Bob Flowerdew: plant labels will save you a lot of trouble, says Bob
Plant labels are an essential part of plant prep, so follow Bob’s trouble-free tips to save you some headaches later
SOONER or later each of us stands there staring at a faded illegible label wondering (or worse, trying to remember) what it once said. Then there is that other embarrassment: the pot or tray you sowed some weeks ago, imagining it would not need a label as, of course, you’d remember…
Again, if new to your garden, doubtless you’ll come across old labels on some of your inherited plants, but not many. How wonderful to have all your permanent residents identified by name, especially roses and fruit trees.
Not just for you, but also for those who come after.
Of course, labels may (and often will) get lost – even so, it’s still worth making them. Prepare labels before you plant and don’t leave it until later. As to what sort, well, there are some beautiful metal and pottery ones available, but most of us use those narrow white plastic strips. You can make similar for free cut from a white plastic detergent bottle. I make extra-large (thus readable without glasses) labels cut from a Venetian blind, and find clothes pegs handy as these clip on so don’t get lost so easily.
It doesn’t matter much what the label is if the name vanishes. Few pens or markers last permanently. To be safe, first use a hard pencil almost scratching the name on, then go over it with a soft pencil or wax crayon. To be doubly sure, write the name on both sides (the sunny or weathered side will fade first).
And although labels will be sufficient most of the time, for those important fruit trees and roses, and any interesting or unusual specimens, make a plan on paper with their names and positions clearly marked and then stick this on the wall of your potting shed or garage.
“Prepare them now before you plant!”