An apparatus and method for forming a cover about an article and for fastening the cover to the article, and optionally for placing a label on the covered article. The article may be an article such as a potted plant and the cover may be a decorative cover. The apparatus comprises a rotatable platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. At least portions of a sheet of material are supported in a position generally over the opening. A cover forming assembly having contacting portions for contacting the sheet of material is disposed in the opening in the support surface. The apparatus also comprises a tying device for automatically applying a band or fastener about a portion of the outer surface of the covered article for fastening the cover about the article when the platform is rotated into a fastening position.