TRAINING PLANTS 25 



mind, is more satisfactory than one trained in tree 

 form. 



Geraniums, unless given a good deal of attention 

 in the first six months of their growth, will become 

 awkward looking plants, and it will be impossible to 

 bring them into good shape later. You must begin 

 with the young plant if you want to make it sym- 

 metrical. Symmetry is not the only result of proper 

 pinching-in. If you force it to branch freely, as you 

 can by persistent nipping off the ends of the branches 

 until you have a dozen or more starting near the base 

 of the plant, you will have much greater flowering 

 surface than a plant left to train itself will ever 

 develop. Sometimes plants obstinately refuse to 

 branch as you want them to, but don't despair of 

 success, and don't give up to them and let them have 

 their way. Convince them by persevering in your 

 treatment that you mean to make them come to your 

 terms. They will be anxious to grow, and when they 

 find that they cannot make growth to suit themselves, 

 they will give in to you, and grow as you want them 

 to. You must have patience with them, and persevere 

 in your efforts, and be kind to them. Ultimately your 

 reward will come in the shape of a fine plant, regular 

 in outline, well brancheil, and with plenty of healthy 

 foliage and beautiful flowers. 



Sometimes a branch will outgrow the other 

 branches on a plant. As soon as you notice an 

 inclination to do this, check it by nipping it back. 

 This will give the other branches a chance to catch 

 up with it before it gets a fresh start. It may be 

 necessary, at times, to cut off the branch. It is better 

 to sacrifice it wholly than to allow it to take to itself 

 the greater share of the vitality of the plant. 



Fuchsias, being for the most part slender growers, 

 require a support of some kind. The most satisfac- 



