eddings permanent black pens were trialed by the hps/rhs [not sure which] and they were found to be weatherproof for at least 4 yrs.

I tend to make plans of the bed and write their postion in pencil. then if they die I can rub them off the plan. I also take photos and add them onto my plant profile on GoY

I use a permanant black pen and write on old lolly sticks, or the sticks you can get from the coffee bars, I always bring mine home because they only throw them away!

Thank you both. I tried wooden lolly sticks and the wood went black so that the writing couldn't be read really quickly. I'll have a look for an eddings pen on ebay - haven't seen them in village shops.

Using gloves and tinsnips, cut up aluminum cans into strips, and cut off the sharp tips of the corners. Use steel wool to polish off the label printing, and to blunt the sharp edges. When you need to use them, put one on a few sheets of newspaper as a pad, and write the info with a ball point pen. That will make a permanently embossed metal label. Excellent for bonsai, succulents, or alpines, which may stay in the same pot for years.

I have found the pens refered to by Sbg above, sold as Cd writers, to be the best. And, following a tip on here last year, I sometimes write on flat pebbles which look so much neater than plastic tombstones

Himself then covers with a clear varnish! Which he has forgotten to say - seems to work well.

I sometimes use the plastic knives used for outdoor eating...cheap.....Love Bulba's pebble idea..:>)

Some great ideas - I'll try out a variety of them. I've bid on some pens on ebay. Fingers crossed.

I've won a box of 10 eddings permanent markers on ebay for a startlingly small price - the postage is double the amount. If anyone wants to try one, PM me!