Plant Labels - what works?

i have found sharpie permanent marker one of the better longer lasting pens and i face the writing towards the soil so they get less sun.

I use a label that is thinner than the thick ones usualy sold in garden centers and an ordinary HB pencil. These last me for several years, blackbirds and wind permitting. I have also found that a certain cd writer pen, edding 8400, is very permanent. I have had test label sitting outside for two and a half years now and the writing has not started to fade. I have just started experimenting with writing on pebbles as described on this site a few weeks ago - so far so good.

When you have a portfolio on your plants as I have on big estates, I used a numbers system to mark i.e. 20 varieties of Geraniums.

I use an ARTLINE GARDEN MARKER EK-780. It outlasted 5 others on a test label facing the sun. I also use a 2B pencil on small labels, I have to buy the label pen from my trade supplier as the locl stationers dont seem to have it in stock. Try the Internet.

My Dad always used my lollypop sticks and a pencil used with a very heavy hand, so the wording was almost etched in. I'd do the same, but I don't eat lollypops anymore.

I use Edding 141F which has quite a fine nib with no signs of fading. Now you're spoilt for choice, Gray

I lashed out on a Brother printer two years ago - bought off the net - I find it a great boon and the labels can be re-used if kept stored. I know it's far more expensive than pens, but I do like it.