  label 
           29  indicators 
           30  wick 
           31  needle 
           32  engaging bead 
           33  lance 
           34  hole 
           35  recess 
           36  wheel 
           40  lance 
           41  plant pot 
           42  bottom 
           43  hole 
           44  running wheel 
           45  running wheel 
           46  running wheel 
           47  side wall 
           48  camera 
           49  engaging head 
           60  plant pot 
           61  plant 
           62  label 
           63  wick 
           64  container 
           65  water supply 
           66  overflow 
           67  rim 
           70  tray 
           71  bottom 
           72  side wall 
           73  outflow 
           74  shift plate 
           75  water tap 
           80  tray 
           81  articulated bottom 
           82  recess 
           83  shoulder 
           84  depression 
           85  channel 
           90  tray 
           91  bottom 
           92  wall part 
           93  protrusion 
           94  separator beam 
           95  upright profile part 
           95  crossbar profile part 
           97  plant pot 
           98  plant pot 
           99  pot 
           100  pallet 
           101  wheeled base 
           102  hole 
           105  collapsible frame 
           106  tray 
           107  upright 
           108  strip 
           109  hinge 
           110  banner 
           111  plant pot 
           200  insertion system 
           201  plant pot 
           202  supply 
           203  wick material 
           204  grippers 
           205  right gripper 
           206  left gripper 
           207  right holder 
           208  left holder 
           209  knife 
           210  hole 
           211  lance 
           212  hook shaped guide 
           213  drive 
           220  transport device 
           221  frame 
           222  support 
           223  plant pot 
           224  support 
           225  water 
           226  flap 
           227  wick 
           228  carrier element 
           230  cover 
           231  hole 
           232  grating 
           235  shoulder 
           236  protrusion 
           237  T-shaped profile 
           240  plant pot 
           241  soil 
           242  wick 
           243  stretching element 
           250  conventional pot 
           252  plant 
           253  overpot 
           254  water 
           255  wick 
           256  container 
           258  plant pot 
           260  bottom 
           262  top flange 
           264  side wall 
           268  bole 
           270  central portion 
           272  rib 
           274  side wall 
           276  bottom 
           278  central tower 
           280  support ring 
           282  gap 
           284  overflow 
           286  overflow level 
           288  plug 
           290  sealing plate 
           292  sealing surface 
           294  tapered plug 
           295  rib 
           298  cylinder 
           300  retaining expansion 
           302  transverse slot 
           304  floor 
           310  horizontal surface 
           312  tapered side wall 
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0192]      FIG. 1  shows a plant pot  1 , containing soil  2  or any suitable substrate; like coco, peat, stone wool or glass wool or the like. Also in plant pot  1  a plant  3  is shown to clarify the purpose of the plant pot. However, at the stage depicted in  FIG. 1  more usually a plant  3  will not already be growing in the soil  2 . 
         [0193]    Plant pot  1  comprises a number of bottom holes  6  in the bottom thereof. These are customary and pre-arranged or may be drilled in the plant pot  1  at a time just before the step of inserting the wick is to be executed. For instance customary holes  6  may allow a surplus of water to be discharged from the plant pot  1 , and/or roots  7  of a plant  3 . The plant may also be provided with air through the toot torn holes or may be allowed to grow through the holes  6  in the bottom of the plant pot. A newly drilled hole may be provided in a plant pot  1  solely for the purpose of arranging a wick  4 . Notwithstanding the method of creating the hole  6  (during production of the plant pot  1  or later, just before inserting the wick), measures need to be taken, to allow aligned inserting of the wick  4  through the hole  6 . 
         [0194]    In  FIG. 1  an inserting lance  5  is shown, forming a part of a system for processing plant pots  1 , of which in  FIG. 1  only the inserting lance  5  is shown in conjunction with a drive  14 , The inserting lance  5  has an engaging head  8 , which is hook-shaped in order to engage the wick  4 . The wick  4  has a predetermined length, and the engaging head  8  is arranged to engage the wick  4  approximately midway. At this time the wick may be tensioned as shown in and described below referring to  FIGS. 16-21 . Where in the present specification an inserting lance is referred to, this expression is intended to encompass all possible equivalents, such as a needle, a simple stick or rod, or any other elongate element capable of being aligned to a bottom hole and driven there through, and enabling that the wick is engaged and inserted though the pot&#39;s bottom hole. 
         [0195]    The engaging head  8  is to have sufficiently small dimensions to pass the inserting lance  5  with the engaging head  8  through one of the bottom holes  6  of the plant pot  1 , when the drive  14  is selectively operated or activated. In order to be driven through a selected one of the bottom holes  6  in the bottom of the plant pot  1 , the inserting lance  5  with the engaging head  8  is connected to the drive  14 . The drive  14  enables the inserting lance  5  with the engaging head  8  to be inserted into and withdrawn back out of the plant pot  1  through the bottom hole  6  thereof in the direction of double arrow C. Thereby, the inserting lance  5  is driven upwards, taking the wick  4  along to be extended into the soil  2  in the plant pot  1 . Thereafter, the inserting lance  5  is retracted by the drive  14  in a downward direction in the schematic representation of  FIG. 1 , leaving the wick  4  behind. The inserting speed of the inserting lance  5  may vary and depend for instance on the consistency of the soil or other substrate in the plant pot. Speeds of more than 0.2 inches per second up to 6.0 inches per second (0.5 cm/s up to 15 cm/s) may be effective for inserting the wick  4  using the lance and the drive  14  thereof, For automated applications as envisaged here with the present invention, the inserting speed may vary also and depend on (or at least correspond with) the supply and throughput speed of the plant pots. Preferred inserting speeds may fee approximately 0.8-4.0 inches per second (2-10 cm/s ). 
         [0196]    The wick  4  can be made from any suitable material that can exhibit a capillary action, such as a fibrous material, a woven or non-woven material, cotton, woven cotton rope, wool, acrylic string, hemp rope, synthetic shoe laces, chamois e.g. 100% rayon, braided polypropylene rope, nylon rope, etc. The wick material may be synthetic and/or natural, and/or designed not to be susceptible to rotting or quite the opposite—be allowed to rot in the course of time. 
         [0197]    It is noted here that one or more than one additional wicks may foe inserted into a singular plant pot  1 , which is schematically represented with arrow C and second wick  4 , which is shown in a dashed line. This may especially be called for in case of larger diameter pots for relatively large plants and/or if bottom holes  6  are small in relation to a desired wick thickness, where a desired water pull up capacity may be achieved using a plurality of wicks, optionally inserted in or through one bottom hole  6  or through a plurality of separate bottom holes  6 . 
         [0198]    Bottom holes may be dimensioned to have a diameter or effective opening (for instance in case of square holes) of 0.015 square inches to 0.775 square inches (0.1 cm 2 -5 cm 2 ). more preferably a size between 0.031 square inches to 0.630 square inches (2-4 cm 2 ) and even more preferably a size of approximately 0.047 square inches to 0.465 square inches (0.3-3 cm 2 ). The engaging head  8  must be dimensioned to pass through the bottom holes  6 , without damage to the plant pots in the vicinity of the bottom holes  6 . Either the holes (when designing the plant pot to correspond with the inserting head) of the head of the inserting lance (when designing the inserting lance, for instance to be used with pots of standard sizes) or both must be made to correspond. Also, the choice of wick material must take the size of the bottom hole into account in particular since—as described below—the wick is doubled up in itself. Thus the wick may have dimensions, that are at most equal to half the free or effective opening of the bottom holes, into or through which it is to be inserted. 
         [0199]    The pot may have any suitable and possibly commercially already available size, in non-limiting examples: a height of 4.33 inches (11 cm) and a top rim diameter of 4.72 inches (12 cm); a height of 6.30 inches (16 cm) and a top rim diameter of 6.69 inches (17 cm); or a height of 6.38 inches (16.2 cm) and a top rim diameter of 7.36 inches (18.7 cm), etc. The size of the plant pots in fact does not really matter for the scope of the invention. 
         [0200]    In  FIG. 16 , a in ore detailed representation is shown of a system  200  for inserting a wick into a plant pot  201 . The system comprises a storage and supply  202  containing an uncut length of wire, cable, fabric or other wick material  203 , which is fed to a pair of grippers  204 . Alternatively, a pre-cut length of wick can be provided for inserting into the pot  201 . The right most gripper  205  engages the uncut wick material  203 ; whereas the left gripper  206  does not engage the uncut wick material, in the representation of  FIG. 16 . The right gripper  205  then is moved to the right in  FIG. 17 , in the direction of arrow H, pulling the uncut wick, material  203  through the open left gripper  206 . 
         [0201]    Thereafter, the left gripper  206  is driven to engage the uncut wick material  203 ; and the combination, of the right gripper  205  and the left gripper  206 , both engaging the uncut wick material  203 , are moved in the direction of arrows I toward a pair of holders  207 ,  208 , which can, just like the grippers  205 ,  206 , be selectively activated to engage the uncut wick material  203 . Moving from  FIG. 18  to  FIG. 19 , the holders  207 ,  208  have been activated to engage the uncut wick material  203 , whereafter the grippers  205 ,  206  can be moved back in the direction of arrows K, after the right gripper  205  has disengaged the uncut wick material  203 . The left gripper  206  keeps engaging tile wick material  203 . Thereafter, moving from  FIG. 19  to  FIG. 20 , the right gripper  205  is brought back to the vicinity of the left gripper  206  in the direction of arrow L and made to engage the uncut wick material  203 . Thereafter, a knife  209  is brought down on the uncut wick material  203 , which is tensioned between engaging left holder  208  and the right gripper  205  as a result a desired length of wick, material  203  is made available for inserting thereof through hole  210  in plant pot  201 , which predetermined length of wick material  203  is at that point of progress as shown in FIG.  20  still engaged by the right holder  207  and the left holder  208 . The wick material may also be severed or cut using alternative means for the knife, such as a laser or heat source, a saw, scissors or a cutting clamp, and the like. 
         [0202]    Hook shaped guides  212  are arranged on opposite sides relative to one another and the intermediate inserting lance  211 , to guide the wick material  203  during an upward movement of the lance  211  when the drive  213  is activated or operated to move the lance  211  in the direction of arrow C (and back). 
         [0203]    Once the determined and pre-cut length of wick material  203  is engaged by the tip of the inserting lance  211 , the left holder  208  and the right holder  207  may disengage the cut length of wick material  203 . Alternatively, the holders  207 ,  208  may keep their engagement on the cut length of wick material  203  during the inserting movement in the direction of arrow C of the inserting wick  211 , as a consequence of which the holders  207 ,  208  must be arranged in a movable fashion to move towards and away from the inserting lance  211  in a horizontal direction in the representation of  FIG. 21 . After the wick has been introduced sufficiently, the holders should disengage the cut length of the wick so as not to pull the wick out of the plant pot, 
         [0204]    In the meantime, in  FIG. 21 , the left gripper  206  will have disengaged the uncut wick material  203 , so that after withdrawal of the inserting lance  211  from the plant pot  201 , the starting configuration of  FIG. 16  is reestablished. Thereafter, a new plant pot  201  can be subjected to the operations of a system which schematically functions in accordance with the representation of  FIGS. 16-21 . 
         [0205]    In  FIG. 2  an intermediate configuration is shown, which results from the actions in  FIG. 1  and described herein above. 
         [0206]    As a consequence of the feature that the engaging head  8  of the inserting lance  5  engages the wick  4  about midway, after inserting the inserting lance  5  through the bottom hole S all the way up to above the top level of the soil  2  and retracting the inserting wick  5  again, a loop  9  in the wick  4  results. This loop  9  is shown in  FIG. 2 , and entails that the wick  4  is folded double-back on itself. 
         [0207]    Moreover, in the insert detail in  FIG. 2 , the practical use of a wick  4  in a plant pot  1  is depicted. The wick  4  is designed for and intended to suck up fluid, such as water, into the soil in the plant pot  1 . To this end, a supply of water can be provided underneath the plant pot, in a growing situation following arranging of the wick  4 . It has been detected that growth of roots  7 , as shown in the insert detail in  FIG. 2 ( is drawn towards the wick  4  and the supply of water, provided thereby. Consequently, providing additional wicks (as schematically shown in  FIG. 1 ) may be beneficial to obtain a more homogeneous distribution of roofs  7  through the soil  2  in the plant pot  1 . However, as a contrary consideration, provision of water to the insides of the plant pot  1  should not be excessive for any specific species of plant. Some species of plants can be provided with practically unlimited amounts of water, whereas other plants can exhibit deterioration of the roots  7 , for instance a rotting process, if an excess of water is furnished. 
         [0208]    In  FIG. 3  a further feature according to the present invention is shown. The feature relates to a label  10  forming an anchor in the sense of specific embodiments of the present invention, which is arranged on or to the loop  9  in the wick  4 . In  FIG. 3  the label  10  is connected to the loop  9 , using a string  11 , which may be tied into a knot  12 . The string  11  may be arranged through the loop  9  and a hole  13  in the label  10 . Alternatively, an incision can be arranged in the label from an outside edge thereof to extend through the hole  13 . In such an alternate embodiment, the loop  9  of the wick  4  can be forced through the incision to arrange the loop  3  in the hole  13  to connect the label  10  to the wick  4 . 
         [0209]    In  FIG. 4  yet another alternate embodiment is shown, wherein a single strand of the wick  4  is inserted, for instance, though not exclusively, through the bottom hole  6  of the plant pot  1  to extend to a height above the top level of the soil  2  in the plant pot  1 . The free end of the wick  4  may then, be inserted, through the hole  13  in the label  10  and doubled back upon itself in order to tie a knot or otherwise close a loop. 
         [0210]    With a label, attached to a wick  4  in at least one of the above described manners or any alternative configuration, a double function can be achieved. Information about the plant  3  in the plant pot  1  can be furnished to an end user or consumer on the label  10 . Simultaneously, since the label at least also extends in a direction across the slender wick, it may be prevented that the wick  4  in a doubled or singular configuration can sink through the soil  2 . In this sense the label—or any alternative element—is referred to as an anchor. As a consequence the beneficial effects of such a wick  4 , as depicted in the inserted detail in  FIG. 2 , could be lost. Providing the label  10  to thus form an anchor and arranging the anchor forming label to or on the wick  4  can ensure continued beneficial effect of the wick and simultaneously present an end user or consumer with information about the plant. 
         [0211]      FIG. 26  shows a plant pot  240  with soil  241  or any other suitable substrate and a wick  242  inserted therein, for instance in the above described manner. The wick  242  forms a loop above the top level of the soil  241 . To avoid the wick from sinking back down, through the soil  241 , an anchor forming stretching element  243  is provided. The stretching element exerts a spreading force in the direction of arrows H on the loop in the wick  242  (across the direction of the wick and the loop therein), to stretch the loop open and thus prevent the wick  242  from sinking down into the soil  241 . Any similar and even non-stretching element may be employed in this manner, and may even for instance provide an attachment tor a label. For instance the element  243  may be a locking medallion adapted to prevent the wick from sinking down into the soil  241  and provide a universal base for attaching differing labels thereto. Any element or component that is suitable or intended for keeping the wick  242  from sinking down into the soil  241  or other substrate in the plant pot, can and will be referred to as an anchor in the sense of the present invention. 
         [0212]    In  FIG. 5  a specific plant pot  20  is shown in an embodiment according to the present invention. The plant pot  20  has a bottom  21  and side walls  22 . In a top view, such as for instance shown in  FIG. 8 , the side walls  22  are essentially circular, font exhibit inward oriented indentations  23 . Plant pot  20  is designed and intended to be arranged in a container, such as shown in for instance  FIGS. 8 and 9 . The container  24  can have the appearance, shape and form of essentially a plant pot itself. However, the container would in use normally serve the purpose of providing a water supply, as more specifically depicted in  FIG. 9 . In the bottom of the container  24  a supply  25  of water is arranged. The water supply  25  in the container  24  can be supplemented via the channels  26  that are defined between the inner wall of the container  24  and the indentations  23  in the side walls  22  of the plant pot  20 . Administering additional water for the water supply  25  can be achieved in the direction of arrows G in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0213]    Any one or more than one of the channels  26  can also accommodate a float or straw  27 , of which at least a portion extends into the water supply  25 , and which exhibits a desired degree of buoyancy. A straw may be closed at bottom end thereof to impart said desired, degree of buoyancy to the straw. A label  28  can be attached to the fee end of the float or straw  27 , on which label  28  information about the plant can be printed, for the end user or consumer. Moreover, the height of the float or straw  27  at any given time is an indication of the water level of the water supply  25  in the container  24 . Consequently, during growth, production, transport, offer for sale, or at the home of the end user or consumer, a clear indication can foe obtained from the height of the float or straw  27  about the need for supplementing water into the water supply  25  in the container  24 . 
         [0214]    It is to be noted that specific indicators  29  can be printed or otherwise arranged on the float or straw  27  to furnish a more specific indication of an amount, of water needed to bring the water supply  25  up to a desired level. The indicators  29  can be dependent on the type of plant in the plant pot  20 . It is to be noted that also in the configuration according to  FIG. 9  a wick  30  is arranged in the plant pot  20 , more in particular the wick  30  is arranged in the plant pot  20  before the plant pot  20  is accommodated in the container  24 . 
         [0215]    In  FIG. 5  additional or alternative features for arranging a wick  30  into plant pot  20  are shown, in relation to the description of  FIG. 1 . Herein, the inserting lance  33  comprises a needle  31  having a U-shaped engaging head  32 , which is U-shaped in side view. The wick  30  is to be accommodated in the U-shaped engaging head  32  prior to the needle  31  being driven through any one of the holes  34  in the bottom  21  of the plant pot  20 . Again, the inserting lance  33  is driven up through a selected one of the holes  34  in the bottom  21  of the plant pot  20  and retracted after having extended up to at least the top level of the soil  2  in the plant pot  20 . Thereafter, the inserting lance  33  is retracted, again following the movements indicated in  FIG. 5  with double arrow C. 
         [0216]    According to the present invention aligning the inserting lance  33  with a selected one of the holes  34  is achieved in the following manner. 
         [0217]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 5  one bottom  21  of the plant pot  20  comprises an essentially star-shaped recess  35 , which is surrounded by the holes  34 , through which the inserting lance  33  may be inserted. The shape of the star-shaped recess  35  corresponds with that of a toothed wheel  36 . The toothed wheel  36  is arranged at a stationary height that, is simultaneously arranged for rotation in the direction of arrow B (or an opposite direction). Plant pot  20  can be arranged in the direction of arrow A oil top of toothed wheel  36 , whereby the recess  35  may accommodated the toothed wheel  36 . Consequently, the toothed Wheel  36  can be driven in the direction of arrow R (or an opposite direction) such that a selected one of the holes  34  will be aligned with the movement in the direction of double arrow C of the inserting lance  33 . Due to the correspondence of the shape of the recess  35  and that of the toothed wheel  36 , rotation of the toothed wheel  36  will also result in rotation of the plant pot  20  to bring any one of the holes  34  into alignment with the inserting direction of arrow C of the inserting lance  33 . Consequently, any one of the holes  34  may be a selected hole, if it can be aligned with the inserting lance  33  in the above described manner first. 
         [0218]    The holes  34  in the bottom  21  of the plant pot  20  are arranged in a predetermined configuration relative to the shape and position of the recess  35 . Consequently, in this embodiment, a plurality of rotational movements in the direction of arrow B (or in the opposite direction) can be executed to align any one of the holes  34  with the inserting lance  33 . Thus the amount of rotation may be minimized to align an arbitrary one of the holes and the inserting lance, where the position of each hole is known beforehand through a predefined relation between the toothed wheel  36  and the recess  35  on the one hand and the positions of the holes  34  on the other hand, in the case of a regular shape of the toothed wheel  36  and recess, for instance, the holes may each be arranged between points of the star shape in  FIG. 5  and at a predefined distance from the centre of the bottom of the plant pot (or this may be the case for at least some of the holes). If this relationship is known, the position of each hole and alignment of any hole with the lance will be known to have been achieved at a reached rotational position of the wheel  36  and therewith the plant pot  20 . 
         [0219]    The shape of the recess  35  and that of the toothed wheel  36  can be arbitrarily chosen by the skilled person. Of importance in such a choice of shape is the ability to drive the plant pot  20  in a rotational movement in accordance with arrow B in  FIG. 5 , and simultaneously define positions of the holes  34  in the bottom  21  of the plant pot  20  in order to achieve alignment of any one of these holes  34  with the inserting lance. For instance, the shape of the recess  35  and that of the wheel  36  could be oval, triangular, a pentagram, etc. 
         [0220]    It is to be noted that the present embodiment according to  FIG. 5  requires some adaptation to the bottom  21  of the plant pot  20 . Some plant pots may have central, recesses in the bottom thereof, and a specialized wheel can be configured to engage these central recesses. Upright, walls of such recesses may also have slits, which can be engaged by a specific embodiment of a wheel that can be comparable with the toothed wheel  36  to engage the plant pot in the slits of the central recess rather than to provide a special star-shaped or other particular recess like the one  35  in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0221]    As yet another alternative embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 6 , an inserting lance  40  can be aligned to holes  43  in a bottom  42  of a plant pot  41 , even without a central recess. In the embodiment that is shown in  FIG. 6 , running wheels  44 ,  45  and  46  are distributed around the circumference of the side wall  47  of the plant pot  41 . After a plant pot  41  is provided, the running wheels  44 ,  45  and  46  can be made to abut against the outer service of the side walls  47  of the plant pot  41  by displacement of the running wheels  44 ,  45  and  46  in the direction of arrows D, By subsequently driving the running wheels  44 ,  45  and  46 , which are evenly distributed around the circumference of the plant pot  41  in a rotational movement of each singular running wheel  44 ,  45  and  46 , a rotation of the plant pot  41  in the direction of arrow B (or the opposite direction) can be achieved. At such a rotational movement in the direction of arrow B of the piano pot  41 , a camera  48  or any suitable imaging or vision means can be oriented at the bottom  42  of the plant pot  41 , the two determine at which rotational position of the plant pot  41  the inserting lance  40  is aligned with any one and more in particular a selected one of the holes  43  in the bottom  42  of the plant pot  41 . When such alignment is detected, the running wheels  44 ,  45  and  46  are arrested or halted to allow the inserting lance  40  to be inserted into and through, the aligned one of the holes  43 . With a wick (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) accommodated in the U-shaped engaging head  49 , the (not shown) wick can be arranged through the aligned one of the holes  43  and into the soil in the plant pot  41  to achieve a result, much the same as the one shown in  FIG. 3 . However, in this embodiment, no adaptation of the bottom  42  of the plant pot  41  is required. 
         [0222]    It is to be noted here, that also other rotational, drives can be employed that do not necessarily engage the outer surface of the side walls  47  of the plant pot  41 , but may for instance engage the top rim  43  of the plant pot  41 , or yet another alternative, wherein any one of the holes  43  may be engaged to drive the plant pot  41  in a rotational movement, to align another one of the holes  43  in the bottom  42  of the plant pot  41 . 
         [0223]    In  FIG. 7  an embodiment of use of a plant pot  60  is depicted in a configuration, also according to the present application for growing the plants  61  in a controlled manner. Plant pot  60  is provided with a wick  63 , to which a label  62  is arranged above the top surface of the soil in the plant pot  60 . The plant  61  grows in that soil. The plant pot  60  can be accommodated in a container  64 , containing a water supply  65 . The wick  63  may serve to draw up water from the supply  65  into the soil in the plant pot  60 , after the plant pot  60  is accommodated in the container  64  in the direction of double arrow E, after which a rim  67  of the plant pot  60  rests on the top circumferential edge of the container  64  to keep the bottom of the plant pot  60  above the normal level (depicted in  FIG. 7 ) of the water supply  65 . The plant pot  60  may also be extracted from the container  64 , for which reason the arrow E is double. 
         [0224]    The container  64  comprises an overflow  66 , defining a free passage for entry and/or outflow of water into and out of the container  64 . The overflow  66  is arranged at a height in the side wall of the container  64  below the bottom of a plant pot  60  accommodated in the container  64 . Thus the bottom of the plant pot  60  is above the level of the water supply  65  inside the container  64 . Thus the remaining height of the container  64  above the overflow  66  corresponds with the height of the plant pot  60 , in that the remaining height of the container  64  exceeds the height of the plant pot  60 . Further the overflow is at such a height, that the water supply  65  in the container  64  suffices for an intended purpose, such as to sustain growth of a plant in the plant pot  60  via the wick  63  for a predetermined period of time during development of the plant or for instance to prevent the plant from withering during transport or display for sale. The overflow  66  may be closed using a plug or the like, for instance during transport, to ensure the availability of the water supply  65  for the plant. The assembly of the container  64  and the plant pot  60  would then be transported together in an assembled state thereof. 
         [0225]    The container  64  is, in the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , arranged in a tray  70  comprising a bottom  71  and side walls  72 . In one of these side walls  72  an outflow  73  is provided, which in a simple embodiment can entail no more than a simple hole. The outflow  73  can be closed, using a shift plate  74  or any suitable means. The shift plate  74  is movable in the direction of double arrow F to either close the outflow  73  or allow free passage of water from the tray  70 . Further, the tray  70  is combined with a water tap  75  to add water into the tray  70 . Using the water tap  75 , the water level in the tray  70  can be increased to above the overflow  66 , and consequently also within the container  64  via the overflow  66 . The soil in the plant pot  60  can thereby be fully saturated. Thereafter, the water tap  75  can be closed and the shift plate  74 , forming a type of valve, can be opened to free the outflow  73  and lower the level of water in the tray  70 . At such a time, also the water level within the container  64  will lower, after which water supply to the soil in the plant pot  60  will be achieved mainly using the wick  63 . This increasing and lowering of a water level within the tray  70  is schematically represented, that is generally referred to as an ebb and flood system, which has proven useful and reliable for regulating humidity of the soil in plant pots, although this has not previously been achieved using a combination thereof with a wick  63  and/or with a container like the container  54  in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0226]      FIG. 27  shows an alternative with a conventional pot  250  without the indentations  23  of the pot in  FIG. 8  but with a wick  255  and. an overpot  253  without an overflow instead of the container  24  of  FIG. 8 . In this alternative of  FIG. 27 , the pot  250  contains soil  251  for a plant  252 , to which water may be supplied in the direction of arrow I. Since there are no indentations  23 , no channels are available to supply water to lower parts of the overpot  253 . Water then trickles down through the pot  250  and is caught in overpot  253  to form a reservoir at the bottom thereof. At the bottom of the pot  250 , a wick  255  extends into water  254  in the bottom of overpot  253 , to suck or draw up water for the plant  252 . The plant  252  may be transported in the plant pot  250  and in the overpot  253 , but intended and envisaged use is for the plant in the pot  250  to be taken out of the overpot  253  for transport, as a consequence of which, the overpot stays at the grower. 
         [0227]    In  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11  a tray  80  is shown in combination with a plant pot  20 , which for the sake of the exemplarily embodiment here is the same plant pot as the one depicted in  FIGS. 5, 8 and 9 . Tray  80  has an articulated bottom, having recesses  82 , which has a shape and form to accommodate the bottom  21  of a plant pot  20  in a preferably close fitting manner. In the context of this disclosure, the term “articulated” means having sections that are joined together into a unified whole. It does not imply that the joints involved are flexible and does not imply that the joints allow significant movement between the sections. 
         [0228]    Each recess  82 , as shown in  FIG. 11 , comprises a shoulder  83 , which acts as a support for the plant pot  20 , when the bottom  21  of the plant pot  20  is inserted into an intended one of the recesses  82 . 
         [0229]    The shoulder  83  surrounds a further depression  84 , which acts as a reservoir for water when the plant pot  20  is accommodated in the recess  82 , where the wick  30  will, extend into this further depression  84  to draw up water from the reservoir formed by the further depression  84 . 
         [0230]    Between neighbouring recesses  82  and further depressions  84  in the articulated bottom  81  of the tray  80  channels  85  are defined. The channels  85  allow for distribution of water over the recesses  82  and further depressions  84 , to which end the channels have a depth corresponding with the lowermost portions of the further depressions  84 , so that water is distributed over the further depressions  84 , even when plant pots  20  are accommodated in the recesses  82 . It is to be noted that the indentations  23  in the side walls  22  of the plant pot  20  in a proper orientation of the plant pot  20  in the recess  82  of the tray  80  allow water to be supplemented into the reservoir formed by the further depression  84 . 
         [0231]    Consequently, water can be administered to the plants directly, using specifically watering means or by simply spraying or sprinkling water into the tray  8 . For such wide spread watering, a watering boom, (not shown) can be employed, whereby a considerable simplification for watering plants can be achieved in this embodiment. 
         [0232]    The tray  80  of  FIG. 10  or  FIG. 11  can be used for growing plants or maybe even for transporting plants in the plant pots  20 . Such trays  80  may even be used for display purposes. 
         [0233]    Likewise,  FIG. 12  and  FIG. 13  show a further example of a tray  90  having a bottom  91  and upright wall parts  92 , surrounding the bottom  91 . The bottom  91  of the tray  90  is provided with protrusions  93  in two rows along the longer sides of the tray  90 . The protrusions define an intermediate space, into which a separator beam  94  can be inserted. The separator beam  94  is an T-profile, as shown in the insert detail of  FIG. 12 . The upright profile part  95  of the T-shaped separator beam  94  can be inserted into the space defined between two neighbouring protrusions  93 , while simultaneously the crossbar profile part  96  of the separator beam  94  defines an intermediate space between neighbouring plant pots on opposite sides of the separator beam  94 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , a relatively large plant pot  98  can stably be arranged between a side wall  92  of the tray and a separator beam  94 , inserted therein, whilst smaller pots  99  can be safely and stably arranged between neighbouring separator beams  94 . Even relatively small plant pots  97  can be transported in a stable manner and even displayed at a point of sale, accommodated between a side wall  92  of the tray  90  and an inserted separator beam  94 . 
         [0234]    In order to emphasize the usability of separable types of trays in combination with plant pots for growing plants, transporting the plant pots and offering the plants for sale in the form, of a display,  FIGS. 14 and 15  show that a wheeled base  101  can be arranged on top of a pallet  100 , more in particular with the wheels of the wheeled based  101  sunk into holes  102  in the top of the pallet  100 . The holes  102  can be arranged cross the top surface of the pallet  100 , but slight depressions may also serve the purpose of immobilizing the wheeled base  101  on top of the pallet  100 . 
         [0235]    The wheeled base  101  forms a support for a tray, for instance the tray of  FIGS. 12 and 13 . Such a tray  90  may be embodied from sturdy plastic, which is sufficiently strong to carry a collapsible frame  105  on the corners thereof. The collapsible frame  105  is shown in  FIG. 15  in a collapsed state. The collapsible frame  105  comprises four uprights  107 , which correspond in position and orientation with the corners of the tray  90 , to be arranged thereon. The uprights  107  are mutually connected by bands or strips  103 , To achieve the collapsed situation of  FIG. 15  in an embodiment where strips  108  are employed to connect uprights  107 , hinges  109  should be arranged between the uprights  107  and the strips  108 . As an alternative for the hinges  109 , connecting elements of flexible material can also be employed or any other suitable alternative. 
         [0236]    With the collapsible frame in an expanded configuration as shown in  FIG. 14 , the collapsible frame  105  forms a support for a further or additional tray  106  which can essentially be a tray as the one on the wheeled base  101  or at least of the same type. 
         [0237]    The length of the uprights of the collapsible frame  105  may be selected in accordance with the expected height of plants to be transported in plant pots to be arranged on the bottom of the trays  90 ,  106 . A further collapsible frame  105  can be added on top of the further tray  106 , to continue stacking trays and increasing the height of the thus created assembly. 
         [0238]    It is to be noted that plants can be grown in pots, arranged in trays  106 , to be stacked using collapsible frames  105  (or similar devices) for transport. After reaching a destination or point of sale, an assembly comprising a wheeled base  101  and the stack of trays  90 ,  106  and intermediate collapsible frames  105  can be taken off the pallet  100  to be driven to a display position. Consequently, end users or consumers can take plants in plant pots out of the trays  90 ,  106  to the checkout counter for payment thereof. Such a display using grow trays  90 ,  106  can then be returned to a grower to be re-used. For this purpose, the frames  105  are preferably collapsible or can at least, to some degree, be disassembled to save transport space during a return journey. 
         [0239]    In  FIG. 28 , the assembly of  FIG. 14  is used to display plants on offer for sale. Plant pots  111  are arranged in trays  90 ,  106 , and held upright in a sturdy manner, for instance using the separator beams in  FIG. 14 . The collapsible frame  105  with the higher tray  106  thereon has been taken off the lower tray  103 , and been, set down on the ground besides the wheeled base  101  carrying she lower tray  90 . A banner  110  is then optionally wrapped around and arranged on the collapsible frame  105  (for instance using VELCRO connections or the like) to enhance the attractive appeal of the thus formed configuration. The banner  110  may be printed with plant information, grower information, a picture of the plants on offer for sale, a solid color or the like. Although no plants are shown in  FIG. 28 , the plant pots  111  will contain plants in practice. 
         [0240]    In  FIGS. 22, 23 and 24  a display and transport device  220  is shown, comprising a preferably collapsible frame  221  and a plurality of trough-like supports  222 ,  224  for accommodating plant pots  223 . On the frame  221 , trough-like supports of different dimensions can be arranged. For instance, the higher trough-like support  222  can be relatively small, especially in relation to the lower arranged trough-like support  224 , where the higher support  222  is intended for smaller plant pots  223  and consequently also smaller plants, than the bigger, wider and deeper trough-like support  224 , which is lower down on the frame  221 . 
         [0241]    At a point of sale, water  225  can be added to the support  222  or  224 , to accommodate a plant pot  223  with the bottom thereof submerged, or at least a wick extending from the bottom of the plant pot  223  into the water  225 . 
         [0242]    The supports  222 ,  224  are provided with resilient flaps along the edges thereof, which resiliently press against a plant pot  223 , when inserted into or on the supports  222 ,  224 . The resilient forces exerted by these flaps  226  serve to keep the plant pot  223  in  FIG. 23  upright. In  FIG. 23 , at the free ends of the resilient flaps  226  angled carrier elements  228  are provided to support plant pots  223  above the level of water  225 . 
         [0243]    The resilient flaps  226  may be replaced by configurations that could resemble cap holders or the like, to insert the bottom of plant pots  223  therein to submerge only the wick  227  extending from the bottom of the plant pots  223  in the water  225 , or to at least allow the wick  227  to be in contact with the water  225 . In  FIG. 24  a cover  230  is arranged over the trough like support  224 , where holes  231  are arranged, in the cover  230 . Additionally or alternatively, the trough like support  224  as shown in FIG.  24  may comprise a grating  232  or the like to support above the top level of the water  225  the bottoms of plant pots  223  arranged therein. In  FIG. 25 , and embodiment is shown exhibiting similar features as a tray in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , where the trough like support  224  comprises shoulders  235  carrying protrusions  236 , between which T-shaped profiles  237  can be inserted to define there between a predetermined distance corresponding with plant pot sizes, to support plant pots of differing or varying sizes adjustably, in particular under a rim thereof. 
         [0244]      FIGS. 29-36  illustrate still another embodiment of a plant containment system that is well-suited for use with an ebb and flood system or other watering arrangement.  FIG. 29  shows plant pot  258  and corresponding container  256 .  FIG. 30  shows a cutaway view in which the plant pot and container of  FIG. 29  have been cut in half to reveal internal details. The embodiments of the plant pot and container shown in  FIGS. 29 and 30  share many features in common with the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 7-9 . 
         [0245]    For example, plant pot  258  includes bottom  260 , side wall  264 , side step  266 , and circumferential top flange  262 . It may or may not include channels  26 , and in fact the particular version shown in  FIG. 30  does not include these channels. Bottom  260  opens into a series of holes  268 . Stiffening ribs  272  are preferably added between raised central portion  270  and side wall  204  in order to stiffen the bottom. 
         [0246]    Container  256  includes bottom  276  joined to side wall  274 . It also includes an overflow that allows water into and out of the container. The flow of water through the overflow is controlled in the invention by a valve (described in more detail subsequently). The presence of this valve is in fact a significant component in the present invention. 
         [0247]    The overflow and valve may be located in any suitable position in the container in the embodiment of  FIG. 30 , the overflow  284  is located in central tower  273 . Central tower  278  extends upward from bottom  276 , and overflow  284  is located in the upper portion of this central tower. 
         [0248]    Support ring  280  surrounds overflow  284 . It opens into one or more gaps  282 , through which water can flow. In reviewing the geometry shown in  FIG. 30 , those skilled in the art will realize that the position of overflow  284  and gap  282  define a reservoir of. retained water within container  256 . Once the water in the container reaches this level, any additional water will flow out through overflow  284 . Overflow  284  may also be used to admit water to the container, such as when the container is placed in an ebb and flow irrigation system. 
         [0249]      FIG. 31  shows a sectional elevation view through an assembly of plant pot  258  and container  256 . The reader will observe how raised central portion  270  rests on support ring  280 . The reader will also note how top flange  262  fits inside the tapered side wall  274  of container  256 . 
         [0250]    The result is a stable assembly of the plant pot within the container. The height of central tower  278  determines the height of overflow  284  and ultimately the amount of water that will be retained within container  256 . 
         [0251]      FIG. 32  shows the same assembly of plant pot and container in a configuration that is actually used for growing a plant. Soil  2  has been added to plant pot  258 , One or more wicks  30  are preferably added as well. As for the prior examples, a portion of each wick lies within the plant pot and a portion extends through a particular hole  268  and down into water supply  65  contained in container  256 . 
         [0252]    Container  256  sits on floor  304 , which is typically rough concrete. The operation of the assembly in an ebb and flood system may be understood with respect to  FIG. 32 . The assembly shown will often be one of many such assemblies placed in a tray  70  such as shown in  FIG. 7 . The tray-surrounding the assembly is flooded to a level above overflow  284  and the lowest portion of gap  282  (The bottom of gap  282  is actually coplanar with the upper portion of horizontal wall  308  in the example shown). Water seeps under the bottom of container  256  and floods central cavity  306  (This is true even when the container is placed on a smooth metal surface, as even in that case the water will seep through into central cavity  306 ). The water then flows in through overflow  284  and gap  282 . The water then floods the annular recess in the container surrounding central tower  278 . 
         [0253]    The water level within the assembly will continue to rise until it reaches the level within the surrounding tray of the ebb and flood system. An outflow opening for the ebb and flood tray will be opened at some point and the water surrounding the plant pot and container will recede. Excess water within the assembly will flow out through gap  282  and overflow  284  until the water within water supply  65  is level with the lowest portion of gap  282  (which, in this example, is coplanar with horizontal wall  308  and overflow  284 ). The lowest, obstruction between the water in water supply  65  and the overflow is labeled as overflow level  286 . 
         [0254]    Overflow level  286  constitutes a “defined overflow level” for the assembly shown. The term “defined overflow level” means a level of water resulting in the container when the container is flooded to a level above that shown in  FIG. 32  and the water surrounding the container recedes. The excess water in the container will flow out until it reaches overflow level  268 , at which point it will stop flowing out. 
         [0255]    Water within water supply  65  is wicked up into soil  2  by one or more wicks  30 , as described previously. The reader will thereby appreciate that water added to the assembly will eventually come to the defined overflow level (overflow level  286 ). If more water is added, it will simply run out overflow  284 . 
         [0256]    The operation of the assembly has been described with respect to an ebb and flood system. However, it will function well with many other types of watering systems. For instance, the assembly functions well where a user simply pours water into the open top of the plant pot. If too much water is added, the excess will run out overflow  284  and overflow level  286  will be established. The same level would be established by using a tube-based irrigation system. 
         [0257]    The reader will thereby appreciate the advantages of locating overflow  284  in a central tower in the container. The aesthetic appeal of the assembly is not diminished by the overflow since it is not visible, yet the functionality of the overflow remains intact. 
         [0258]    In some Instances, however, the overflow is undesirable. One example is during the shipment of the assembly to a point of sale. The grower fills water supply  65  to a level as shown, in  FIG. 32 . This level is preferably calculated to provide the plant with, a suitable water supply for the anticipated duration of shipment. However, during the motion inherent in the shipping, a significant percentage of the water may “slosh” out through overflow  284 . It is therefore desirable to provide a seal for the overfIow. 
         [0259]      FIGS. 33-36  depict an embodiment including a valve placed in the overflow. The valve selectively opens and closes the overflow.  FIG. 33  shows the body of the valve-plug  288 . Plug  288  is shown in an inverted state (inverted with respect to the orientation in which it is customarily used). Sealing plate  290  includes sealing surface  292 . A complex protrusion extends from sealing surface  292 . The protrusion contains several significant features. In sequence, these are: tapered plug  294 , rib  296 , cylinder  298 , and retaining expansion  300 . Transverse slot  303  extends laterally through at least the rib, the cylinder, and the retaining expansion. However, in the embodiment illustrated, the transverse slot does not extend all the way through the tapered plug. 
         [0260]      FIG. 34  shows the container geometry designed to receive plug  288  (and thereby create a functioning valve) in more detail. Horizontal surface  310  lies across the top of central tower  278 . Overflow  284  is preferably surrounded by tapered side wall  312 , The angle of tapered side wall  312  preferably matches the angle of tapered plug  294  shown in  FIG. 33 . 
         [0261]      FIG. 35  is a sectional elevation view showing sealing plug  288  in position within overflow  284 . The plug may be switched between an “open” position in which water can flow through overflow  284  and a “closed” position in which flow is prevented.  FIG. 35  shows the “open” position. 
         [0262]    Rib  236  lies above horizontal surface  310 , and the interference between the two tends to prevent the sealing plug moving further downward. Cylinder  298  forms a sliding fit with tapered side wall  312 . 
         [0263]    Retaining expansion  300  lies below the lowest extent of tapered side wall  312 , The retaining expansion tends to prevent the sealing plug being pulled upward and completely out of overflow  284 , since it will have to be compressed to pass through the overflow. 
         [0264]    In the open position as shown in  FIG. 35 , the presence of transverse slot  302  allows water to pass through sealing plug  288  (and therefore through overflow  284 ). Water passing into the container will flow into the volume inside support ring  280 . It will then flow beyond the support ring through gap  282 . In the view of  FIG. 35 , transverse slot  302  and gap  282  are aligned, but the flow will still occur even, if gap  282  and transverse slot  302  are not aligned. Transverse slot  302  allows water to flow into or out of the volume contained within support ring  280 . The water will “find its way” through a gap or gaps provided in the support ring and into the interior of the container. 
         [0265]    In order to seal overflow  284 , the user pushes down on the sealing plug to transition it to the “closed” position. The plant pot may be removed to provide easy access to the sealing plug. The user then presses down on sealing plate  290 . The downward pressure forces rib  296  through and past tapered side wall  312 . 
         [0266]    The result is shown in  FIG. 36 . Once the rib descends past the tapered side wall, tapered plug  294  comes to rest against the tapered side wall. This interaction acts like a stopper in a drain. Further, sealing surface  292  presses down against horizontal surface  310  producing another seal. The reader will note that transverse slot  302  in the sealing plug no longer provides a passage for water. Its uppermost extreme does not extend beyond tapered side wall  312 . 
         [0267]    Further downward motion of the plug is prevented by sealing surface  292  coming to rest on horizontal surface  310 . However the user may return the plug to the “open” position by bending upward a portion of the perimeter of sealing plate  290  and pulling the plug upward. The plug will then snap back into the position shown in  FIG. 35 . However, absent a force prying the plug upward, it is retained in the position shown in  FIG. 36  by rib  296  lying below the lower extent of tapered side wall  312 . 
         [0268]    The sealing plug is preferably made of a flexible material such as silicon rubber. Such a material provides a suitable frictional engagement while also providing a water-tight seal. The presence of transverse slot  302  also permits an appropriate amount of deflection in order for the plug to pop into the two stable positions shown in  FIGS. 35 and 36 . 
         [0269]    The use of flexible material—in combination with the geometry of the plug—means that the plug may be installed and removed without the use of any tools. The plug is installed initially by pressing it into place. It is switched between the open and closed positions by pushing it down or pulling it up. The inclusion of retaining expansion  300  means that the plug is not likely to become separated from the container. 
         [0270]    The ability to selectively open and close the plug provides an advantage during shipping and any subsequent sales display. The plug will customarily be pressed closed during shipping. However, once the assembly of the plant pot and container arrives at a point of sale, it may be desirable to open, the plug again in order to take advantage of available irrigation systems. 
         [0271]      FIGS. 22 and 23  show exemplary display systems that also provide irrigation. The plant pot/container assembly of  FIG. 32  may be placed in a support such as shown in  FIG. 23 , The sealing plug is pulled upward to the “open” position before the assembly is placed in the support. Water will then foe added up to and beyond overflow level  286  so that water flows into the container through overflow  284 . 
         [0272]    When the plant is sold, the sealing plug may be pressed back to the “closed” position. The buyer then waters the assembly normally by pouring water into the open top of the plant pot (the assembly being shown in  FIG. 32 ). Water will flow down through the holes  268  and accumulate as water supply  65 . The wicks will then carry the water—at a suitable rate—back up into soil  2 . The assembly may also be used in a system that does not include wicks, such as by extending the defined overflow level to a point above the bottom of the plant pot. 
         [0273]    Many other alternative configurations may also turn out to be fruitful or effective, which should all be considered within the realm of possibilities, chat would immediately spring to mind to the skilled person, after having been confronted with the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. For example, although the exemplary embodiments have shown the overflow and valve being located in a central tower, they could also be located in the side wall of the container itself. The other additional and alternative embodiments all within the scope of protection of the present invention according to the accompanying claims, and are in this sense to be considered embodiments of the present invention.