GENERAL INFORMATION 3 
the plants to seem to get worse for a few days after they 
are unpacked. Often some leaves are lost. This sort of 
damage is not so serious as it appears. Usually the 
plants leaf out quickly, and generally are bushier than 
they would have been if they had not been damaged. 
I do everything that I can to insure that the plants arrive 
in good condition. The plants are shipped in the soil in 
which they are grown, and are carefully packed in strong 
cartons. Shipments are scheduled so that they will not 
be delayed by Sundays or other holidays. Because I 
have no control over the treatment of the plants in tran- 
sit and after delivery, I can not accept any responsi- 
bility for damage or loss in transit or after arrival. 
While I can not usually deliver plants clear across the 
continent looking as fresh as ones from a local florist, 
I can supply varieties that can not be obtained locally, 
and I believe that my stock, specially grown for ship- 
ment and adaptability to new conditions, inspected and 
approved for shipment by the State of California, is as 
good as can be obtained anywhere and will give satis- 
faction. 
Geraniums in the Garden 
Geraniums will thrive outdoors in any reasonably well 
drained garden soil. The soil need not be rich. Rich 
soil tends to encourage leaf growth at the expense of 
flowers. Established geraniums will give good results 
with little care, but, like all plants, will respond to good 
care with larger and finer flowers. For best results, the 
soil should never be allowed +o become really dry. Ge- 
raniums are good foragers, and outdoor plants will not 
often need fertilizing. When fertilizer appears to be 
needed, the applications should be rather small. Gerani- 
ums can compete successfully with heavy-feeding shrubs 
and trees, such as privet and acacia, and can make a 
good showing where other flowers fail. Geraniums are 
sun-loving and will do well in full sun in any climate. 
However, in climates where the summer sun is intense 
the flowers will be larger and finer if they have shade 
during the middle of the day, but they must have some 
sun. Geraniums will not flower unless they have enough 
sun. They will stand a little frost, but will be damaged 
or killed if exposed to temperatures below 26° F. 
It is best to set the plants a little deeper in the soil than 
they had been growing, but not so deep that any of the 
leaf stalks are buried. The soil should be pressed very 
firmly around the root ball. The first watering must 
be heavy enough to soak all of the soil, both new and 
old. It will be necessary to water frequently until new 
roots have grown out into the surrounding soil. 
Geraniums in Pots 
Geraniums in pots do best if the pots are small for the 
size of the plants. Geraniums will grow into fairly large 
plants, actually small shrubs, if they have root room. 
They will stay smaller and flower much more freely if 
kept potbound. A 4-inch pot is large enough for indoor 
plants. Larger pots may be used on porches or terraces 
if the plant is large enough for the pot. Never put a 
small plant in a large pot, but change sizes by stages as 
the plant grows. 
