Method of containing a botanical item and growing medium

Abstract

A plant packaging system and method comprising a combination of a protective upper portion and a decorative lower portion having a base portion and a skirt portion for packaging a potted plant or a botanical item and a growing medium without a pot. The protective upper portion can be detached from the lower portion of the package system once the protective function of the upper portion has been completed. The sleeve may be provided without a detachable upper portion. The lower portion may have a skirt portion which has a non-linear upper peripheral edge. The lower portion may be tapered and may have a gusset in the lower end.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of wrapping a plant, comprising: 
 providing a growing medium and a botanical item;    providing a tubular sleeve comprising: 
 a lower portion having an upper end, a lower end, an inner peripheral surface, an outer peripheral surface and having a tapered shape, the lower portion having a flattened state and being openable from the flattened state to an opened position wherein the inner peripheral surface of the lower portion defines and encompasses an inner retaining space, an opening being formed through the upper end of the lower portion, the opening being in communication with the inner retaining space, the lower portion end having a gusset therein for forming a closed flattened bottom in the lower portion when the lower portion is in the opened position, the lower portion comprising a base portion and a decorative skirt portion in the upper end thereof;  
   opening the lower portion into the opened position thereby exposing the inner retaining space of the lower portion; and    disposing the growing medium and botanical item in the inner retaining space of the lower portion of the tubular sleeve without a pot, the decorative skirt portion extending from the base portion.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein in the step of providing a tubular sleeve, the tubular sleeve is further defined as constructed from a material having a thickness in a range of from about 0.1 mil to about 30 mils.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein in the step of providing a tubular sleeve, the tubular sleeve is further defined as constructed from a material having a thickness in a range of from about 0.5 mil to about 10 mils.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein in the step of providing a tubular sleeve, the tubular sleeve is further defined as constructed from a material having a thickness in a range of from about 1 mil to about 5 mils.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein in the step of providing a tubular sleeve, the tubular sleeve is further defined as constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of treated or untreated paper, metal foil, polymer film, non-polymer film, cardboard, fiber, cloth, burlap, and laminations or combinations thereof.