WO2009122210A1

WO2009122210A1 - A planting tray

Info

Publication number: WO2009122210A1
Application number: PCT/GB2009/050318
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ian Wolfenden
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-04-01
Filing date: 2009-04-01
Publication date: 2009-10-08
Anticipated expiration: 2010-10-01
Also published as: GB2458904A; GB0805834D0

Abstract

A planting tray(300)is provided for creating a vertical garden. The planting tray (300) comprises a container (320) for receiving a growing substrate such as soil in which plants are to be grown in use, a lid (340) for covering the container (320), the lid (340) being arranged to allow plants to grow through the lid (340), and attachment means for removably attaching the planting tray (300) to a mounting surface which is substantially vertical so that the planting tray (300) is configurable from a substantially horizontal position in which the lid (340) is arranged to cover the container (320) to a substantially vertical position in which the planting tray (300) creates a vertical garden. The container (320) comprises at least one partition (322) acting to define a plurality of compartments (324) within the container (320). The compartments (324) are arranged to be vertically one on top of another in use when the planting tray (300) is attached to the mounting surface.The lid (340) defines at least one combined irrigation and drainage aperture (341), the combined irrigation and drainage aperture being arranged so that water is able to enter a compartment (324) of the container (320) through the combined irrigation and drainage aperture when the planting tray (300) is in the substantially horizontal position. The partition is arranged to guide waterthrough the combined irrigation and drainage aperture to an outside surface of the lid (340) when the planting tray (300) is in the substantially vertical position. In this way, a planting tray (300) is able to be brought into a ready-to-display state ina horizontal position relatively easily, and when in a vertical position is prevented from being waterlogged.

Description

A Planting Tray

Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to a planting tray, and more particularly to a planting tray for creating a vertical garden.

Background of the Invention

Vertical gardens have been used by architects and interior/exterior building designers for several years. Chiefly, vertical gardens have been used to decorate the exterior and interior of various buildings, such as museums, art galleries and shopping centres.

Vertical gardens can be mounted against a wall, or can be used independently as a privacy barrier. A single or multi-sided vertical garden can also be used as a freestanding architectural feature. Vertical gardens may be located both indoors and out, and offer many functional, environmental and aesthetic benefits.

In exterior applications, vertical gardens provide a form of urban gardening. This allows good use of otherwise unutilized vertical surface areas. They may be built as a work of art for their own sake, or they may be incorporated into roadside advertising or other commercial display applications. Functionally, a vertical garden can clad an existing structural wall thereby extending the lifespan of traditional exterior wall materials and reducing heating and cooling energy costs.

Indoors, vertical gardens can provide a pleasing natural feature for building occupants. They can also improve the quality of re-circulated air through photosynthetic production of oxygen. Also, bacteria on the roots of the plants metabolize air impurities such as volatile organic compounds, further improving air quality. So called active walls may be joined to a building's air circulation system where fans blow air through the wall and then re-circulate the air throughout the building. Some active walls are kept behind glass to create more predictable airflow effects. Inactive walls have no mechanized air circulation. Instead, they are kept open to promote as much free air circulation as possible.

Vertical gardens, both indoor and outdoor, also provide a means for water reuse, at least as utility water. The plants of a vertical garden may purify slightly polluted water (such as greywater) by digesting the dissolved nutrients, with bacteria mineralizing the organic components to make them available to the plants.

Typically, a vertical garden will be either freestanding or installed directly on an existing wall surface. Many systems use a lightweight mineral substrate of different sizes with pockets of growing medium, alternative rainwater, drip or mist watering systems, and planting selected for the particular microclimatic conditions at its installed location. Such systems are highly specialised and expensive.

The vegetation of vertical gardens is typically grown from seed after the other components of the vertical garden are installed. This growing period results in increased maintenance costs, loss of growth medium from wind erosion in exterior applications and other natural forces, and delays the realization of benefits from the vertical garden. Vertical gardens installed in this fashion are also typically permanent or semi-permanent fixtures and, as such, render repairs to the underlying wall difficult and expensive.

In cases where vertical gardens are installed on existing structural walls, significant alterations may be required to the existing wall surface to accommodate a permanent or semipermanent installation. Existing cladding may not be capable of suitable attachment, or sustaining long-term direct contact with water and growth media. Permanent and semipermanent installations are also typically static in their design, with the structure and site- grown plant selection being established at the time of installation. Any desired structural or planting changes, for either functional, commercial or aesthetic reasons, would require disrupting or replacing the established vertical garden, thereby incurring more maintenance costs and delays in benefit from the new living wall design.

Thus, there is a need for an improved plant support structure and system for use in a vertical garden application that overcomes some or all of the disadvantages evident in current vertical garden designs.

In particular, it is an aim of the invention to provide an improved plant support structure and device which allows, in particular, domestic users to create a vertical garden quickly, cheaply and easily.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

The invention, in one broad aspect, is a planting tray for creating a vertical garden.

Compared with the prior art, the planting tray is modified so as to enable the bringing on of plants to full or partial maturity before the planting tray is mounted on a vertical surface, such as a wall. This is achieved by designing the planting tray to be suitable for growing plants to full or partial maturity in a horizontal configuration, for example in a greenhouse. Only later, once the plants are ready for display, is the planting tray hung on the wall to create a vertical garden.

In this way, garden centres or nurseries can create and sell pre-planted ready to display planting trays to the end consumer, for immediate hanging. The end consumer does not need to create the planting tray themselves, although they have the choice to do so if they wish. Installation is quick and easy and the vertical garden has instant appeal, being ready to display from the moment the planting trays are hung on the wall. Replacement planting trays can be prepared in advance, either by the garden centres or nurseries, or by the end consumer. Again, the planting trays allow for maturation in a horizontal configuration, thus making for an easy to maintain system in which planting trays containing tired plants can be replaced by ready to display plants very quickly, with a transition period lasting the time taken to exchange the planting trays. In other words, the invention allows a vertical garden to look brilliant all of the time, thus increasing interest and commercial potential.

In one aspect, the invention is realised by creating at least one combined irrigation and drainage hole, or aperture, in the planting tray.

When the planting tray is in the horizontal configuration, the aperture acts to channel water into the planting tray, thus irrigating soil contained in the planting tray and making the watering process much easier in practice. The aperture acting in this way is particularly important for garden centres and nurseries which are able to undertake large-scale cultivation of many hundreds of pre-planted trays. The aperture also makes watering easier for the smaller-scale individual.

When the planting tray is attached to the wall in a vertical position, the aperture also acts to drain water from the planting tray, thus keeping the soil from becoming saturated in use. In practice, this is brought about by the relative position of the combined irrigation and drainage aperture with an internal surface of the planting tray, such as an internal partition or perimeter wall. This relative arrangement causes water to be guided along the internal partition, say, to the combined irrigation and drainage aperture, so that water is able to drain from within the planting tray in use. This is especially useful where there are a plurality of compartments in the planting tray arranged vertically one on top of the other, because the higher compartments can be effectively drained without the drain water entering into the lower compartments in any substantial quantity. In practice, a drainage system without the features of the present invention would cause individual compartments to become saturated during irrigation in a vertical position, or would cause the lower-most compartment to become heavily saturated. In other words, the invention provides a relatively even growing environment for the plants over the full height of the plating tray when hung. This arrangement also means that control of an irrigation system need be much less sensitive. More particularly, an aspect of the invention provides a planting tray for creating a vertical garden in which the planting tray comprises: a container for receiving a growing substrate such as soil in which plants are to be grown in use; a lid for covering the container, the lid being arranged to allow plants to grow through the lid; and attachment means for removeably attaching the planting tray to a mounting surface which is substantially vertical so that the planting tray is configurable from a substantially horizontal position in which the lid is arranged to cover the container to a substantially vertical position in which the planting tray creates a vertical garden. The container comprises at least one partition acting to define a plurality of compartments within the container, the compartments being arranged to be vertically one on top of another in use when the planting tray is attached to the mounting surface. The lid defines at least one combined irrigation and drainage aperture, the combined irrigation and drainage aperture being arranged so that water is able to enter a compartment of the container through the combined irrigation and drainage aperture when the planting tray is in the substantially horizontal position. The partition is arranged to guide water through the combined irrigation and drainage aperture to an outside surface of the lid when the planting tray is in the substantially vertical position.

Preferably, the lid comprises a channel on the outside surface acting with the combined irrigation and drainage aperture to capture and channel water into the compartment when the planting tray is in the substantially horizontal position. Preferably, the combined irrigation and drainage aperture is located at a lower-most point of the channel.

Preferably, the lid comprises a raised perimeter acting to capture and channel water into the compartment, via the combined irrigation and drainage aperture, when the planting tray is in the substantially horizontal position.

Preferably, the lid comprises one or more planting holes arranged to correspond with each compartment. Alternatively, or additionally, the lid is arranged to be cut in use to accommodate relatively large plants which would otherwise not be able to be planted through the planting holes.

Preferably, the planting tray comprises a support frame arranged to provide structural support to the container. Preferably, the support frame comprises at least one first arm arranged to extend substantially vertically when the planting tray is attached to the mounting surface in use. Preferably, the support frame comprises at least one second arm arranged to extend substantially horizontally when the planting tray is attached to the mounting surface in use. Preferably, the support frame comprises upper and lower substantially horizontal arms.

Preferably, the end of each arm is arranged to follow the contour of the container so as to be adjacent the container where the container meets the Nd. Preferably, the planting tray comprises a top cover arranged to overlay the Nd. Preferably, the top cover is a mesh to support the lid and to give mechanical strength to the planting tray.

Preferably, at least two of the support frame, container, lid and top cover are detachably attachable to one another. Preferably, the support frame, container, lid and top cover are detachably attachable to one another. Preferably, at least two of the support frame, container and lid are provided with attachment apertures. Preferably, cable ties are used to detachably attach at least two of the support frame, container, lid and top cover to one another using the apertures. Preferably, the support frame comprises the attachment means for removeably attaching the planting tray to the mounting surface. Preferably, the attachment means includes a bracket having a hook arranged to abut the arm arranged to extend substantially horizontally. Preferably, the bracket comprises a mounting aperture arranged to receive a screw in use. Preferably, the bracket comprises a double-ended hook to hang one planting tray from another, via respective substantially horizontal arms.

Preferably, the container defines at least one drainage hole arranged so that water is able to drain from the container when the planting tray is in the horizontal position. Preferably, the container defines at least one drainage hole for each compartment, and preferably several drainage holes are provided for each compartment.

Preferably, an irrigation hose is arranged within the container, and is arranged to meander through each compartment. Preferably, each compartment comprises at least one internal ledge on which the irrigation hose is mounted. Preferably, the or each internal ledge is arranged at an upper part of the compartment when the planting tray is in the vertical position.

Preferably, the partition defines a passage to allow the irrigation hose to pass from one compartment to an adjacent compartment. Preferably, when there are three or more compartments, the passages in adjacent partitions are offset.

Preferably, the partition has a sloping profile which slopes downwardly towards the lid when the planting tray is in the vertical position. Preferably, the partition is symmetrical, and more preferably the partition has a triangular-shaped profile. In one preferred embodiment, the lid is arranged to wrap over the point of the triangle to create a large sealing area. Preferably, there are a plurality of partitions.

Preferably, each compartment has a plurality of combined irrigation and drainage apertures.

Preferably, the compartment at the lower-most position in the planting tray, when in the vertical position, has combined irrigation and drainage apertures which act together with the lower-most peripheral wall of the container to drain the lower-most compartment. In another aspect, the invention is realised by creating at least one drainage hole arranged in the container so that water is able to drain from the container when the planting tray is in a horizontal configuration.

When the planting tray is in the horizontal configuration, the drainage hole acts to drain water from the container, thus draining soil contained in the planting tray and preventing the soil from becoming water-logged in use.

The aperture acting in this way is particularly important for garden centres and nurseries which are able to undertake large-scale cultivation for many hundreds of pre-planted trays. The drainage hole also makes cultivation easier for the smaller-scale individual.

When the planting tray is attached to the wall in a vertical position, the drainage hole has minimal effect and therefore does not unduly effect the wall.

More particularly, in this context, an aspect of the invention provides a planting tray for creating a vertical garden in which the planting tray comprises: a container for receiving a growing substrate such as soil in which plants are to be grown in use; a lid for covering the container, the lid being arranged to allow plants to grow through the lid; and attachment means for removeably attaching the planting tray to a mounting surface which is substantially vertical so that the planting tray is configurable from a substantially horizontal position in which the lid is arranged to cover the container to a substantially vertical position in which the planting tray creates a vertical garden. The container comprises at least one partition action to define a plurality of compartments within the container, the compartments being arranged to be vertically one on top of another in use when the planting tray is attached to the mounting surface. The container defines at least one drainage hole arranged so that water is able to drain from the container when the planting tray is in the horizontal position.

Preferably, the container defines at least one drainage hole for each compartment, and preferably several drainage holes are provided for each compartment. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the or each drainage hole is arranged in a ridge protruding upwardly from a base of the container when in the horizontal position.

Other preferred features of this invention will be apparent to the skilled person from the previously-described aspect of the invention, together with the described preferred features thereof.

In another aspect, the invention is realised by creating partitions within the planting tray which slope downwardly when the planting tray is mounted on the vertical surface. When the planting tray is in the horizontal configuration the partition acts to allow healthy growth of a plant contained in the planting tray. This feature is particularly important for garden centres and nurseries which are able to undertake large-scale cultivation of many hundreds of pre-planted trays in a horizontal configuration.

When the planting tray is attached to the wall in a vertical position, the partition also acts to support soil contained in the planting tray.

More particularly, an aspect of the invention provides a planting tray for creating a vertical garden in which the planting tray comprises: a container for receiving a growing substrate such as soil in which plants are to be grown in use; a lid for covering the container, the lid being arranged to allow plants to grow through the lid; and attachment means for removeably attaching the planting tray to a mounting surface which is substantially vertical so that the planting tray is configurable from a substantially horizontal position in which the lid is arranged to cover the container to a substantially vertical position in which the planting tray creates a vertical garden. The container comprises at least one partition acting to define a plurality of compartments within the container, the compartments being arranged to be vertically one on top of another in use when the planting tray is attached to the mounting surface. The partition has a sloping profile which slopes downwardly towards the lid when the planting tray is in the vertical position.

Preferably, the partition is symmetrical, and more preferably the partition has a triangular-shaped profile. In one preferred embodiment, the lid is arranged to wrap over the point of the triangle to create a large sealing area. Preferably, there are a plurality of partitions.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a wall planter structure for creating a vertical garden, the wall planter structure comprises a mounting bracket having at least one support member arranged to extend away from a wall in use, the at least one support member having a first connection member thereon, and a planting tray having a base for receiving a growing medium such as soil and a lid arranged to allow plants to grow through in use, the planting tray having a second connection member arranged at a top end thereof to detachably connect to the first connection member on the mounting bracket in use so that the planting tray is supported substantially vertically by the mounting bracket to create a vertical garden.

Preferably, a third connection member is provided on the planting tray at a bottom end thereof, the third connection member being positioned to correspond with the second connection member so that a plurality of planting trays can be hung one from the other. In one embodiment, each connection member is one of an eyelet or hook. More preferably, the first connection member on the mounting bracket is an eyelet, the second connection member at a top end of the planting tray is a hook, and the third connection member at the bottom end of the planting tray is an eyelet.

In an alternative embodiment, each connection member is one of a tubular element or retaining arm. More preferably, the first connection member on the mounting bracket is a retaining arm, and a second and third connection members on the planting tray are tubular elements. Preferably, the tubular members are located on an edge of the planting tray. Preferably still, the tubular elements define a cylindrical aperture corresponding to part of the retaining arm.

Preferably, the mounting bracket has two arms arranged to extend outwardly from a wall in use, wherein each arm comprises the first connection member, and the planting tray has a corresponding pair of second connection members.

Preferably, the structure comprises an irrigation tank arranged in use to be mounted on the mounting bracket. Preferably, the mounting bracket has at least one end stop to prevent the irrigation tank from slipping off the mounting bracket. Preferably, the irrigation tank has a water outlet.

Preferably, the or each planting tray comprises an irrigation hose. Preferably, the irrigation hose is arranged to meander through each planting tray and have free ends protruding from the planting tray.

The irrigation hose of at least one planting tray is connected to the water outlet. Preferably, a joining nipple joins the irrigation hose to the water outlet. Preferably, the joining nipple is provided to join the irrigation hose of a first planting tray with the irrigation hose of a second planting tray arranged to hang below the first planting tray. Preferably, an end plug is provided at the free end of the lowermost irrigation hose in a sequence, that is, farthest from the irrigation tank.

Preferably, the base has partitions to define rows within the planting tray when hung in use. Preferably, the partitions have a triangular-shaped profile with the base of the triangle being adjacent the base of the planting tray. Preferably, a base comprises a soil container and a frame. Preferably, the connection member or connection members are located on the frame.

In one embodiment, the lid comprises a cover together with a supporting frame. Preferably, the cover is arranged to be cut in use to allow small plants to be planted in the planting tray. Preferably, the frame is a mesh which is arranged to secure the cover to the base in use. In another embodiment, the lid comprises a cover defining a plurality of planting apertures. Preferably, the cover attaches directly to the base. Preferably still, the apertures are circular and are arranged uniformly in rows and columns.

In yet another embodiment, the lid comprises a plurality of hinged sections. Preferably, the hinged sections define between them planting apertures. Preferably, the planting apertures are square apertures turned at 45° relative to the defining edge of the hinged section.

In another embodiment, the planting tray has fixing eyes on both top and bottom ends thereof. Preferably, a separate bracket is provided for each eye. Preferably, the eyes at a bottom end of the planting tray are staggered in relation to eyes at a top end of the planting tray. Preferably, the planting tray is screwed to the brackets through the fixing eyes to create a more permanent wall planter structure. Preferably, an irrigation tank is provided at a bottom of the lowermost planting tray. Preferably, the irrigation tank is attached to a wall using a bracket. Preferably, a pump is provided in the irrigation tank and is arranged to feed water from the irrigation tank to the top edge of an uppermost planting tray in a column via a feed pipe.

In yet another embodiment, the wall planter structure comprises a mounting bracket arranged to surround the planting tray and to support the planting tray at a top end thereof. Preferably, a frame is arranged to surround the planting tray. Preferably, the frame has a hinged side portion.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a wall planter structure for creating a vertical garden, the wall planter structure comprises a mounting bracket having at least one support member arranged to extend away from a wall in use, the at least one support member having a first connection means thereon, and a planting tray having a base for receiving a growing medium such as soil in a lid arranged to allow plants to grow through in use, the planting tray having a second connection means arranged at a top end thereof to connect to the first connection means on the mounting bracket in use, so that the planting tray is supported substantially vertically by the mounting bracket to create a vertical garden.

Preferred features of this aspect of the invention may be inferred, where appropriate, from the preferred features described in relation to other aspects of the invention described above.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a planting tray having a base for receiving a growing medium such as soil and a lid arranged to allow plants to grow through in use, the planting tray having a connection member arranged at one end thereof to detachably connect to a mounting bracket in use, so that the planting tray is supported substantially vertically by the mounting bracket to create a vertical garden.

Preferably, the mounting tray has connection means for allowing a second mounting tray to be hung therefrom to create a larger vertical garden.

Preferred features of this aspect of the invention may be inferred, where appropriate, from the preferred features described in relation to the other aspects of the invention described above.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a planting tray in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the planting tray in a horizontal position, and the planting tray in a vertical position in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a container forming part of the planting tray of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the planting tray of Figure 1 , showing an irrigation and drainage hole 341 in more detail;

Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the planting tray of Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 is a rear view of the planting tray of Figure 1 , including brackets to attach the planting tray to a vertical surface in use;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of one of the brackets of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the planting tray 300 of Figure 1 , having a lid removed;

Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of a wall planter structure according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the planting tray of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of a planting tray according to a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 12 is a perspective view of a planting tray in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the wall planter structure of Figure 12;

Figure 14 is a side view of a wall planter structure in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of part of the wall planter structure of figure 14;

Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of a wall planter system in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of a planting tray in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the invention;

Figure 18 shows a mounting bracket according to the seventh embodiment, wherein (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a side view;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of a joining member according to the seventh embodiment;

Figure 20 is a partial side view of a wall planter structure in accordance with the seventh embodiment, showing the joining member joining two planting trays;

Figure 21 is a perspective exploded view of a wall planter system according to an eighth embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 22 is a perspective view of a lid of the planting tray of Figure 12.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figures. Generally speaking, like references are used to indicate like features throughout and only the differences are discussed.

Figures 1 to 8 show a planting tray 300 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Referring to Figure 1 , which is an exploded perspective view, the planting tray 300 comprises a container 320 for receiving a growing substrate such as soil in which plants are to be grown in use. A lid 340 for covering the container 320, the lid 340 being arranged to allow plants to grow through the lid in use. The planting tray also comprises attachment means 380 for removably attaching the planting tray 300 to a mounting surface which is substantially vertical so that the planting tray is configurable from a substantially horizontal position in which the lid is arranged to cover the container to a substantially vertical position in which the planting tray creates a vertical garden. This is shown in Figure 2 which is a perspective view of the planting tray 300 in the horizontal position and in the vertical position.

Figure 3 shows the container 320 in more detail. The container 320 comprises at least one partition 322 acting to define a plurality of compartments 324 within the container. In this embodiment, there are three partitions, 322 defining four compartments 324. The compartments 324 are arranged to be vertically one on top of another in use when the planting tray 300 is attached to the mounting surface.

Figure 4 is a more detailed view of the lid 340 positioned on the planting tray 300. The lid 340 defines at least one combined irrigation and drainage aperture 341 , the combined irrigation and drainage aperture 341 being arranged so that water is able to enter a respective compartment 324 of the container 320 through the combined irrigation and drainage aperture 341 when the planting tray is in the substantially horizontal position. Figure 4 includes a call-out showing the combined irrigation and drainage aperture 341 in more detail.

The partition 322 is arranged to guide water through the combined irrigation and drainage aperture to an outside surface 344 of the lid 340 when the planting tray 300 is in the substantially vertical position.

In this embodiment, the lid 340 comprises a channel 342 on the outside surface 344. In use, the channel 342 acts with the combined irrigation and drainage aperture 341 to capture and channel water into the compartment 324 when the planting tray 300 is in the substantially horizontal position. The combined irrigation and drainage aperture 341 is located at a lowermost point of the channel 342.

Also, the lid 340 comprises a raised perimeter 346 which acts to capture and channel water in to the compartment 324, via the combined irrigation and drainage aperture 341 , when the planting tray is in the substantially horizontal position.

Also, the lid 340 comprises one or more planting holes 348 arranged to correspond with each compartment 324. In this embodiment, sixteen planting holes 348 are provided. Alternatively, or additionally, the lid 340 is arranged to be cut in use to accommodate relatively large plants which would otherwise not be able to be planted through the planting holes. In this embodiment the lid 340 is provided with a visual indication showing the best place to cut the lid for this purpose. This indication is by way of indentations in the lid forming a dotted or dashed line dissecting each compartment in a longitudinal direction. Referring back to Figure 1 , and also to Figure 5 which is a rear perspective view of the planting tray 300, the planting tray 300 also comprises a support frame 310 arranged to provide structural support to the container 320. The support frame 310 comprises at least one first arm 312 arranged to extend substantially vertically when the planting tray is attached to the mounting surface in use. The support frame 310 comprises at least one second arm 314, 316 arranged to extend substantially horizontally when the planting tray 300 is attached to the mounting surface in use. Preferably the support frame 310 comprises upper 314 and lower 316 substantially horizontal arms.

The first 312 and second arms 314, 316 are arranged to follow the contour of the container 320. In this embodiment, the arms are arranged so that the ends of the arms are adjacent the lid 340 where the container 320 meets the lid 340. The planting tray 300 also comprises a top cover 360 arranged to overlay the lid 340 to provide structural support. The top cover 360 is a wire mesh arranged to support the lid 340 and give mechanical strength to the planting tray 300.

In this embodiment, the support frame 310, container 320, lid 340 and top cover 360 are detachably attachable to one another. For this purpose, each of the support frame 310, container 320 and lid 340 are provided with attachment apertures 318, 326, 350 respectively. Cable ties (not shown) are used to detachably attach the support frame 310, container 320, lid 340 and top cover 360 to one another using the apertures 318, 326, 350. In this way, a rigid planting tray 300 is achieved, which is easy to assemble and disassemble.

Referring to Figure 5, which is a rear view of the planting tray 300, the attachment means comprises the support frame 310 for removably attaching the planting tray 300 to the mounting surface in use. The attachment means also includes a bracket 380 having at least one hooked end 382 which is arranged to hook against one of the second arms 314, 316 arranged to extend substantially horizontally of the support frame 310. Also, the bracket comprises a mounting aperture 384 arranged to receive a screw in use. The bracket 380 is shown in perspective in Figure 6. In this embodiment, the bracket 380 also comprises a double-ended hook 382 so that one planting tray 300 may be hung from another planting tray 300. This is done using respective upper 314 and lower 316 substantially horizontal arms of the support frame 310. If a single planting tray 300 is being mounted on a wall, then two brackets 380 may be used, each of which will hook onto the upper 314 substantially horizontal arm of the support frame 310. A screw is then used to detachably attach the brackets 380 and therefore planting tray 300 to the wall via suitable mounting fixtures.

Figure 7 shows the container 320 having the lid 340 removed. The container 320 comprises a rectangular rear wall 328 and four side walls upstanding from the rear wall 328.

The container defines twelve drainage holds 329 in the rear wall 328. The drainage holes 329 are arranged so that water is able to drain from the container when the planting tray is in the horizontal position. In this embodiment, the container defines three drainage holes for each compartment. Of course, the skilled person would realise that more drainage holes or fewer drainage holes could be used in practice. In this embodiment, each drainage hole 329 is arranged in a ridge 330 protruding upwardly from the rear wall 328 of the container 320 when in the horizontal position. A ridge 330 is provided in each compartment 324 and runs through each compartment in a longitudinal direction bisecting each compartment 324.

An irrigation hose 332 is arranged within the container 320, and is arranged to meander through each compartment 324. Each compartment 324 comprises two internal ledges 334 on which the irrigation hose 332 is mounted. Each internal ledge 334 is arranged at an upper part of each compartment 324 when the planting tray is in the vertical position in use. Each partition 322 defines a passage 325 to allow the irrigation hose 332 to pass from one compartment 324 to an adjacent compartment 324. In this embodiment, there are four compartments 324 divided by three partitions 322. The passages 325 in adjacent partitions 322 are off set so as to control the amount of water draining from an upper compartment to a lower compartment when the planting tray 300 is in the vertical position in use.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the irrigation hose 332 is divided into nine separate portions connected by eight connecting members. Of course, the skilled person would recognise that there is the possibility of using more or less connecting members as well as pieces of hose to construct an irrigation hose 332. The connecting members are mounted on the internal ledges 334, wherein the pieces of hose are connected between the connecting members and meander through the compartments.

Each partition 322 has a sloping profile which slopes downwardly towards the lid 340 when the planting tray is in the vertical position in use. In this embodiment, each partition 322 is symmetrical, and has a triangular-shaped profile. In this embodiment, the base of the triangle is approximately 40 mm and the height is approximately 60 mm. This gives an approximate downward slope of between 10 degrees and 20 degrees from perpendicular to the rear wall 328. In this embodiment, the downward slope is approximately 15 degrees plus or minus 2 degrees from a line perpendicular with the rear wall 328. Each partition 322 has a substantially flat outer-most point of the triangle. This substantially flat surface is approximately 5 mm plus or minus 1 mm wide. In this description, the substantially-flat surface is referred to as the point of the triangle 323.

Referring back to Figure 4, the lid 340 is arranged to wrap over the point of the triangle 323 to create a large sealing area between the lid 340 and the partitions 322. In this embodiment, each compartment 324 has three combined irrigation and drainage apertures 341. There could of course be more or fewer irrigation and drainage apertures 341 , depending on the shape and size of the planting tray 300.

Also, the compartment 324 at the lower-most position in the planting tray, when in the vertical position, has combined irrigation and drainage apertures 341a which act together with the lower-most peripheral wall of the container 320 to drain the lower-most compartment 324.

In this embodiment, the combined irrigation and drainage apertures 341a are not located in a channel 342 but are instead situated on the outside surface 344 of the lid 340.

In use, the planting tray is assembled as follows.

Firstly, the container 320 is filled with a growing substrate, such as soil. The container

320 is then placed in to the support frame 310. Alternatively, the container 320 may be placed into the support frame 310 prior to filling with soil. The lid 340 is placed over the container 320. The top cover 360 is then placed over the lid 340. Cable ties are then used to secure the support frame 310, container 320, lid 340 and top cover 360 using the respective attachment apertures 318, 326 and 350.

Plants can then be planted through the lid via the planting holes 348 into the soil. Of course, plants can be planted prior to securing the support frame 310, container 320, lid 340 and top cover 360.

The planting tray 300 is then stored, perhaps in a greenhouse, and watered until the plants reach full maturity. This is greatly facilitated by the combined irrigation and drainage apertures 341. These apertures 341 allow water to enter the compartments 324 of the container 320 fairly easily in use. This is helped by the channels 342 and the raised profile

346 of the lid 340. When the plants have reached full maturity, or are ready to display, then the planting tray 300 is mounted on a vertical surface or the like via the brackets 380 and horizontal arms 314 and/or 316 as appropriate. The drainage holes 329 also act to drain each compartment during this procedure, further easing the ability of a grower to successfully grow mature plants in the planting trays.

In this way, a user can have a mature wall display quickly, easily and cheaply.

Alternatively, prior to attachment of the support frame 310, container 320, lid 340 and top cover 360, the lid 340 can be cut into sections. Large plants can be planted direct into the container 320 before the lid is fitted. The lid 340, which is cut into sections, can then be fitted around the larger plants. The top cover 360 can then be placed over the lid 340 and secured in the same way as mentioned above. In this way, large plants which would not normally be able to be planted through the planting holes 348 can be accommodated. When the planting tray is hung on a wall, in use, the combined irrigation and drainage holes 341 drain any excess water from each compartment to an outside of the planting tray 300.

Other features of the planting tray 300 of the first embodiment are now briefly described.

The support frame 310 comprises two pairs of arms which cross. A rivet is used to secure the arms together at each junction. The arms are made from aluminium or coated steel. Any other suitable material could be used in order to achieve reasonable structural support, low weight and low cost.

The container is approximately 400 mm wide, 500 mm tall and 700 mm deep. There are four evenly spaced compartments within the container 320. The peripheral walls of the container 320 are ribbed to provide structural support to the container 320. The ribs also provide support to the soil within the container 320. The container is made from a plastics material. The container may be injection moulded.

The lid is sized to match the container 320. The lid comprises four planting holes 348 for each compartment 324 of the container 320. The planting holes are evenly spaced across the width of the lid 340. Each planting hole has a diameter of body 5 mm. Three combined irrigation and drainage apertures 341 are provided for each compartment 324 of the container 320. Entry and exit apertures are also provided for the irrigation hose. The lid 340 is made from a plastics material. The lid 340 is made by a injection-moulding process.

The top cover is a mesh of aluminium or coated steel wire. The wire is welded at each junction to create the mesh.

The brackets 380 are made from aluminium or coated steel and have the same width and thickness as each of the arms of the support frame 310. That is, each bracket 380 is 25 mm wide and approximately 1 mm thick.

Figure 9 shows an exploded perspective view of a wall planter system 10 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

The wall planter system 10 comprises a mounting bracket 20, an irrigation tank 30 and at least one planting tray 40. Preferably, several planting trays 40 are hung one below the other from the mounting bracket 20.

The mounting bracket 20 comprises a wall plate 22 defining four fixing holes 24. The wall plate is substantially 'n'-shaped having two downwardly protruding support members. Two arms 26 extend outwardly from the wall plate 22 and are arranged to support the irrigation tank 30 in use. End stops 29 protrude upwardly from an outermost end of each arm 26 to prevent the irrigation tank 30 from slipping off the mounting bracket 20. Additionally, a connection member, or eyelet 28, is provided on the underside of each arm 26 so that the planting tray 40 can be hung from the mounting bracket 20.

The irrigation tank 30 has an open top surface and defines a water outlet 32 on a bottom surface. A three-sided cover 34 is provided to cover the irrigation tank 30. The cover 34 has clips 36 along a top edge. The clips are arranged to clip over the top edge of the irrigation tank 30 to hold the cover 34 in place when in use.

Each planting tray 40 has a base 42 and a lid 60. The base 42 has a pair of connection members, or hooks 46, arranged to engage with corresponding eyelets 28 of the mounting bracket 20. In this way, each planting tray 40 may be temporarily hung from the mounting bracket. This allows each planting tray 40 to be easily removed and replaced.

The base 42 further comprises a pair of additional connection members, or eyes 48, at a lower end of the base 42 in a position opposite to and corresponding with the hooks 46. In this way, a plurality of planting trays 40 may be hung one upon the other.

An irrigation hose 50 is arranged to meander through the base 42 of each planting tray 40. A short length of irrigation hose is left free at the uppermost and lowermost ends of each planting tray 40.

In use, the irrigation hose is connected to the water outlet 32 of the irrigation tank 30. The lower free-end of the irrigation hose 50 is either terminated with an end plug 54, or is connected to the irrigation hose 50 of a subsequently hung planting tray 40 by a joining nipple 52. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the irrigation hose 50 of the uppermost planting tray 40 is joined to the irrigation hose 50 of the lowermost planting tray 40 by the joining nipple 52. The free end of the irrigation hose 50 of the lowermost planting tray 40 is terminated by the end plug 54.

In this way, the planted trays 40 can be continuously irrigated by regular filling of the irrigation tank 30.

In use, each planting tray 40 is filled with soil, and is planted with vegetation prior to hanging on the mounting bracket 20. The invention in particular provides a flexible vertical garden which carries substantial advantages over the prior art. For example, the wall planter system 10 allows a grower to establish the planted vegetation prior to hanging. This may be done by bringing the plants on in a greenhouse. In this way, a vertical garden can be created using mature flowers in prime condition. A hugely colourful and interesting display can be created almost instantaneously.

Also, construction of the vertical garden is a relatively simple task and is quick and easy for an unskilled worker.

In addition, the vertical garden can be easily and quickly dismantled, allowing repairs to be carried out to the exterior or interior wall with minimum disruption and expense.

Several lids 60 can be used and three particularly useful variations are described below with reference to Figures 10 to 13.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the planting tray 40 in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the lid 60 comprises a series of circular apertures 66 arranged uniformly in rows and columns. As can be seen in this example, there are four rows and four columns. In the preferred embodiment, each row is separated by a distance of 121 mm, whereas each column is separated by a distance of 100 mm. Each planting aperture 66 has a diameter of 40 mm.

In this way, seeds or small but established plants may be pushed through the planting apertures 66 to quicken the process of creating a mature and ready to hang planting tray 40. The planting tray 40 may then be hung on the mounting bracket 20, or may be placed horizontally in a convenient location, such as a greenhouse until the plants reach maturity. In particular, this feature is beneficial to plant growers and sellers who wish to increase revenue, because the plant grower can sell ready-planted planting trays 40 suitable for hanging.

Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the lid 60 comprises a cover 62 and a securing frame 64. The securing frame 64 is a wire mesh which attaches to the base 42 trapping the cover 62 therebetween.

The cover 62 is spun bonded fibre or a felt-type material which can be cut to allow plants to be planted through the cover 62 into the growing medium held in the base 42.

In this way, advantages similar to those flowing from the second embodiment of the invention may be achieved. However, there is a significantly reduced chance of soil being spilled from the planting tray 40 during transportation and in use.

Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a planting tray 40 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the lid 60 comprises a series of planting apertures 66 and hinged sections 68. In particular, the planting apertures 66 are defined between opposite edges of the hinged sections 68. The planting apertures 66 are located in a location corresponding to the planting apertures 66 of the second embodiment. However, the planting apertures instead have a substantially square profile with one pair of opposed vertices being located on an edge of the corresponding hinged section 68.

In the fourth embodiment, there are provided five hinged sections 68. The hinged sections 68 are essentially flaps which can open to allow reasonably mature plants, such as bedding plants, to be planted in the planting tray 40.

In this way, a grower can incorporate readily available and reasonably mature bedding plants into a planting tray 40 to create immediate results. This will increase choice and flexibility in the design of vertical gardens, and will increase the market for bedding plants.

Figure 13 is an exploded perspective of the wall planter structure 10 in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the invention.

Figure 13 shows the mounting bracket 20, irrigation tank 30 and tank cover 34 together with the planting tray 40.

The planting tray 40 has a wire base 42 and a soil container 70. The soil container 70 has three horizontally-arranged partitions 74 having a substantially triangular profile. The irrigation hose 50 is shown meandering through the soil container 70 and passing through each partition 74. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the irrigation hose 50 passes over each partition 74 between the lid 60 and the partition 74.

Figure 14 shows a side view of a wall planter structure 10 in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention.

The fifth embodiment concerns a more permanent wall mounting structure 10. In particular, several mounting brackets 120 are provided to be attached to a wall in use. Correspondingly, each connection member on each planting tray 40 is adapted to be an eye

148 or other suitable fixing mechanism. Fixing screws 122 are provided to secure each eye to a dedicated one of the mounting brackets 120.

In the fifth embodiment, the eyes 148 at an uppermost end of the planting tray in use are staggered in relation to the eyes 148 at the lowermost end. In fact, the preferred embodiment shows a single eye 148 at the lowermost end in a central position, and two eyes 148 spaced apart at outermost regions of the uppermost end. In this way, the mounting eyes 148 of neighbouring planting trays 40 do not overlap. Additionally, it is much easier to remove a single planting tray from the support structure 10. The fifth embodiment shows an alternative watering system to that previously described in relation to the other embodiments. In particular, a trough 130 is provided to catch excess water dripping from the plant support structure 10. The trough 130 is positioned below a lowermost planting tray 40 in the plant support structure 10. The trough 130 includes an integrated pump 132 with a feed pipe 134 arranged to carry water from the trough 130 back to the uppermost planting tray 40 in the plant support structure 10. A ball float valve 136 is provided to add water to the trough 130 when the water level in the trough 130 reaches a predetermined level. The pump 132 is activated by a timer (not shown) at predetermined intervals. Of course, many variations on this system are envisaged as would be understood by the skilled person in the art.

In the fifth embodiment, the mounting brackets 120 are made from galvanised steel. Preferably, the brackets provide an air gap of approximately 100 mm between the wall or support structure and the nearest part of the planting tray 40. While the mounting brackets are made from galvanised steel, other materials may be used as will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art. The mounting brackets are arranged to have an uppermost surface which slopes away from the wall or support structure in use to thereby remove any excess water present in the air gap between the wall and planting tray 40.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the planting tray 40 according to the fifth embodiment of the invention. Figure 15 illustrates the staggered nature of the eyes 148 as previously described above. Also, two planting trays 40 are shown side-by-side on top and bottom brackets 120.

Figure 16 is an expanded perspective view of wall planter system in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention.

In the sixth embodiment, the wall planter structure 10 is modified to be used with a decorative frame 280. The decorative frame 280 is primarily designed to disguise a modified mounting bracket 220 and trough 230 and is particularly suited for indoor use. The frame 280 is arranged to surround a single planting tray 40 when hung on the modified mounting bracket

220.

The modified mounting bracket 220 supports a planting tray 40 in the same way as previously described with reference to the preceding embodiments. However, the downwardly protruding members extend beyond a lowermost edge of a planting tray 40 hung on the mounting bracket 220 in use. Also, the downwardly protruding sections have outwardly protruding arms 226 arranged to support the trough 230 in use. The arms 226 each have an upturned portion to prevent the trough from slipping forward in use. The trough 230 is positioned below the lowermost end of the planting tray 40. The frame 280 of the sixth embodiment resembles a picture frame. Instead of a picture being presented in a central window, the planting tray 40 is presented instead. The frame 280 and mounting bracket 220 are detachably attachable. In the sixth embodiment the frame 280 hooks over the uppermost arms 26 of the mounting frame 220.

A pump 132 is also provided together with a feed pipe 134 which is used to irrigate the planting tray 40 in the way described previously with reference to the preceding embodiments. A timer (not shown) is also provided to trigger irrigation of the planting tray 40.

The frame 280 is modified to have a hinged side to allow water to be deposited in the trough 230. In this way, a user can easily keep the trough 230 topped up with water.

Although not shown, a growing light may be provided to illuminate plants growing on the wall planter structure 10. The growing light would be of a type known to those skilled in the art and would take the form of a standard picture light which would normally be used to illuminate a standard picture.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of a planting tray in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the invention.

In the seventh embodiment, the connection members on the base 42 of the planting tray 40 have a modified design. Specifically, the hooks 46 and eyes 48 are replaced by tubular elements 646. The tubular elements are arranged on upper and lower ends of the base 42 in pairs. The tubular elements 646 extend outwardly from a rear surface of the base 42 to a front surface of the base 42 when hung in use. The tubular elements 646 are made from steel and define a cylindrical aperture therethrough.

Additionally, in the seventh embodiment, retaining members 648 are provided on a rim 650 of the base 42 to secure the lid 60 to the base 42 in use.

Figure 18 shows a modified mounting bracket 20 in accordance with the eighth embodiment.

Instead of having an eyelet 28 as previously described above in relation to the other embodiments, a pair of retaining arms 628 are provided on the underside of each arm 26 so that the planting tray 40 can be hung from the mounting bracket 20.

Each retaining arm 628 extends downwardly from each arm 26 before turning outwardly and slightly upwardly in relation to the bracket 20. The upward angle is designed so that when the tubular elements 646 of the base 42 are placed over the retaining arms 628, the planting tray 40 is held substantially vertically in use. In the eighth embodiment, the retaining arm 628 are made from a length of suitably shaped metal bar, having a circular cross section. Each retaining arm 628 is welded to an underside of the corresponding arm 26 of the mounting bracket 20.

Figure 19 is a perspective view of a joining member 630 according to the eighth embodiment of the invention.

The joining member 630 has a body 632 and two fingers extending outwardly in the same plane at opposite ends of the body 630. The fingers 634 extend toward each other to create a "c-shape". The angle of each finger 634 relative to the body 632 corresponds to the angle of the tubular elements 646 in relation to the base 42 of each planting tray 40. This allows several planting trays 40 to be hung one from the other in a series, whilst keeping the planting trays 40 substantially vertical, as illustrated in Figure 12.

Figure 20 is a side view showing the joining member 630 joining two planting trays 40 according to the seventh embodiment of the invention.

As can be seen, Figure 20 shows a secure joining mechanism for connecting a plurality of planting trays 40 using tubular elements 646 and joining member 630.

The tubular elements 646 and fingers 634 of the joining member 630 interact quite differently to the eyelet 28 and hook 46 arrangement of the first embodiment. For example, there is a relatively large area of contact between the tubular element 646 and the finger 634 which causes a secure and stable fixing arrangement to be achieved. The joining member 630 also has spring-like qualities which resiliently bias adjacent planting trays 40 relative to one another. In practice, this means that the planting trays 40 are less likely to sway in a breeze or in a wind, or when somebody or something presses against them. This creates a stronger, more stable wall planter system 10.

Figure 21 is a perspective exploded view of a wall planter system 10 according to an ninth embodiment of the invention.

As will be seen, the ninth embodiment includes a modified mounting bracket 220 which has been adapted in line with the seventh embodiment to have retaining arms 628.

Figure 22 is a perspective view of the lid 60 and the planting tray 40 in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 12. There is a slight modification in that an outer rim of the lid 60 has outwardly protruding retaining members 69 which are arranged to retain the hinged sections 68 in use. In practice, the retaining members 69 are bent over the hinged sections 68. As will be apparent to the skilled reader, the invention provides a number of advantages over the prior art systems.

For instance, the invention provides an inexpensive system which allows domestic users to create a vertical garden cheaply, quickly and easily.

Also, the fixing structure provided is temporary and allows each planting tray of the vertical garden to be easily replaced and refreshed depending upon the seasons or the mood of the grower.

Further, the planting tray 40 is so designed to be easily pre-filled at a planting nursery or garden centre, sold and transported. This makes the process of planting a vertical garden commercially much more feasible and realises previously unforeseen markets and revenue streams.

Following on, the invention provides a planting tray 40 that can be easily filled by standard bedding plants achieving instantaneous colour and interest in any vertical garden. There is no need to sow the garden from seed and the provision of substantial growing media such as soil allows a much richer and varied vegetation to be achieved.

In the second through eighth embodiments, the planting tray is rectangular in shape with a depth of 50 mm to 150 mm and is supported from one end so it can be displayed vertically. Additional planting trays 40 can be hung from the base of the planter to create a wall effect. Additionally, the planting trays 40 can be arranged so they are fixed side by side to completely cover a wall or fence in use, or alternatively they may be used individually. The skilled person would appreciate different shapes of container may be used based on the same vertical hanging principle on which the vegetation is displayed on a vertical surface to create a vertical garden.

In the second through eighth embodiments described above, the planting tray 40 comprises a wire frame covered in basket weave for decorative purposes. However, a plastic container could be used having no wire support frame work as would be apparent to the skilled reader. Additionally, a wire frame covered in plastics material is also envisaged.

The preferred embodiments discuss mounting the support bracket 20 to a wall. It will be apparent to the skilled reader that the mounting brackets could be mounted to a fence or used with a free-standing support framework.

As has been discussed, the plants in the planting tray may be grown and transported on a horizontal position. It is a straightforward task, thanks to the invention, to then display the planting trays vertically or on an incline. Each planting tray has approximate dimensions of H500 mm x W400 mm x D70 mm but does not specifically have to be of these dimensions. An advantage of these dimensions however is that production can be standardised and existing machinery can be used to manufacture and plant each planting tray.

Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A planting tray for creating a vertical garden in which the planting tray comprises:

a container for receiving a grown substrate such as soil in which plants are to be grown in use;

a lid for covering the container, the lid being arranged to allow plants to grow through the lid in use; and

attachment means for removably attaching the planting tray to a mounted surface which is substantially vertical so that the planting tray is configurable from a substantially horizontal position in which the lid is arranged to cover the container to a substantially vertical position in which the planting tray creates a vertical garden;

wherein:

the container comprises at least one partition acting to define a plurality of compartments within the container, the compartments being arranged to be vertically one on top of another in use when the planting tray is attached to the mounting surface;

the lid defines at least one combined irrigation and drainage aperture, the combined irrigation and drainage aperture being arranged so that water is able to enter a compartment of the container through the combined irrigation and drainage aperture when the planting tray is in the substantially horizontal position; and

the partition is arranged to guide water through the combined irrigation and drainage aperture to an outside surface of the lid when the planting tray is in the substantially vertical position.

2. The planting tray of claim 1 , wherein the lid comprises a channel on the outside surface acting with the combined irrigation and drainage aperture to capture and channel water into the compartment when the planting tray is in the substantially horizontal position.

3. The planting tray of claim 2, wherein the combined irrigation and drainage aperture is located at a lower-most point of the channel.

4. The planting tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the lid comprises a raised perimeter acting to capture and channel water into the compartment, via the combined irrigation and drainage aperture, when the planting tray is in the substantially horizontal position.

5. The planting tray of any preceding claim, wherein the planting tray comprises a support frame arranged to provide structural support to the container, the support frame comprising at least one first arm arranged to stand substantially vertically when the planting tray is attached to the mounting surface in use, and at least one second arm arranged to extend substantially horizontally when the planting tray is attached to the mounting surface in use.

6. The planting tray of any preceding claim, wherein the planting tray comprises a top cover arranged to overlay the lid, wherein the top cover is a mesh to support the lid and give mechanical strength to the planting tray.

7. The planting tray of any preceding claim, wherein at least two of the support frame, container, lid and top cover are detachably attachable to one another via attachment apertures.

8. The planting tray of any preceding claim, wherein the container defines at least one drainage hole arranged so that water is able to drain from the container when the planting is in the horizontal position.

9. The planting tray of claim 8, wherein the container defines several drainage holes for each compartment of the container.

10. The planting tray of any preceding claim, wherein the partition has a sloping profile which slopes downwardly towards the lid when the planting tray is in the vertical position.

11. The planting tray of claim 10, wherein the partition is symmetrical.

12. The planting tray of claim 1 1 , wherein the partition has a triangular-shape profile.

13. The planting tray of claim 12, where the lid is arranged to wrap over the point of the triangle to create a large sealing area.

14. The planting tray of any preceding claim, wherein each compartment has a plurality of combined irrigation and drainage apertures.

15. The planting tray of any preceding claim, wherein the compartment at the lowermost position in the planting tray, when in a vertical position, has combined irrigation and drainage apertures which act together with the lower-most peripheral wall of the container to drain the lower-most compartment.

16. A method of producing a ready-to-display planting tray for creating a vertical garden, comprising the steps of:

filing a container with a growing substrate such as soil;

placing a lid over the planting tray so that the soil is substantially contained therein;

planting at least one plant through the lid via an aperture or cut out;

irrigating the plant in the planting tray when in a horizontal position to at least one combined irrigation and drainage aperture;

waiting until the plant has reached maturity or is in a ready-to-display condition; and

mounting the planting tray to a substantially vertical surface in use, such as a wall.