“Permanent Ink” WILL fade.

I can’t say the exact brand that 99% of us go to when we need a sharp lined black marker, but I’m pretty sure you’re imagining the one I’m talking about. But before you hate on me- I LOVE those markers for SO MANY things. Like writing on boxes when you’re moving, bold art projects, labeling canning jar lids, writing my kid’s names on their sweatshirts and soccer balls…all those things are PERFECT for those permanent markers. But plant tags?? DON’T DO IT! You will be sad and full of regret in about 2 weeks when the sun fades the initially dark ink to almost unreadable. 1 month of summer sun and your formerly beautifully written tag will look completely devoid of any text. I spent an embarrassing amount of time writing out tags for my dahlias last summer. I think I made each tag 3 times before I FINALLY found a marker that wouldn’t fade. My tags weren’t fancy either, just plastic tags to go beside each plant. Someday I would like more permanent tags, but for now- it’s plastic and markers for me.

Faded tag after 3 weeks of sunlight exposure vs. new UV protected tag

The main thing you want to look for when shopping for your marker for is the phrase “UV Fade Resistant”. The package can read ‘outdoor marker’, ‘permanent marker’, ‘indeliable ink’, ‘for industrial use’ or whatever I don’t care…. but if it doesn’t say “UV FADE RESISTANT” you WILL end up with faded ink and a summer full of re-writing plant tags. Which will inevitably mean not being able to decipher your faded scratch marks and you will lose any hope of accurately identifying your dahlia in the future. You will also end up with your own made-up names like “purple one that can’t die” or “pink frilly one” or “the one Grandma gave me.” Which there’s nothing wrong with that! But if you’re trying to keep track of tubers you’ve already purchased or trying to plan your summer garden…. knowing what you have can be really important.

I’ve attached a link to a product here. I am not going to get any kickbacks or anything from you using it- this is purely an honest link to a product I like. They are relatively inexpensive and 1 marker should last you all summer (assuming you don’t misplace it like me, or it gets stolen by artistically inclined kids) This isn’t the only marker of its kind either so definitely shop around! There are lots of tags than the ones I use too. I just needed bulk….and unfortunately for me Bulk = Boring.

So do me a favor and save yourself the headache. Start your season off with UV Fade Resistant markers, tags that make you happy to look at, and label your flowers to your heart’s content--- feeling secure that you will only have to do it once. Then send me a picture of your garden art! I’d love to see it.

Happy Labeling!