TAKE CARE OF 
YOUR PLANTS 
IMMEDIATELY 
UPON ARRIVAL 

For shipping, our plants are packed in peat with Whale-hide wa- 
ter proof paper. When you unpack them, if you are not ready to plant 
them in their permanent places, and wish to hold them for two or 
three days, it is a good idea to pour a small quantity of water down 
through the top of the package so that this peat can be moistened. 
After this treatment, your plants should keep fresh for several days. 
lf however, they are not to be planted within two or three days, it is 
best to take them out of the package and heel them in until such time 
as you are ready to plant them where they are to grow. These plants 
are large enough so that it is not necessary to put them in cold frames 
or in pots until they are ready to be planted in their permanent places. 
HOW TO GROW BEAUTIFUL DELPHINIUMS 
; SUCCESSFULLY 
Delphinium are easy to grow. They should have a good rich soil 
as they are known as gross feeders. Cow manure is the best. If this 
is not obtainable, get a small quantity of lime to offset the 
acidity of the peat, as they like an alkaline soil. As a commercial 
fertilizer, we recommend Vigoro, or a similar brand, to be fed in small 
quantity every two weeks. This should be worked into the soil and 
well watered. 
Delphinium is sometimes subject to the fungus diseases. However, 
it is not difficult to eliminate these diseases if taken in time. When 
the foliage starts, dust or spray wth Bordeaux mixture. This should be 
done at frequent intervals to take care of the new growth of the fol- 
iage. 
In the event that Delphinium have been grown on the same soil 
in years previous, or you have experienced trouble with these fungus 
diseases, it is well to treat the soil with a solution of formaldehyde 
The directions for using this disinfectant are usually found on the 
wrapper. Also, be sure that all old foliage has been carefully cleaned 
from the bed and burned. 
In planting Delphinium, the soil should be opened with a trowel, 
the roots carefully spread out and soil well firmed around them, It Is 
a very good idea to put a handful of peat in the opening right around 
the roots. Also, be careful not to cover the crown with more than 
one-half inch of soil. After the plant has come in full bloom, it may 
be cut off close to the ground, then new shoots will start and you will 
have a very nice second crop in a short time. 
Re a TL I a eT 

Burley, Idaho, 
Richards Gardens, Plainwell, Mich. 
Dear Sirs: .My shipment of plants arrived in fine shape and were 
put in their permanent homes yesterday. You folks certainly send out 
splendid seedlings and you are most loberal in your count, for which 
| am duly grateful. This fall | shall be in the market for the follow- 
ing peonies, and if you stock them 1 would appreciate a copy of your 
price list: E. B. Browning, Francis Willard, Mrs. Edward 
France, Mary Woodbury, Shaylor, Milton Hill, Raoul Dessert Rosa Bon 
Heur, and Ball 0’ Cotton.—Haslett B. Leigh. 
Saginaw, Mich. 
Richards Gardens, Plainwell, Mich. 
Gentlemen: The perennial seedlings | ordered some time ago | re- 
ceived last Monday, and must say they are the best plants | have 
ever seen. | have them all planted and they sure look swell. 1! know 
every plant should grow and | will have many flowers this summer. 
Many thanks to you for your “ery fine pants.—Fred W. Miller. 
Chicago, Illinois 
Richards Gardens, Plainwell, Mich. 
Gentlemen: The remainder of my order (Baby. Phlox) came to- 
day. Just want to tell you that we were delighted with all the plants 
and feel we were well taken care of, both as to quality and quantity. 
Everything growing fine.—Mrs. John Bingham. 
Pine Bluff, Ark. 
Richards Gardens, Plainwell, Mich. 
Dear Sirs: Received my order of seedlings from your Gardens 
about a week ago, and must say | was more than pleased, It is the 
first time | have ordered from you, and will say, from now on all my 
plants will come from your gardens. My plants are growing and so 
healthy.—Mrs. Lillian V. Mar'no. 
