Good idea, Vicki. As for handwriting on something like that, its supposed to look "cute" and not perfect. Just simple printing, like in those old kindergarten books is what I'd go for. Pull up some garden signs and look how they are lettered. That's what I do. I've got a plan to make a sign for my (faux) frog pond, and some little signs with froggy sayings on them. I've got so many frogs in the yard that I figured I'd round them up and put them in one little area of their own. The tomato cans sound just perfect in size and your plan for the stake in them. hugs, Karen

Thanks for the web sight TinkerToo! I'm ordering 1000. I'll split with some of the gals in my Garden Club. Iowagal, I'm so glad you let me in on the printer. I was going to give that idea up all together. And last but not least unicricket. This is great info to pass on to my other garden friends here at home. I just hate the idea of repeating tags. I've tried the plastic markers and they didn't hold up at all. I always admire gardens that are so well marked. And by the way I'll be looking for Iowa forum folks at the Winter Garden Fair. I hope they have name tags. If so I plan on adding Iowa Forum on mine. If they don't I might make a tag. Thanks everyone! Sandy

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

Cameron & Westelle: I am needing about 300 for my daylilies and about that for my Salvias and other plant material I found 100 for 37.75 g series which I think has a nicer look with one bar not two. Westelle the plates are 1 1/4" Tall and 3 1/2' wide and I am putting Botanical Name w "Cultivar" then Country or hybridizer Below that I think it should be big enough for most to read as they will stand about 10" Tall. What do you all think? Art