Self Defense

"Preparing your sample Herbaceous plants (Including annuals, perennials, grasses, or weeds with green and/or soft growth that dies back to the ground each winter.) A useful plant sample should include samples of the roots or underground structures such as tubers, corms, or runners. To prevent plant leaves from drying out too quickly, place the roots in a plastic bag. If roots are dry, moisten them, but do not overwater them. Do not try to remove any soil that is attached or stuck to the roots; you may accidentally remove roots as well. Stems and leaves should be placed between two paper towels and gently patted to remove any moisture. Stems, leaves, flowers, or seedpods should be placed between newspaper or tinfoil for protection. Any fruit that is available should also be dried and wrapped separately in paper. Avoid wrapping any plant material that grows above the soil in plastic. Plant material may rot if wrapped in plastic for to long. Place all of the plant samples in a box to prevent them from being crushed, and keep the box in a cool location out of direct sunlight. Trees, shrubs, and vines For proper identification, samples should include any plant material visible above the soil such as branches, leaves, flowers, seedpods, and fruit. Branch and leaf orientation are important identification characteristics, so include a section of stem containing several buds (1 to 2 feet of branch growth). Place the material in a box and store it in a cool location. Transport the sample within a short period of time after removing it from the tree, shrub, or vine so that leaves will not wilt. To help the Master Gardeners with the identification process, be prepared to answer several questions about the plant. Before visiting with the Master Gardener, take notes on the following."