Tag and identify, embossed aluminum

       I have made small aluminum tags from aluminum flashing that you get at
any lumber yard or building center. I like  them about 1-11/2 inches square
and lay them all out in rows of thirty. I use a set of steel numerals ( Also
available at a building center) and stamp any sequence of numbers into the
tags I want. As they are in rows and in sequences of ten I can use as an
example die #7 and do all the 7s at one time for the whole sheet. I'll have
about 100-150 per sheet that I do at one time. If I'm inspired I then take a
permanent sharpie black pen and go over the number for easier reading. When I
have done all the numbering I drill a hole in the corner of each tag (Still
in sheet form) I then cut the tags apart and cut a piece off each corner so
they won't be so sharp in the garden to work around.  I put them on a 6-7"
piece of galvanized  wire with a slight z bend in it which will be below
ground and prevents me from pulling it out when weeding.  I map my beds as
well so should a tag turn up missing its a simple matter to replace it
properly labeled again as the other plants are easily identified. My big
problem is people sending me the wrong Iris which I happily number and track
around my yard knowing exactly where it is but not what it is. Trading a few
hundred colors a year can compound errors quickly so each bloom I go out and
check the names against the colors.
       If you're wondering on the time all this takes, like the pyramids it
started out one block at a time. I do the tags watching Monday night football
and a good game may see a sliced tag or two but I can do a hundred or so . By
SPring I'm ready to go with another set of tags for the new arrivals.
Mark Timonier- Irisdreams@aol.com
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