Kyla - Welcome to ATP!
Your new garden bed looks awesome! You are off to a very good start. I also got some free seeds from Cindy, as well as bought some from her on the Lily Auction. The freebie seeds you got may be similar or the same as I got. If so, it will be fun to compare the flowers when they bloom.
Since you live in a colder winter zone, it might take 2 years for yours to bloom, so don't be discouraged if they don't bloom in 1 year. You will be delighted when they do!
As far as markers for you seedlings, I use a letter and number system with a cross-reference list that I keep on my computer AND in a notebook. (We all know about computer crashes!) I do hybridizing too, so I keep all that together in one notebook. I tried permanent marker or pencil the first couple of years, but quickly discovered that both will completely fade out. So ... what I have been using as a marker has worked out VERY well for me and has lasted 2 years so far with very little fading. I use clear plastic disposable knives and Puffy Paint to write the letter/number code on them. Let it dry over-night and then just stick them in the ground next to each plant when they are dry. The knives and Puffy Paint I buy at Walmart for very cheap. I discovered that using dark colored Puffy Paint is easier to see than the pastel colors. I put the writing end down into the ground and let the handle of the knife stick up. Being clear, they are hardly noticeable. The handles sticking up keeps my dog from going into the garden bed since she doesn't like stepping on them! LOL!
Also some folks use garden bed mapping where you make a map/drawing of your garden and mark where each plant is. That works if you can really space your plants out and none die.
Here is what I am talking about.
