Patent Publication Number: US-2018027746-A1

Title: Plant edging

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/335,755, filed on Oct. 27, 2016 and entitled “PLANT EDGING”, which itself claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/367,375, filed on Jul. 27, 2017 and entitled “PLANT EDGING”, the contents of such applications being incorporated herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to landscaping and maintenance of plants and, in particular, to an edging surrounding an area for plants. 
     In landscaping and gardening, it has been conventional practice to surround plants, such as trees, flowers, and bushes, to provide protection and an aesthetic delineation between grass or other landscaping materials, such as stone, wood chips, sand, etc. The protection, which can come in the form of a plastic or brick edging, can retain water to conserve water and prevent runoff. Further, the edging may be helpful in controlling weed growth around the plant. The edging can provide delineation between grass, which will need to be cut by a lawn mower, and the plant that needs to be protected from damage due to a lawn mower. 
     Currently implemented edgings are two-dimensional barriers that extend straight into the ground and are installed in the ground with soil on an inner, plant side and landscaping materials on an outer side. The barriers can be pushed into the ground without the removal or addition of any materials around the barriers, or the barriers can be set on top of a surface with soil and other materials backfilled around the barriers. With the barriers being two dimensional, the barriers can move upwards (out of the ground) over time or be easily pulled upwards, causing time and expense in reinstalling the barrier. Often times, when landscaping materials like stone, wood chips, or sand are used to surround the outer side of the barriers, a fabric is first placed on the ground with the landscaping material placed on top of the fabric. With the two-dimensional barrier and the fabric intersecting at or close to a right angle, creating a tight seal that prevents the landscaping material from slipping through the interface between the barrier and the fabric is difficult because the fabric tends to fold back over on itself. Thus, there is need for an edging that cannot be easily pulled upwards out of the ground and that is able to provide a seal between the edging and the fabric. 
     SUMMARY 
     A plant edging is disclosed herein that has an inner side and an outer side and includes a sidewall having a top end and a bottom end with the bottom end configured to engage soil, a head connected to the top end of the sidewall, and a rib connected to and extending away from the outer side near the bottom end of the sidewall to form a substantially V-shape with the bottom end of the sidewall. The rib has a distal end configured to engage soil. 
     A planter ring is disclosed herein that includes a wall that is annular in shape and has a radially inner side, a radially outer side, a top end, and a bottom end. The planter ring also includes a branch that is annular in shape and connected to the radially outer side of the wall near the bottom end with the branch extending to a point on a plane formed by a bottom of the planter ring. 
     A plant edging is disclosed herein that includes an annular frustoconical wall having an inner surface and a generally opposed outer surface, and an upper end and a lower end, with the upper end having a first diameter that is smaller than a second diameter of the lower end. The plant edging further includes a head connected to the upper end of the wall, wherein the head extends curvilinearly and radially inwardly from the upper end of the wall. A rib is connected to and extends outwardly from the outer surface near the bottom end of the wall, and the wall includes an opening that is configured to receive irrigation piping therethrough. The plant edging includes a plurality of elongate slots forming passages through the wall. 
     A method for inhibiting weed growth in proximity to a plant is disclosed herein, wherein the method includes providing a plant edging having a sloped wall defining a partial enclosure with an inner surface and a generally opposed outer surface, and the sloped wall having an upper end surrounding an upper opening to the partial enclosure, and a lower end surrounding a lower opening to the partial enclosure, with the sloped wall sloping inwardly from the lower end toward the upper end. The plant edging includes a head connected to an extending inwardly from the upper end of the wall, and a rib connected to and extending outwardly from and about the outer surface, and terminating in an outer edge, wherein the rib has an upper surface and a lower surface. The method includes placing a barrier film in proximity to a ground surface, and inserting the rib of the plant edging through an opening in the barrier film so that the barrier film is juxtaposed with the upper surface of the rib about the outer surface of the sloped wall, and so that the plant is capable of extending through the upper opening of the partial enclosure. 
     The present summary is provided only by way of example and not limitation. Other aspects of the present disclosure will be appreciated in view of the entirety of the present disclosure, including the entire text, claims, and accompanying figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a plant edging. 
         FIG. 1B  is a top plan view of the plant edging in  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1C  is an elevation view of the plant edging in  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1D  is a bottom plan view of the plant edging in  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1E  is a cross-sectional elevation view of the plant edging in  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2  a cross-sectional elevation view of the plant edging in  FIG. 1A  installed in a landscaping environment. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional elevation view of one embodiment of a plant edging. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional elevation view of another embodiment of a plant edging. 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a plant edging. 
         FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional elevation view of the plant edging of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a plant edging. 
         FIG. 6B  is a cross-sectional elevation view of the plant edging of  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 6C  is a side elevation view of the plant edging of  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 6D  is a top plan view of the plant edging in  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a plant edging. 
         FIG. 7B  is a cross-sectional elevation view of the plant edging of  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 7C  is a side elevation view of the plant edging of  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 7D  is a top plan view of the plant edging in  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a plant edging. 
         FIG. 8B  is a cross-sectional elevation view of the plant edging of  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 8C  is a side elevation view of the plant edging of  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 8D  is a top plan view of the plant edging in  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic illustration of a plant edging used in connection with a barrier film. 
     
    
    
     While the above-identified figures set forth embodiments of the present disclosure, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the discussion. In all cases, this disclosure presents the invention by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of the invention. The figures may not be drawn to scale, and applications and embodiments of the present invention may include features and components not specifically shown in the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A plant edging, which can also be configured in a continuous ring to form a planter ring, is disclosed herein having a sidewall, a head at a top end of the sidewall, and a rib connected to and extending away from an outer side of the sidewall. The plant edging provides protection to plants on an inner side of the plant edging and delineation from grass or other materials on an outer side of the plant edging. The rib, also called a branch, can form a substantially V-shape with a bottom end of the sidewall. The rib is configured to engage soil or a landscaping material, such as stone, gravel, wood chips, or sand, to prevent the plant edging from shifting or being pulled out of the ground in which the plant edging is installed. The rib is also configured to engage a fabric liner that is commonly utilized in landscaping, with the rib providing an angled surface to create a seal between the plant edging and fabric that prevents soil or the landscaping material from seeping through an interface between the two. 
     The prevention of soil seepage is a key component in preventing weed growth. Typical plant edging products fail to properly establish a barrier to soil movement, and particularly soil movement over the top of a weed barrier fabric. Once soil has overspread the weed barrier fabric, weeds can propagate on top of the fabric. The present plant edging addresses this problem by providing a sidewall and optionally a rib that are configured to engage with a weed barrier film in a manner that forms a seal between the plant edging and the weed barrier film. Soil that is used for the plant on a first side of the present plant edging is therefore prevented from seeping between the plant edging and the weed barrier film engaged to the second side of the plant edging. 
     The rib can extend at any angle and can be any length, including an angle that is as much as or more than sixty degrees from the sidewall and a length in which a distal end of the rib extends further downward than the bottom of the sidewall. Further, the rib and the bottom of the sidewall (the V-shape) can form a lift lip that connects the distal end of the rib and the bottom end of the sidewall to form a triangular member at the bottom of the pant edging for more support and strength. Teeth can be located on the bottom of the sidewall and on the distal end of the rib to aid in engagement of the plant edging with the soil or landscaping material. After reviewing the description and corresponding figures below, these and other benefits will be realized. 
       FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a plant edging,  FIG. 1B  is a top plan view of the plant edging in  FIG. 1A ,  FIG. 1C  is an elevation view of the plant edging in  FIG. 1A ,  FIG. 1D  is a bottom plan view of the plant edging in  FIG. 1A , and  FIG. 1E  is a cross-sectional elevation view of the plant edging in  FIG. 1A . Plant edging  20  (which, when in an annular shape, can also be referred to as a planter ring) includes radially inner side  22 , radially outer side  24 , sidewall  26  with top end  28  and bottom end  30 , head  32 , rib  34 , and teeth  38 . Rib  34  includes distal end  36  and rib flange  39 . 
     Plant edging  20  divides soil or another material adjacent to radially inner side  22  from a landscaping material adjacent to radially outer side  24 . Plants, such as flowers, bushes, trees, or vegetables, are planted and grow in the soil adjacent to radially inner side  22 , with plant edging  20  providing protection to the plants and ensuring the soil remains separate from the landscaping material. Plant edging  20  can be one continuous and monolithic piece that is molded or otherwise formed concurrently, or plant edging  20  can be a number of pieces fastened together through various means. Plant edging  20  can be constructed from a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, a composite material, a polymer, or another material. Plant edging  20  can be constructed from a flexible and resilient material that is able to bend and be rolled into a bale for storage and/or transportation or able to bend and curve during installation/placement to meet landscaping needs. Further, plant edging  20  can be curved to form a continuous ring (referred to as a planter ring) as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1E and 5A-5B . Plant edging  20  can have various heights depending on the depth of the landscaping material and other considerations, including a height that is approximately 12.45 centimeters (4.9 inches). Similarly, plant edging  20  can have any thickness depending on the strength/rigidity needed, the type of material plant edging  20  is constructed from, the type of material on radially inner side  22 , and the type of material used for the landscaping material. The height of plant edging  20  can vary along the length of plant edging  20 , and the thickness of plant edging  20  can vary along the height of plant edging  20 , including a greater thickness at bottom end  30  than a thickness at top end  28 . 
     If a ring such that plant edging is a planter ring (as in  FIGS. 1A-1E ), plant edging  20  can be configured to be a continuous and unending ring that surrounds and protects a plant or a number of plants, delineates the soil on radially inner side  22  from grass or other materials on radially outer side  24 , and provides a surface that a fabric used in landscaping can rest upon to form a seal between rib  34  and the fabric so that the landscaping material cannot seep into an area within plant edging  20 . Plant edging  20  can be any size, including a configuration that has a diameter measured between opposite radially inner sides  22  of sidewall  26  that is approximately 20.32 centimeters (8.0 inches) or 45.72 centimeters (18.0 inches). Further, while plant edging  20  is shown in  FIGS. 1A-1E  as a circular ring, plant edging  20  can have other shapes, such as a triangle, oval, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, or others. The circular configuration of plant edging  20  may be advantageous when used with one plant or a small number of plants, as individual plants can be surrounded by plant edging  20  without the need for the installer/landscaper to curve or bend plant edging  20  into place surrounding the plant or plants. 
     Sidewall  26  (also referred to as a wall) is the main structural component of plant edging  20  and extends from top end  28  to bottom end  30 . Sidewall  26  provides a barrier to separate soil (and plants) on radially inner side  22  from the landscaping material on radially outer side  24 . While sidewall  26  is shown in  FIGS. 1A-1E  as a straight extension between top end  28  and bottom end  30 , sidewall  26  can be slanted/angled, wavy, zig-zagged, or another configuration. Further, sidewall  26  can extend horizontally (i.e., in a circumferential direction in  FIGS. 1A-1E ) in a slanted/angled/sloped, wavy, curved, zig-zagged, or another configuration. Sidewall  26  can have flanges or other members that connect to sidewall  26  (such as an inward extending flange at bottom end  30 ) for increased strength or for other reasons. 
     Head  32  is connected to top end  28  of sidewall  26 . Head  32  can have a variety of configurations, including a solid circular cross-sectional member, a semi-circular cross-sectional member, a shepherds-hook shaped cross-sectional member, a rectangular cross-sectional member, a triangular cross-sectional member, or another configuration. Further, other embodiments of plant edging  20  can include a configuration that does not include a head. Head  32  can extend from radially inner side  22  (as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B ) or from radially outer side  24  (as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1E ). In  FIGS. 1A-1E , head  32  is a shepherds-hook shaped cross-sectional member that extends from radially outer side  24  of top end  28  of sidewall  26  and has a curved cross section in which an end of head  32  curves to a point between a semicircle and a full circle. Further, head  32  includes a flange that extends inward towards radially outer side  24  of sidewall  26  and also extends downwards towards rib  34 . Head  32  can have a hollow interior (within the shepherds-hook shaped cross-sectional member) or can be filled such that no void is present within head  32 . Head  32  provides strength and rigidity to plant edging  20 , and can be configured to be an aesthetically pleasing top to plant edging  20 . Because plant edging  20  is mostly buried by soil and the landscaping material, head  32  may be the only component of plant edging  20  that is in view after plant edging  20  has been installed. Thus, it may be desirable for head  32  to be aesthetically pleasing, such as a color, coating, or material that is different than the other components of plant edging  20 . Further, as may be desired, the shape and configuration of head  32  can vary along the horizontal length of plant edging  20  (i.e., in the circumferential direction). 
     Rib  34  (also referred to as a branch) is connected to and extends from radially outer side  24  near bottom end  30  of sidewall  26 . Rib  34  and bottom end  30  of sidewall  26  form a substantially V-shape with distal end  36  of rib  34  located at a point on rib  34  that is furthest from sidewall  26 . Rib  34  can extend away from sidewall  26  at any angle, including an angle that is between zero and ninety degrees. In the embodiment in  FIGS. 1A-1E , rib  34  extends away from sidewall  26  at a forty-five degree angle. Rib  34  can extend straight from sidewall  26  as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1E , or can have another configuration, such as waves, curves, or zig-zags. The configuration of rib  34  can vary along the horizontal length of plant edging  20  (i.e., in the circumferential direction). Rib  34  can have a same or a different thickness than the thickness of sidewall  26 , and rib  34  can have a varying thickness as rib  34  extends to distal end  36 . Rib  34  can have flanges or other members that connect to rib  34  for increased strength or for other reasons, such as radially outward extending rib flange  39  at distal end  36 . As shown in  FIGS. 1A-1E , rib flange  39  is present on rib  34  that extends from distal end  36  radially outwards towards the landscaping material. Rib flange  39  can provide a surface for teeth  38 , which will be described below. Bottom end  30  and distal end  36  of rib  34  can be connected to form a triangular lift lip, which can be a hollow member or a filled member that does not include a void. Such a configuration will be described in greater detail with regards to  FIG. 4 . With rib  34  being a lift lip, a bottom surface of rib  34  (i.e., the lift lip) can provide a greater area for teeth  38 . Further, the triangular lift lip may provide added strength and rigidity to rib  34  and bottom end  30 . 
     Distal end  36  of rib  34  can extend in a downward direction to a point that is on a plane formed by the bottom end  30  of sidewall  26  perpendicular to sidewall  26  (i.e., a plane formed by a bottom of the planter ring). Alternatively, distal end  36  of rib  34  can extend so that distal end  36  is at a point that is further downward from the plane formed by the bottom end  30  of sidewall  26  or is upward from the plane formed by the bottom end  30  of sidewall  26  (i.e., distal end  36  does not extend to the plane). 
     Teeth  38  are downwardly extending projections on a bottom side of bottom end  30  of sidewall  26  and on a bottom side of distal end  36  of rib  34 . Teeth  38  are able to engage soil or a material on which plant edging  20  is located by digging into the material. Teeth  38  can be as long or short as needed depending on the material plant edging  20  is constructed from and on the material on which plant edging  20  is located. Each tooth of teeth  38  can be triangular, semi-circular, rectangular, trapezoidal, or other shape and can extend a distance that is constant among teeth  38  or different from adjacent teeth  38 . While teeth  38  are shown in  FIGS. 1A-1E  as being present on both bottom end  30  of sidewall  26  and distal end  36  of rib  34 , teeth  38  can be present on only one, or plant edging  20  can be configured such that teeth  38  are not present. Teeth  38  in  FIGS. 1A-1E  are conical projections in a downward direction configured to engage soil or another material to better hold plant edging  20  in place. Teeth  38  span the entire circumferential length of bottom end  30  and rib  34  around plant edging  20 , but teeth  38  can have other configurations, such as only partially spanning the circumferential length of plant edging  20 , being a constant or varied space from adjacent teeth  38 , or being present only on one of bottom end  30  and rib  34 . 
     Distal end  36  of rib  34  includes rib flange  39 , which is a radially outward extending ledge. Rib flange  39  increases a bottom surface area of distal end  36  to provide a larger area to accommodate teeth  38 . Further, rib flange  39  increases a surface area of rib  34  to provide a greater surface on which landscaping material can be installed/filled, making removal of plant edging  20  more difficult after landscaping material is in place. Thus, rib flange  39  aids in preventing plant edging  20  from shifting or being pulled out of the ground because rib flange  39  allows more landscaping material to be filled in on top of rib  34 , increasing the weight and downward force the landscaping material exerts on rib  34  and plant edging  20 . 
     Rib  34  is configured to engage a fabric liner and provide a surface for creating a seal between rib  34  and the fabric to prevent soil or landscaping material from seeping into an area below the fabric and an area on radially inner side  22  of plant edging  20 . Because rib  34  is angled/slanted, the fabric rests on rib  34  without folding over as the fabric is inclined to do if rib  34  was not present (as will be described with regards to  FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 ). Without rib  34 , the fabric is adjacent to bottom end  30  and must make a ninety-degree turn to extend up radially outer side  24  of sidewall  26 . With rib  34  present, fabric  42  must only make a forty-five degree turn up rib  34  (or another angle in other embodiments of plant edging  20 ), providing a more suitable surface for the fabric to prevent the fabric from folding over onto itself and thus allowing a gap for the landscaping material to seep through the interface between plant edging  20  and the landscaping material. Further, after the landscaping material is filled in adjacent to radially outer side  24  so that the landscaping material is above rib  34 , plant edging  20  cannot be easily and unintentionally removed because rib  34  is below the landscaping material and held in place by the weight of the landscaping material. 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional elevation view of plant edging  20  in  FIG. 1A  installed in a landscaping environment. Plant edging  20  includes radially inner side  22 , radially outer side  24 , sidewall  26  with top end  28  and bottom end  30 , head  32 , rib  34 , and teeth  38 . Rib  34  includes distal end  36  and rib flange  39 . Also shown in  FIG. 2  but not part of plant edging  20  are landscaping material  40 , fabric  42 , soil  44 , and plant  46 . 
     Plant edging  20  in  FIG. 2  is shown with landscaping material  40  adjacent to radially outer side  24  and soil  44  adjacent to radially inner side  22 . Planted within soil  44  is plant  46 , which can be any type of plant, including flowers, bushes, trees, vegetables, or other plants. While the material on radially inner side  22  is designated as soil  44 , soil  44  can be other materials. Further, landscaping material  40  can be any type of material, including soil, rock, wood chips, gravel, sand, grass, or other materials. Plant edging  20  can be configured to fit any type and size of plants. Fabric  42  is placed between a surface of the ground and landscaping material  42  to prevent landscaping material  42  from mixing with the material that plant edging  20  and landscaping material  42  is installed upon. As stated above, plant edging  20  is configured to engage fabric  42  and provide a surface for creating a seal between plant edging  20  and fabric  42  to prevent soil  44  or landscaping material  40  from seeping into an area below fabric  42  and an area on radially inner side  22  of plant edging  20 . In some embodiments, fabric  42  can be placed on rib  34  (as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). In  FIG. 2 , fabric  42  is configured to extend over a top of rib  34 , up radially outer side  24  of sidewall  26 , and wrap around a void within head  32 . Because fabric  42  is wrapped within the void within head  32 , fabric  42  is held in place without folding over onto itself and thus provides a seal between fabric  42  and plant edging  20 . The configuration of fabric  42  extending into the void within head  32  can be utilized with other embodiments, and plant edging  20  can include other components to hold fabric  42 . 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional elevation view of one embodiment of a plant edging. Similar to plant edging  20 , plant edging  120  includes inner side  122 , outer side  124 , sidewall  126  with top end  128  and bottom end  130 , head  132 , rib  134  with distal end  136 , and teeth  138 . Also shown in  FIG. 3  but not part of plant edging  120  are landscaping material  140  and fabric  142 . 
     Plant edging  120  is similar in configuration and functionality to plant edging  20 , except that head  132  of plant edging  120  is a semi-circular cross-sectional member, and plant edging  120  does not have an annular shape. Also, fabric  142  extends only to a point where rib  134  connects to sidewall  126 . 
     In  FIG. 3 , head  132  extends from outer side  124  of top end  128  of sidewall  126  and has a semi-circular cross-sectional member with a flat, partially inwardly extending and partially downwardly extending flange. Head  132  extends out from outer side  124  of top end  128  of sidewall  126 . Head  132  can have a hollow interior (within the semi-circular cross section) or can be filled such that no void is present within head  32 . The configuration of head  132  in  FIG. 3  can provide additional strength and rigidity to plant edging  120 , and can be an aesthetically pleasing top to plant edging  120  because plant edging  120 , when installed, is mostly buried by soil and landscaping material  142 . As may be desired, the shape and configuration of head  132  can vary along a horizontal length of plant edging  120  (i.e., into the page in  FIG. 3 ). 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional elevation view of another embodiment of a plant edging. Similar to plant edging  20  in  FIGS. 1A-1E and 2  and plant edging  120  in  FIG. 3 , plant edging  220  includes inner side  222 , outer side  224 , sidewall  226  with top end  228  and bottom end  230 , head  232 , rib  234  with distal end  236 , teeth  238 , and lift lip  248 . Also shown in  FIG. 4  but not part of plant edging  220  are landscaping material  240  and fabric  242 . 
     Plant edging  220  is similar in configuration and functionality to plant edging  20  in and plant edging  120 , except that head  232  of plant edging  220  has a filled in, circular cross section, and plant edging  220  includes lip lift  248 , which forms a filled in triangular member in conjunction with bottom end  230  and rib  234 . 
     Head  232  has a cross section that is circular in shape and extends from outer side  224  of top end  228  of sidewall  226 . Head  232  is filled in such that no void is present within head  232 , but other configurations can include a head that has a hollow interior. The configuration of head  232  in  FIG. 3  can provide additional strength and rigidity to plant edging  220 , and can be an aesthetically pleasing top to plant edging  220  because plant edging  220 , when installed, is mostly buried by soil and landscaping material  240 . While head  232  is shown as having a circular cross section, head  232  can have other shapes and configurations, such as an oval shape, a square or rectangular shape, a triangular shape, or another shape. Also, head  232  can extend directly upward from top end  228  of sidewall  226  such that a portion of head  232  is on inner side  222  and a portion of head  232  is on outer side  224 . As may be desired, the shape and configuration of head  132  can vary along a horizontal length of plant edging  220  (i.e., into the page in  FIG. 4 ). 
     Lift lip  248  connects bottom end  230  of sidewall  226  and rib  234  to form a triangular-shaped member connected to outer side  224  of bottom end  230  of sidewall  226 . Lift lip  248  can be filled such that no void is present within lift lip  248 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , or can have a hollow interior. The configuration of lift lip  248  can provide additional strength and rigidity to plant edging  220 , including bottom end  230  and rib  234 . Further, the configuration of plant edging  220  including lift lip  248  provides a greater downward-facing surface area to which teeth  238  can be connected to and extend from to engage the soil or another material. Bottom end  230 , rib  234 , and lift lip  248  can have other shapes and configurations, including a stair-stepping configuration, a curved configuration, or another shape. The shape and configuration of bottom end  230 , rib  234 , and lift lip  248  can vary along a horizontal length of plant edging  220  (i.e., into the page in  FIG. 4 ). 
       FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a plant edging, and  FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional elevation view of the plant edging of  FIG. 5A . Plant edging  320  includes radially inner side  322 , radially outer side  324 , sidewall  326 , head  332 , rib  334  with distal end  336 , and teeth  338 . Sidewall includes top end  328 , bottom end  330 , and hoop  331  at bottom end  330 . Angle θ 1  is an angle between vertical line L and rib  334 , while angle θ 2  is an angle between vertical line L and radially outer side  324  of sidewall  326 . The configuration and functionality of plant edging  320  is similar to that of plant edging  20  of  FIGS. 1A-1E and 2 , plant edging  120  of  FIG. 3 , and plant edging  220  of  FIG. 4 . Like plant edging  20 , plant edging  320  is configured to be a continuous and unending ring that surrounds and protects a plant or a number of plants, delineates the soil on radially inner side  322  from the landscaping materials on radially outer side  324 , and provides a surface that a fabric used in landscaping can rest upon to form a seal between rib  334  and the fabric so that landscaping material cannot seep into an area within plant edging  320 . 
     Plant edging  320  can be constructed from the same materials as plant edging  20 . Plant edging  320  can be one continuous and monolithic piece that is molded or otherwise formed concurrently, or plant edging  320  can be a number of pieces fastened together through various means. Similar to plant edging  20 , plant edging  320  can be any size, including a configuration that has a diameter measured between opposite sides of a radially innermost point of head  332  that is approximately 20.32 centimeters (8.0 inches) or 45.72 centimeters (18.0 inches). Further, while plant edging  320  is shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  as a circular ring, plant edging  320  can have other shapes, such as a triangle, oval, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, or others. Plant edging  320  can have a variety of heights depending on a depth of the landscaping material, a size and type of plant within plant edging  320 , the type of material used within plant edging  320 , and other considerations. For example, plant edging  320  can have a height that is approximately 12.45 centimeters (4.9 inches). Plant edging  320  can have any thickness depending on the strength/rigidity needed, the type of material plant edging  320  is constructed from, and the type and density of soil and the landscaping material. The height of plant edging  320  can vary along a circumferential length of plant edging  320 , and a thickness of plant edging  320  can vary along the height and/or circumferential length of plant edging  320 , including a greater thickness at bottom end  330  than a thickness at top end  328 . 
     Sidewall  326  is angled/slanted inward such that top end  328  is radially inward from bottom end  330 . Sidewall  326  is angled from vertical line L at angle θ 2 . Sidewall  326  can be slanted at any angle  02  when measured from vertical line L (i.e., perpendicular to a plane formed by a bottom of plant edging  320 ). In plant edging  320 , sidewall  326  is slanted at angle θ 2  that is an approximately ten degree angle, but angle θ 2  can be more or less depending on design considerations and preferences. On bottom end  330  of sidewall  326  is hoop  331 , which is an unslanted, downwardly extending cylinder. Hoop  331  and the slanted portion of sidewall  326  connect to one another near a point where rib  334  and sidewall  326  connect. Hoop  331  can provide more strength and rigidity in plant edging  320  in the area near bottom end  330 . While the embodiment of plant edging  320  in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  is shown to have hoop  331 , other embodiments with a slanted sidewall  326  do not need to include hoop  331 . 
     Rib  334  extends from radially outer side  324  at a point near where sidewall  326  and hoop  331  connect. Rib  334  is similar to rib  34  of  FIGS. 1A-1E and 2 . However, as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , rib  334  extends from radially outer side  324  at angle θ 1  that is approximately sixty degrees when measured from vertical line L (i.e., perpendicular to a plane formed by a bottom of plant edging  320 ). While θ 1  is shown as a sixty degree angle, angle θ 1  can be more or less depending on design considerations and preferences. With angle θ 1  being sixty degrees, rib  334  extends further radially outward than if angle θ 1  was smaller because distal end  336  of rib  334  extends to a point that is on a plane formed by a bottom of plant edging  320  and, particularly, formed by a bottom side of hoop  331 . 
     Head  332  has the same functionality as head  32  in  FIGS. 1A-1E and 2 , but head  332  extends radially inward from radially inner side  322  of top end  328 . Head  332  can have a variety of configurations, including a solid circular cross-sectional member, a semi-circular cross-sectional member, a shepherds-hook shaped cross-sectional member, a rectangular cross- sectional member, a triangular cross-sectional member, or another configuration. Further, other embodiments of plant edging  320  can include a configuration in which head  332  extends radially outward from radially outer side  324  of top end  328  or a configuration that does not include a head. In  FIGS. 5A and 5B , head  332  is a semi-circular cross-sectional member. Head  332  can have a hollow interior (within the semi-circular section) or can be filled such that no void is present within head  332 . Head  332  provides strength and rigidity to plant edging  320 , and can be configured to be an aesthetically pleasing top to plant edging  320 . Because plant edging  320  is mostly buried by soil and landscaping material, head  332  may be the only component of plant edging  320  that is in view after plant edging  320  has been installed. Thus, it may be desirable for head  332  to be aesthetically pleasing, such as a color, coating, or material that is different than the other components of plant edging  320 . Further, as may be desired, the shape and configuration of head  332  can vary along a circumferential length of plant edging  320 . 
     Teeth  338  are downwardly extending projections on a bottom side of hoop  331  and on a bottom side of distal end  336  of rib  334 . Teeth  338  are able to engage soil or a material on which plant edging  320  is located by digging into the material. Teeth  338  can have any configuration as needed, such as a trapezoidal shape as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . Teeth  338  can be present on neither, one, or both of hoop  331  and distal end  336  of rib  334 . 
     With plant edging  320  having an angled/slanted sidewall  326  such that a top of the planter ring has a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of a bottom of the planter ring, multiple annular plant edgings  320  can be stacked on one another during storage and transportation to increase efficiency and save space. 
       FIGS. 6A-6D  illustrate another embodiment of a plant edging, wherein plant edging  420  includes a radially inner side or surface  422 , a generally opposed outer side or surface  424 , an annular wall  426 , head  432 , and rib  434 . Annular wall  426  includes an upper end  428  and a bottom end  430 . Angle θ 1  is an angle between vertical line L and rib  434 , while angle θ 2  is an angle between vertical line L and outer surface  424  of annular wall  426 . Like plant edging  20 , plant edging  420  is configured to be a continuous and unending ring that surrounds and protects and plant or a number of plants, delineates the soil on a radially inner side  422  from the landscaping materials on radially outer side  424 , and provides a surface that a fabric or film used in landscaping can rest upon to form a barrier between rib  434  and the film so that landscaping material is impeded from seeping into an area within plant edging  420 . 
     Plant edging  420  may be constructed from the same materials as plant edging  20 . Plant edging  420  may be one continuous and monolithic piece that is molded or otherwise formed concurrently, or plant edging  420  may be a number of pieces fastened together through various means. Similar to plant edging  20 , plant edging  420  may be any size, including a configuration that has a diameter measured between opposite sides of a radially innermost point of head  432  that is approximately 20.32 cm (8.0 in) or 45.72 cm (18.0 in). Further, while plant edging  420  is shown in  FIGS. 6A-6D  as a circular ring, plant edging  420  may have other shapes, such as a triangle, oval, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, or others. Plant edging  420  may have a variety of heights depending on a depth of the landscaping material, a size and type of plant within plant edging  420 , the type of material used within plant edging  420 , and other considerations. For example, plant edging  420  may have a height that is approximately 12.45 cm (4.9 in). Plant edging  420  may have any thickness depending on the strength/rigidity required, the type of material plant edging  420  is constructed from, and the type and density of soil and the landscaping material. The height of plant edging  420  may vary along a circumferential length of plant edging  420 , and a thickness of plant edging  420  may vary along the height and/or circumferential length of plant edging  420 , including a greater thickness at lower end  430  than a thickness at upper end  328 . 
     Annular wall  426  may be angled/slanted/sloped inwardly such that upper end  428  is radially inward from lower end  430 . In other words, upper end  428  may have a first diameter that is smaller than a second diameter of the lower end  430 . Annular wall  426  may accordingly be considered frustoconical in shape. Annular wall  426  may be angled or sloped from vertical line L at angle θ 2 . While wall  426  may be consistently or inconsistently sloped at any angle θ 2  when measured from vertical line L (i.e., perpendicular to a plane formed by a bottom of plant edging  420 ), wall  426  may preferably be sloped at an angle θ 2  of between about 5-30°, but may be more or less depending on design considerations and preferences. In a particular embodiment, angle θ 2  may be approximately 10°. 
     Rib  434  is connected to and extends outwardly from outer surface  424  near bottom end  430  of wall  426 . Rib  434  extends from outer surface  424  at an angle θ 1  that is between about 90-150° when measured from vertical line L (i.e. perpendicular to a plane formed by bottom of plant edging  420 ). In some embodiments, angle θ 1  may be between about 100-140°, and more preferably between about 110-130°. Rib  434  may be similar to rib  34  of  FIGS. 1A-1E and 2 , and may terminate in a distal end  436 . 
     Head  432  preferably has the same functionality as head  32  in  FIGS. 1A-1E and 2 , but head  432  extends curvilinearly and radially inward from upper end  428  of wall  426 , and terminates at annular lip  433 . In the illustrated embodiment, annular lip  433  and upper end  428  of wall  426  are contained in a first plane  435 . Head  432  may have a variety of configurations, including a solid circular cross-sectional member, a semi-circular cross-sectional member, a shepherds-hook shaped cross-sectional member, or other configuration. Head  432  may have a hollow interior, or may be filled such that no void is present within head  432 . Head  432  provides strength and rigidity to plant edging  420 , and may be configured to be an aesthetically pleasing top to plant edging  420 . In addition, head  432  may be configured to engage with an upper edge of conventional plant edging, such as that which may already be present at the landscaping location. In such embodiments, head  432  may engage over the top of such another plant edging section or material. Because plant edging  420  may be mostly buried by soil and landscaping material, head  432  may be the only component of plant edging  420  that is in view after plant edging  420  has been installed. Thus, it may be desirable for head  432  to be aesthetically pleasing, such as a color, coating, shape, or material that is different than the other components of plant edging  420 . Further, as may be desired, the shape and configuration of head  432  may vary along a circumferential length of plant edging  420 . 
     Plant edging  420  includes one or more openings  450  in annular wall  426  that are configured to receive irrigation piping therethrough. Opening  450  therefore extends through a thickness of annular wall  426 , and may be coin figured as desired to properly support and permit passage of irrigation piping therethrough. In some embodiments, an array of openings  450  may be distributed equidistantly or otherwise about annular wall  426 . 
     Plant edging  420  may include a plurality of elongated slots  460  forming passages through annular wall  426 . In some embodiments, elongated slots  460  may be arrayed substantially about an entirety of annular wall  426 . The array of elongated slots  460  may be equidistantly spaced from one another about annular wall  426 . In some embodiments, elongated slots  426  may be oriented parallel to one another along a general direction from lower end  430  toward upper end  428 . The elongated slots  450  may represent passive water openings between a weed barrier film and an interior region defined by plant edging  420  to permit water and other nutrients to seep through annular wall  426  as nourishment to one or more plants positioned in the interior region defined by plant edging  420 . 
     With plant edging  420  having an angled/slanted/sloped wall  426  such that an upper end  428  has a first diameter that is smaller than the second diameter of the lower end  430 , multiple annular plant edgings  420  may be stacked upon one another during storage and transportation to increase efficiency and save space. 
     A footprint F of plant edging  420  is illustrated in  FIG. 6D , and may be defined as the largest area of a surface covered by plant edging  420  when plant edging  420  is positioned with rib  434  juxtaposed with such surface. In the illustrated embodiment, footprint F is a circle with the illustrated diameter. Other arrangements for footprint F are contemplated as a result of the variety of shapes of plant edging  420  contemplated by the present invention. 
     Another embodiment of plant edging  520  is illustrated in  FIGS. 7A-7D . Similar to plant edging  420 , plant edging  520  includes an inner side or surface  522 , outer side or surface  524 , annular wall  526  with an upper end  528  and lower end  530 , head  532 , and rib  534 . Plant edging  520  is similar in configuration and functionality to plant edging  420 , except that plant edging  520  does not include the plurality of elongated slots  460 . However, plant edging  520  does include one or more stand-off plates  570  connected to outer surface  524  of wall  526  and to rib  534 . In some embodiments, plant edging  520  may include a plurality of stand-off plates arrayed around wall  526 , which array may include equidistantly-spaced stand-off plates  570 . The stand-off plates  570  may be present to create an opening between outer surface  524  and the weed barrier film to permit water and other nutrients in around plant edging  520 . Moreover, stand-off plates  570  may be provided as an aid in packaging and delivering, to maintain a gap between adjacent stacked plant edgings  520  that facilitates manual separation of the stacked plant edgings  520 . 
     Another embodiment of plant edging  620  is illustrated in  FIGS. 8A-8D . Similar to plant edging  420 , plant edging  620  includes an inner side or surface  622 , outer side or surface  624 , annular wall  626  with an upper end  628  and a lower end  630 , head  632 , and rib  634 . Plant edging  620  is similar in configuration and functionality to plant edging  420 ,  520  except that plant edging  620  includes both of the elongated slots  660  and one or more stand-off plates  670  connected to outer surface  624  of wall  626 , and to rib  634 . 
     Plant edging  20 / 120 / 220 / 320 / 420 / 520 / 620 , which can also be configured in a ring to form a planter ring, is disclosed herein having sidewall  26 / 126 / 226 / 326 / 426 / 526 / 626 , head  32 / 132 / 232 / 332 / 432 / 532 / 632  at top end  28 / 128 / 228 / 328 / 428 / 528 / 628  of sidewall  26 / 126 / 226 / 326 / 426 / 526 / 626 , and rib  34 / 134 / 234 / 334 / 434 / 534 / 634  connected to and extending away from outer side  22 / 122 / 222 / 322 / 422 / 522 / 622  of plant edging  20 / 120 / 220 / 320 / 420 / 520 / 620 . Plant edging  20 / 120 / 220 / 320 / 420 / 520 / 620  provides protection to plants on inner side  24 / 124 / 224 / 324 / 424 / 524 / 624  and delineation from grass or other landscaping materials on outer side  22 / 122 / 222 / 322 / 422 / 522 / 622 . Rib  34 / 134 / 234 / 334 / 434 / 534 / 624 , also called a branch, can form a substantially V-shape with bottom end  30 / 130 / 230 / 330 / 430 / 530  of sidewall  26 / 126 / 226 / 326 / 426 / 526 / 626 . Rib  34 / 134 / 234 / 334 / 434 / 534 / 634  is configured to engage soil or landscaping material  42 / 142 / 242 , such as stone/gravel, wood chips, or sand, to prevent plant edging  20 / 120 / 220 / 320 / 420 / 520 / 620  from shifting or being pulled out of the ground. Rib  34 / 134 / 234 / 334 / 434 / 534 / 634  is also configured to engage fabric  42 / 142 / 242 , which is a film or liner that is commonly utilized in landscaping, with rib  34 / 134 / 234 / 334 / 434 / 534 / 634  by providing an angled surface to create a seal between plant edging  20 / 120 / 220 / 320 / 420 / 520  and fabric  42 / 142 / 242  that prevents soil or landscaping material  40 / 140 / 240  from seeping through an interface between the two. Rib  34 / 134 / 234 / 334 / 434 / 534 / 634  can extend at any angle and can be any length, including an angle that is as much as or more than sixty degrees from sidewall  26 / 126 / 226 / 326 / 426 / 526 / 626  and a length in which distal end  36 / 136 / 236 / 336 / 436 / 536 / 636  of rib  34 / 134 / 234 / 334 / 434 / 534 / 634  extends further downward than bottom end  30 / 130 / 230 / 330 / 430 / 530 / 630  of sidewall  26 / 126 / 226 / 326 / 426 / 526 / 626 . Further, rib  34 / 134 / 234 / 334 / 434 / 534 / 634  and bottom end  30 / 130 / 230 / 330 / 430 / 530 / 630  of sidewall  26 / 126 / 226 / 326 / 426 / 526 / 626  (the V-shape) can form lift lip  248  that connects distal end  36 / 136 / 236 / 336 / 436 / 536 / 636  of rib  34 / 134 / 234 / 334 / 434 / 534 / 634  and bottom end  30 / 130 / 230 / 330 / 430 / 530 / 630  to form a triangular member at the bottom of pant edging  20 / 120 / 220 / 320 / 420 / 520 / 620  for more support and strength. Teeth  38 / 138 / 238 / 338  can be located on bottom end  30 / 130 / 230 / 330 / 430 / 530 / 630  of sidewall  26 / 126 / 226 / 326 / 426 / 526 / 626  and on distal end  36 / 136 / 236 / 336 / 436 / 536 / 636  of rib  34 / 134 / 234 / 334 / 434 / 534 / 634  to aid in engagement of plant edging  20 / 120 / 220 / 320 / 420 / 520 / 620  with the soil or landscaping material  40 / 140 / 240 . 
     The plant edging of the present invention is envisioned for use in connection with a barrier film, such as landscape fabric, to establish a weed-inhibited zone for plantings, wherein the plant edging interacts with the barrier film to substantially seal an opening in the barrier film made for the planting. The plant edging of the present invention therefore provides a mechanism to substantially seal openings in weed-inhibiting barrier films, so that the act of planting through a barrier film does not introduce an opportunity for weed growth at the opening. 
     To inhibit weed growth in proximity to a plant, a plant edging as described herein may form a partial enclosure through which a plant may grow, with an outer side of the partial enclosure engaging with a barrier film. The plant edging may preferably have a sloped wall defining a partial enclosure with an inner surface, and a generally opposed outer surface. The sloped wall of the plant edging may include an upper end surrounding an upper opening to the partial enclosure and a lower end, with the sloped wall sloping inwardly from the lower end toward the upper end. Such a plant edging, as described elsewhere herein, includes a head connected to and extending inwardly from the upper end of the wall, and a rib connected to and extending outwardly from and about the outer surface and terminating in an outer edge. A barrier film, such as fabric  42 / 142 / 242  may be placed in proximity to a ground surface, and the rib  34 / 134 / 234 / 334 / 434 / 534 / 634  of the plant edging  20 / 120 / 220 / 320 / 420 / 520 / 620  may be inserted through an opening in the barrier film  42 / 142 / 242  so that the barrier film  42 / 142 / 242  is juxtaposed with the upper surface of the rib  34 / 134 / 234 / 334 / 434 / 534 / 634  about the outer surface of the sloped wall  26 / 126 / 226 / 326 / 426 / 526 / 626 , and so that the plant is capable of extending through the upper opening of the partial enclosure. 
     An example arrangement of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 9 , wherein a plant edging  720  has been inserted through an opening  743  in barrier film  742  so that the barrier film  742  is juxtaposed with the upper surface of the rib (not shown) about the outer surface  724  of sloped wall  726 . The plant  746  is illustrated as extending through the upper opening  780  defined by plant edging  720 . As depicted in  FIG. 9 , opening  743  in barrier film  742  is smaller than a plant edging footprint defined by the rib, wherein the rib is tucked underneath the barrier film  742  when installed through opening  743 . 
     Any relative terms or terms of degree used herein, such as “substantially,” “essentially,” “generally,” “approximately,” and the like should be interpreted in accordance with and subject to any applicable definitions or limits expressly stated herein. In all instances, any relative terms or terms of degree used herein should be interpreted to broadly encompass any relevant disclosed embodiments as well as such ranges or variations as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art in view of the entirety of the present disclosure, such as to encompass ordinary manufacturing tolerance variations; incidental alignment variations; alignment or shape variations induced by thermal, rotational, or vibrational operational conditions; and the like. While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.