Garden Signs and Markers

There are all kinds of reasons to put small signs or markers in your garden. Practically speaking, after you sow seeds or plant bulbs, the bare earth looks pretty much the same. If you want to remember what you planted where, you'll need small tags until the plants fill in a bit. Keeping track of what you plant from year to year can also help you remember which varieties grow best. Decorative signs add a whimsical touch to your garden, allowing everyone to know whose garden it is and who to compliment on the fresh vegetables. Lastly, if you have lost a beloved pet, a pet memorial marker can commemorate his or her grave (or just her favorite sunny patch of grass). 

Row Markers  are great for vegetable gardens and flower beds.Row Markers	Plant Tags  are especially good on trees and shrubs, but you can use them on any plant that is strong enough to support their weight.	Decorative Signs  add a sense of humor to your garden.	Pet Memorial Markers  can mark a grave or a special part of the yard in memory of a faithful companion.

Plastic  is inexpensive and weather-resistant, but not biodegradable. Ususally used for disposable purposes, such as row or seed tray markers.	Metal  is usually used for signs or for more permanent plant tags, such as tree identification tags.  Look for metals that won't rust, like aluminum.	Terra Cotta markers give your garden a more rustic charm -- and they coordinate so nicely with all your pots! Great for marking herb gardens.	Wood  markers are another choice for temporary tags. They're more biodgradable than plastic but conversely may not be as durable.

External Links

• Ahs.org (pdf) -- American Gardener. Download an article about different brands of plant markers.