I went hunting down in the basement to find one that I knew we had from years gone by. I found it covered in dust on the workbench under lots of other stuff. BTW - where does all that stuff come from?
The process is a bit slow as you have to dial each letter you want, but I've got lots of time now that I'm in recovery mode and almost officially retired. I can sit in the gazebo, rest my knee and make lots of these.
I've made a few labels and glued them onto some wooden stakes that I got at the dollar store last year. I had tried these stakes as plant markers made by hammering the letters into the wood with punches. They looked great at first but over the winter the wood probably expanded and it was difficult to read the names. The label itself is sticky but I gave it a bit of extra sticky power by using some Goop glue. I've used this on outside projects before and it really does stick.
The first one I put in is beside the trilliums. They have finished blooming for this year and the leaves will soon disappear from sight. But the plant marker will let me know where they are. You know how it is with those of us getting a bit older, we tend to forget exactly where plants are come next spring. I'm hoping these markers will jog my memory.
Thanks to all of your for your kinds thoughts and messages about my recovery from knee surgery. I'm doing really well, just a bit slow on walking, and extra slow going up and down stairs. But we all need to slow down a bit don't we?
Take time to enjoy the garden today.
Oh I don't know why, but your labels are making me giggle! I must try some for myself, I adore using a label maker! And I also forget what I've planted and where, and I'm not really sure that I'm all that old yet!
ReplyDeleteLove this Post and Your Blog! I will be sharing. Thank You for so perfectly sharing your insight. This is a Must Read Blog for all gardeners!
ReplyDeleteHi Ali, yes the memory thing doesn't always have to do with age does it?
ReplyDeleteHi Nana, thanks for your kind words about my blog.
What a great idea.
ReplyDeleteI have one of these label makers. We had one when I was a little girl. They are fun.
Melinda
Linda will be interesting to see if these markers work. Markers are always a challenge for gardeners, especially me.... take care of the knee..
ReplyDeleteHi CG! I love this, very thrifty and they look great too! I have so much work to do today, but I'm going to listen to you and go enjoy my garden. :)
ReplyDeleteDitto me on not knowing what I've planted. I look forward to an update on how your markers survive over time. I remember having one of those labelers years, and years, and years ago, at least my parents and grandparents did. It was fun for me to work with.
ReplyDeleteAlison Kerr, Loving Nature's Garden
This looks much nicer than just sticking the store tag in the dirt, like I normally do. However, my kids like to move the tags all around on me. So here I've been admiring want I thought were Lamb's Ears, only to discover as it grows...Surprise! Jacob's Ladder! LOL
ReplyDeleteI had to resort to drawing maps of my gardens, and keeping the store labels in an envelope.
Well, I was wondering what kind of glue would take the outdoor weather. I may have to give this a try. I've tried several types of markers, but none to my satisfaction. I'll be looking for a label maker now!
ReplyDeleteThis is a fantastic idea and one I'm going to use. I forget where my bulbs are planted and usually dig the poor things up when they aren't in flower.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear you knee is getting better.
Anne xx
P.S. Your banner is just so beautiful!! It cheers up my cold, rainy and wintery day.
Wow, a great idea. I have labeled everything in the house, never thought of outside. I have couple of Canon Rebels, those pictures were taken with the Canon Rebel T2i using a 60mm lens. The on-line classes by the PPSOP are fantastic, bit prices but worth every penny. Rest the knee and keep the hands dirty:)
ReplyDeleteLinda, I have struggled with the same dilemma and tried many kinds of tags. This year we bit the bullet and purchased metal markers. We had a P-Touch label maker (one of the old ones) but it uses the laminated tape so I am hoping it is going to hold up to our New England winters. Like you, I'm concerned about the adherence of the tags. I'll let you know in the spring if it was worth it!
ReplyDeleteLabels are the bane of my life at least the gardening side. Markers don't always last over the winter, I can't read the pencil. My husband gave my one of the new all singing all dancing dymos with supposedly water proof tape but that didn't last the winter either. But they are good for plant sales, better than my handwriting anyway.
ReplyDeleteThis calls for a year long scientific study methinks.
Good luck with the knee. You'll soon be skipping along!