I have yet another "pencil use" in the garden. At home I have no shortage of twigs and branches but at my Mom's place there are no trees. It so happens we have a large box of Pencils that my Dad's VFW post used as promo items and I've found them quite handy for marking rows of zinnias and bulbs planted. The stainless steel portion provides excellent visibility and they're very re-useable.
First season planting here the next door neighbor inquired about my pencil patches, LOL.
I actually do prefer them to my twigs and bamboo just because of the visibility. I've had no issues with decay or rust so I'll probably "stick" with it.