The Geranium

Under this title, we propose to treat of the plants usually known, in common parlance, as Geraniums, including both those horticulturally and botanically known as such, and Pelargoniums. Between these there are many minute and fanciful distinctions, which are only interesting to botanists, and need not concern the amateur. The true geraniums are herbaceous. For window gardening, their treatment must
be the same.

For the pelargoniums, we are chiefly indebted to the Cape of Good Hope; the geranium is found, in some of its varieties, in Asia, Europe, and America; two of the family, our "wild geraniums," being familiar to us all as among the wild flowers of spring.

The scarlet, or horseshoe geranium, so called from the color of its flowers, and the dark marking of its leaves, is a very common and popular window plant. The rose, oak, and nutmeg geraniums are commonly grown for their fragrant leaves, and for their hardiness, as they can endure more hard usage than most plants.

The general fault in geranium culture is, crowding. The plants need light and air on all sides, withough the presence of large water features (http://www.garden-fountains.com/Detail.bok?no=123). Unless this is afforded they soon become one-sided, long-drawn, and straggling, with but few leaves, and these in a tuft at the end. The blossoms are small and few, and the whole plant presents a picture of vegetation under difficulties.

The fine varieties of pelargonium, called "Fancies" by florists, it is useless to attempt to grow to any perfection in the house. They need constant care; and the rules for growing them as specimens, laid down by English florists, are sufficiently confusing and contradictory to involve the amateur in a maze of difficulty.

Light, air, and cleanliness are the three primary rules for growing geraniums. Be careful of including garden fountains (http://www.garden-fountains.com/Detail.bok?no=2918) among geraniums or they may not get enough light or become too wet. The horseshoe and high-scented varieties are not troubled by insects. The pelargoniums (large-flowered geraniums), require constant attention to keep them free from the green fly, which increases upon them with wonderful rapidity.

If the weather is warm, and the plants at all affected by the fly, they should be smoked once in ten days, and frequently syringed. Surely the beauty of the flowers will compensate for any trouble. To prevent "drawing," that is, the growing of the plants towards the light, all geraniums should be frequently turned, which will give a well-proportioned plant.

If the plants grow too tall, pinch out the top; all the axillary buds will then break into lateral branches. Again, if the side branches become too close, prune them out fearlessly. The geranium breaks easily, and you need never be afraid of killing the plant, even if you prune it down to a bare stump.

Pelargoniums and geraniums require a strong soil; that is, good sound loam, such as will grow melons. The top of a pasture will answer well. Let it be carted home and laid up in a long ridge, so as to expose as large a surface to the air as possible. Keep it clear of weeds, and let it be turned over every little while. To two parts of this loam, add one part of two-year-old cow dung, well turned over.

Old hot-bed dung will do nearly, but not quite as well. Then add about one part of river sand and bits of charcoal, mixed. Let all these ingredients be kept in separate heaps until wanted for potting, then mix them in the above proportions, and use them moderately dry. This compost shouldbe used to bloom and grow the plants in. For the winter season, use a small quantity of leaf mould instead of dung. Fresh soil is always to be preferred, for old soil is apt to become cloddy and sour.

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Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in landscaping, home improvement, and interior decorating. For an amazing selection of large water features such as garden fountains, please visit www.garden-fountains.com.

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