Re: Mini Blind labels

 

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For What Its Worth
 
Agree labels are a tough problem with perennials.
 
Agree with Anner on the Paw Paw label. About the best option I have come across.
 
Here's a few things about working with Paw Paw's that might help someone. We use a grease pencil or China marker to write directly on the front of the label surface facing the sun. We get about 3-6 years of legibility. It depends a lot on sun exposure. Even if the grease fades and weathers after awhile, the oxidation of the metal surface is held up under the grease coating and you can see the writing like an etching on the metal surface. At that point we rewrite with the grease pencil if needed. Good for another few years. Usually after two grease pencil cycles the bottom legs will start to rust off, and they are shorter, but many are still useable. We have some labels here from 1992 when I first started breeding iris. You can still read those pedigrees. We also write the cross number on the underside of the label facing the ground where there is more protection from the elements, particularluy the sun. That serves as a backup of last resort. I had lots of problems until I started using this system - much better now, but we always try to have a written back up on paper in case something silly happens like the neighborhood dog prances through the garden dragging his chain behind. Don't ask.
 
Oh. Almost forgot. You can cut the grease writing off the labels by soaking them in a little vinegar diluted with water. Soak for a few minutes then scrub off the surface with steel wool or a mildly abrasive pad. ( don't overdo the vinegar concentration or leave them in the vinegar too long - they will melt down if you overdo it ) This vinegar cutting techique lets you start over with a used label and re-write a new pedigree on a clean surface.
 
Then if you stay out of them with the lawnmower they should last a long time ! The ones that go through the lawnmower don't look so good. They're a lot harder to read after that.
 
Hope this helps.
 
irisman646
 
 
----- Original Message -----
From: C*@aol.com
To: i*@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, February 07, 2011 9:58 AM
Subject: Re: [iris-species] Mini Blind labels

 

People use the zinc PawPaw Everlast plant markers--usually  the "Rose Markers" with the Brother labels on them, too. I understand if you spray them with clear coating--Rustoleum makes one--they last an enormous length of time, althought that must vary. I need to check out where I ran into that formula for etching the zinc. I thought it was in Ella's little book but no. AMW 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Debbie Hinchey <dhinchey@alaska.com>
To: iris-species@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sun, Feb 6, 2011 11:41 pm
Subject: [iris-species] Mini Blind labels

 
When I have time and/or very special plants I use  â or  â Brother laminated labels on the slat from mini blinds.  The first time I had one of these labels came with a plant a friend gave me.  The plastic tape-like part of the label fell off the mini blind in about three years, but I could easily read the tape and make another label.  This would not work in windy areas. 
 
Nowadays there are extra weather resistant types.  So far they have lasted well for at least four years.  I can get a lot of information on a label and it is very easy to read.  I have used both clear and white backed ones with black letters.  The white are available here at Costco so they are cheapest to buy but they only carry the  âsize but the clear ones are nicer looking.  Pencils are easier than printing labels when I am potting up or dividing to give away.  Usually only the plants that get into my garden get the âfancierâ labels.
 
I have enjoyed this âconversationâ about labels.  Thank you to everyone for contributing.  I have learned something from all of you.
 
Debbie
Anchorage, Alaska
USDA Zone 3-4

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