Viewing post #540746 by crowrita1

Yes, I use the "rose labels" from Paw Paw label co. ,with "stick-on" plastic lettered labels made on a Dymo label-maker. I then "clear-coat" the label ,to cut back on the rust, and to help protect against weathering. For the permanant tags, I use an electric engraving tool to mark the name on an aluminum tag(about 2"X3.5")which I wire to an 8" galvanized spike, and push into the ground at the base of the plant. I just think that leaving the rose labels in place all year would make weeding, cutting -back, etc., harder, as you would have to work around them. . I do leave the re-bloomer labels up all through the growing season, but the "spring only"ones come down right after bloom ends. Thing is, I have only been dealing with about 80-100 labels. This year, I'll be dealing with over 400 ! (don't ask how many there will be NEXT year ). I also have the "bed number" listed on the "cultivar list" ,and the beds are numbered with signs, so that helps to track down at least which bed the iris lives in. But as to WHERE in the bed it is,...well, I haven't crossed THAT bridge yet . I'm thinking that for those who just want to look at iris, it doesn't really matter too much, as if they see one that "trips their trigger", they can see the name displayed on both the rose label, or the ground tag,( if I'm late putting out the labels ) but for those who want to track down a particular cultivar, the bed-number system should make it a little easier. .This is kinda' new to me yet, and I may change my plans and opinions before the 2015 season! With the beds along the street, we've always drawn quite a few "lookers", but now that it being "advertised', I'm not sure how many people may show up , but I want to make it a pleasant and enjoyable experience for them, if I can. Hopefully, visits can be made when we are home, so we can visit with them, but, as I sad, being along the street, and across from the village park, the garden is always "open", so to speak.....Arlyn