2009 gardening inventions

Woolly Pockets enable the average homeowner to create lush living walls. The soft-sided, breathable garden containers are made from recycled plastic bottles and have built-in moisture protection which helps protect floors and walls from getting wet.

TIME Magazine named the Woolly Pocket Living Walls and Vertical Gardens two of their 50 best inventions of 2009. Designers say they are easy to install, and totally modular with the ability to work in combinations or singly.

The containers are available in two styles: those designed to be placed on horizontal surfaces, and those designed to be hung on walls for vertical gardening. Use them indoors or out. Check them out at www.woollypocket.com

Jim Ugone, a seasoned entrepreneur and expert horticulturist, founded U CAN Brand watering cans in June. Ugone was searching for a singular solution to multiple tasks by creating an all-in-one watering can for his gardening needs. In seeking to eliminate his frustration with the inconvenience of using fertilizers, he developed a brand new way to simplify watering and fertilizing. If you examine the prototype pictured on his website, I think you’ll agree he’s on to something: www.theucanbrand.com

Described as “anti-freeze, for your plants,” a new, non-toxic spray by the Liquid Fence Company improves plants’ natural cold tolerance up to 9.4 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the variety of plant. Developed by botanists, FreezePruf™ protects the plant externally and systemically (throughout the plant) by enhancing both its natural “anti-freeze” like properties and its ability to survive ice crystal damage.

Manufacturers say FreezePruf can be applied at any temperature above freezing, but for best results, apply when the temperature is above 50˚F and a minimum of eight to 12 hours before an anticipated freeze. It can also be applied seasonally, in anticipation of future cold events within the upcoming four to six weeks. Since this product extends the growing season, it’s purported to be perfect for perennials as well as fruit and vegetable plants. The guaranteed protection lasts up to six weeks.

The biodegradable formula is designed to resist washing away by rain or snow and one application lasts up to six weeks. More info at: www.liquidfence.com/FreezePruf.html

From the Hammacher Schlemmer company there’s a nifty ultrasonic barking dog deterrent disguised as a birdhouse. When a dog barks within range it emits a harmless ultrasonic tone, inaudible to humans that startles the dog into silence. View this at:

http://tinyurl.com/y8kpvab