A great way to identify plants and keep track on those that ‘go underground’ when dormant is to use plant markers. Decorative, functional or designed to provide information, plant markers serve many functions. If you are growing plants from seed they are essential, and they need to be weatherproof and long lasting. Simple ‘push in’ plastic markers are cheap and reliable, however many alternatives are available.
Plant Marker Uses
- Commercial uses in Nurseries.
- In the Home Garden- to find plants.
With so many bulbs and perennials that ‘go underground’ when dormant marking the position of the plant with a marker can prevent damage when digging and remind you where to mulch and top dress. - For Marking Seed Propagation
For those who grow plants from seed, plant markers are a must. - For Naming Plants
Marking plants with their names is also great for visitors, or if you are really adventurous, when you open your garden to the public. Many decorative styles are available,
However all are not the same, so lets look at some different types of plant markers for the garden.
Types of Plant Markers
Lots of ‘do it yourself’ options including timber and metal scraps simply painted, however in the outdoors these are not long lasting.
Ceramic markers and the sturdy plastic ‘push in’ type are great, however many other types are now available as well. Metal spoons that flattened and are stamped are interesting.
One of the best options for permanent markers ‘do it yourself’ is galvanised iron marked with special garden marker pens such as the Artline 780 Garden Marker.
Long lasting copper plant markers (pictured right) are a simple solution for the home garden.
A quick temporary marker is the icy-pole stick with a pencil marker.
Plant markers materials and qualities
Long lasting, non fading, UV resistant and easy to read. The options are plastic, marked with a special garden marker, metal (aluminium and others) either etched, imprinted or marked with garden marker. Look around for some builders aluminium flashing, readily available at hardware stores.Of course pre cut markers will be a little neater than most of us can fashion.
Of course many pre printed or painted markers are available, especially for the more common plants and herbs, however for those gardeners who are have a ‘collection’ of plants, some sort of marking system is essential.
Looking for some ‘home made’ markers? Try ice cream sticks, marked with a garden marker they are great for seedlings. We have also seen spoons used, sometimes with the names ‘stamped’ into a flattened spoon with a metal stamp.
You could also consider a ‘garden map’, marking plants on the map as they are planted.
In a botanical garden situation lots of information is placed on markers for educational and public information, including botanical name, common name, area of origin and family name.
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