Over the years I've tried lots of different types of plant labels and pens, none of which I'm happy with. The black plastic ones with the thin stems snap off, the white plastic ones with 'indelible' writing fade quickly, the big white ones (1 1/2"x 12") look awful. When I had 80 (yes 80) roses, I frequently had to replace them, however I do keep a gardening diary with plants of each flower bed, with diagrams like a plan, and the names which I would otherwise forget. I'm now thinking of making my own labels from slate roof tiles, but cut to size using a disc cutter with 1mm discs, araldited onto galvanised tent pegs, then written on with those special white pens. Now these SHOULD last ;-)
We use the 6" black plastic ones, with a white or silver pen. They seem to last well, and are torn out and chucked about by the birds (we assume) much less often than the 4" ones.
In recent years I have found indelible pens are just not indelible enough and the writing wears off after a year. Am now using black labels with white pen and find they last really well.
'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
When I had more time , I used to cut up aluminium drink cans into label sized strips , and paint the name on with an artists fine brush using black gloss !
They lasted for years and never rusted , but thinking about it , I was pretty sad really .
On garden open days I print out the plan and the full list, for myself as a useful reminder and for interested visitors.
Wow! That really is impressive although I doubt my ability to create something similar. I draw out a plan of my garden in my garden diary and do it the 'old fashioned way' using felt tipped pens.
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