There are many ways to mark the labels of our metal Garden Markers.  Here are a few of the most popular techniques.

Many prefer to use a permanent pen (also called a nursery marker) to write directly on the label.  In years past the only challenge has been to provide pens that were durable in most climate conditions.  However, the dramatic increase in air pollution and acid rain has had an adverse effect on even the best pens we can offer.  The spray from liquid fertilizers and/or insecticides can also break down the ink and cause it to be washed away by rain or prolonged watering or both.  In addition, the ultra-violet rays of the sun break down the chemicals in the ink and cause it to deteriorate.

Another popular and easy method utilizes a common, large #2 lead pencil.  The “lead” holds up well and is extremely weather-resistant.  This method has the disadvantage of being less visible than other forms of marking the labels.

The china marking pencil is one of the oldest of the pencils used for marking the labels.  It is inexpensive, easy to use, and reasonably weatherproof.

The Uni-Paint (formerly the Faber Paint Pen) is actually enamel paint in a felt-tip where the ink contains chemical additives which make it sun resistant.  This option is more expensive, but has the best record for durability in all parts of the country.

Some prefer to use the Dymo adhesive plastic marking tapes or other similar tape and sticker type material.  The adhesives stick well if the labels are washed with hot soapy water to remove any dirt and oil.  Office supply stores and many large department stores carry these items.

The labels may also be permanently engraved using an electric engraving tool. Electric engravers are available at most large department stores and hardware stores.

Another alternative is professionally produced, printed or engraved labels.  Ads for companies printing weatherproof labels appear in many gardening magazines.  We recommend AAA Quality Engravers of Louisiana:  504-361-3944, Garden Fonts of Maine:  207-326-9541, and Ident-a-plant of Virginia :  703-532-3284.  We have found all these to have attractive, durable labels that fit onto our markers.

Since we cannot control the weather and garden environments, we cannot in any way guarantee any marking device used on the labels of our Garden  Markers.  We advise customers to take a minute while they are making the labels to also mark the reverse side of the label with the same information.  If the front weathers and becomes unreadable, the more protected reverse side will still contain the information needed to identify a plant.