One of the duties of a master gardener that I struggle with is plant identification. When I’m helping a gardener, it is often difficult to identify the plant in question without seeing it in person. 

Walk-ins are always welcome at the master gardener office near the Stockton Metropolitan Airport, and gardeners with questions are invited not only to take in a sample but to discuss it, as well.

Whenever you reach out to the office or to a master gardener directly (usually by phone or e-mail), there are a few things you should determine about your plant so we can help you more effectively.

One of the first questions I ask is about growth habit: Is it a tree or a shrub?

If it is a shrub, I might ask whether it grows in a clump or a mound, spreads like a groundcover or climbs.

Other things a master gardener will need to know is whether the plant in question flowers, and if so, at what time of year.

Are the flowers held upright, or do they hang a little? How many petals do the blooms have, or are they rosette or pom-pom style?

Leaves and stems also speak volumes about a plant.

Is the plant short-stemmed? Are the leaves spaced apart (called “alternate”) on the stem, or are they directly opposite one another?

And leaves — well, there are many, many different leaf shapes. Leaves can be lobed, divided, linear, oblong, oval or round, to name just a few types.

There are many more ways to help someone identify the plant you want to know more about than I have space to discuss.

And if you contact a master gardener for help with “the plant with the pink flowers,” please be patient with us as we try to find out exactly which plant you need help with.

For hours and directions to the master gardener office in Stockton, call 953-6112.

• University of California-certified master gardeners are available to answer gardening questions from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 953-6112 or mgsanjoaquin@ucdavis.edu. Questions for Heather Hamilton can be sent to ucmastergardener@gmail.com.