THE INVENTION

Like many gardeners, Al Muxlow of Abbotsford, B.C. became frustrated by the watering sensitivities of hanging baskets. If he forgot the water one day, the flowers would often seem to have a near-death experience, but a dash of moisture could usually revive them quickly. One day, about six years ago, he grew so fed up with his own inconsistencies he exclaimed to himself, "there has to be a better way!" Calling upon lessons learned over a long career as a tradesman, an educator and a successful property developer, he started playing around with various valve devices. Finally, the BASKET BOOSTER was born, a weight-sensitive valve that would drip water when the basket weight was reduced, but shut tightly after an optimal weight was reached. Just as Al was resting on his laurels, proud of the achievement, a neighbour asked: "what about my planter boxes?" And it was back to the drawing boards. Instead of being above a hanging basket, the PLANTER BOOSTER is wedged underneath. The water drips are weight-activated in each case. Years of trial and error and beta testing with accomplished gardeners and nurseries would follow,  and ever-more sophisticated values and components evolved.

Convinced that the team had developed a marketable breakthrough, Al knew that his greatest need was established nursery expertise to help build the company, establish production and direct a marketing plan. A chance encounter with Harold Elzinga in 2006 filled that void. Harold brought extensive nursery and garden marketing experience to the endeavour. Together they patented the Booster in Canada and the United States, designed packaging, retained promotional assistance and now begin the task of sharing the new technology with the world.

AL MUXLOW

Maurice Alvin Muxlow was born on a small Saskatchewan (Canada) farm in 1928. His first work following high school was in the electrical wiring trade, a subject he would later teach in the same school. As a mature student in 1965 he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree with Honours from Oregon State University, after which he spent six years as Vice Principal of a large technical school. Business finally beckoned and Al would achieve his greatest professional success in rental apartment buildings, land development and construction of residential buildings. He also served 12 years as mayor of a resort village near Regina, Saskatchewan.

HAROLD ELZINGA

Dutch-born Harold Elzinga emigrated to Canada with his family in 1951. He was 10-years-old. He grew up on his family's dairy farm in Pitt Meadows, B.C., Canada.

Graduating from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science degree, he soon after became sales manager for Van Vloten Nurseries, a large wholesale business based in his home town of Pitt Meadows. In 1997 he launched his own business, North Country Nursery Sales, a thriving concern that ships plant material to many parts of North America, including Alaska.