helo I have tried so many things for marking my plants, and for out in the garden I herd you can use small diamiter pvc pipe and write on them with paint pens. I have not yet tried this but I plan to. for small pots and flats I reuse plastic markers. sorry I can't help more but I have tried wooden markers painted wooden markers minni blinds plastic forks small plastis plant markers rocks popsickle sticks I was going to try to make some fired clay markers but I have not had time to run the klin. if you know anyone that dose pottery you might want to ask them if they can make you some. good luck if you find any good ideas please let me know michelle

The little dog is adorable! I have tried a lot of labels and labeling materials over the years and now prefer the Stainless Steel plant markers by Wren. I like to purchase these markers in lots of 50 online through a company called Bosmere for the best price. I used to mark the plant name with special pens for this purpose and the ink only lasted about 3 to 5 years. So about 8 years ago I converted to the Brother p-touch TZe label tape to identify all my plants. This tape is laminated for outdoor use and to prevent fading from UV rays. It is also water resistant. The labels still look as good as the day I put them on. The stainless steel markers are great because they can be cleaned and relabeled if a plant leaves the garden.

AjFan: I've been pondering the same question for several years and have generally used the Zinc Botanical Markers found in the Metal markers section of the web site below. Actually, most garden centers carry these type of markers and also generally have them in two sizes: one as shown at the link noted in this post and one slightly larger. In years past, I used a Dymo machine and "printed" the labels out and fixed them to the zinc markers. I was fortunate if they lasted more than two seasons due to the sometime rapid climate changes on the tallgrass prairie area of central Illinois. Eventually, I gave up on using these labels (Dymo). However, I have been toying with the idea of using some of the newer labeling machines with heavier backing tapes, which come in different widths. Although they are relatively expensive "toys" if simply used only in the garden, I thought that these machines and the newer tapes could be put to a world of uses - namely the labeling of file folders, etc. in the home and/or office. One could use the regular tapes for labeling folders and other things around the home and use the tapes with heavier backing in the garden. Two of the (Brother) label makers that I am currently considering are the: PT-1960 Deluxe Labelmaker with Carry Case, 4-Line BRTPT1960, which Amazon is offering for less than $80.00 or the: PT-2610 Labeling System, Includes CD-ROM, USB Cable, AA Batteries, Carrying Case BRTPT2610, which Amazon is offering for under $120.00. With a little searching, I suspect that you may find either machine for a little less. Obviously, either one is a good chunk of money, but if you can whip up a good excuse to use either one in various situations, they might become "more reasonable." ;>) As for me, I'll probably opt for the 2610 model, which has more features, i.e. fonts, uses up to a 1 inch tape, etc. The 2610 model is currently being used by our office/school secretary in the educational building where I work. With the holidays coming up and the potential high price of heat, I suspect I'll put its purchase on a temporary hold and save my hard earned money and purchase the 2610 model early next year with the arrival of spring. I already have the Zinc Botanical Markers noted in the link below having purchased them locally. Hope these ideas and resources are of some assistance. Bill Here is a link that might be useful: Garden Markers That Last

Isn't it FUN to put those beautiful labels out? I'm sure they'll look good and also be very helpful to keep your hostas organized. I've had mine at least five years and the labels don't fade in the sun and stay on the marker without peeling. Besides the garden markers, I make labels to organize my storage boxes and food containers in the house and garage, too. You'll find all kinds of uses for it now! It sounds like you researched better than I did because I got brushed zinc markers. They bend too easy when stepped on or under a snow load, and I was surprised to find some of the sticks/stems have rotted in the ground and broken off. I thought only wood would do that. Your stainless steel ones sound wonderful.