It’s plant sale season, and you know what that means – lots of little green things coming into your life!
We all buy them with the best of intentions and we put them in great spots and where we’ll never forget what we planted…
Ha! Of course we’ll forget. That’s happened to me so many times, and I still struggle in the spring knowing what all those little emerging leaves might one day turn out to be.
So wanting plant markers, but hating the look of plastic, I decided to try another more permanent and natural material – rocks!
The first year, I just took a sharpie, wrote some plant names and set them out. It worked fine for a month or two, then I ended up with plants with rocks next to them. All I knew was that I should know. It took a few trials, but I now have a fool-proof way for long-lasting natural plant markers. Follow the easy steps below for years of use. (I know they last two years, and with no signs of fading, I expect many more.)
Step One: Choose Your Rocks Carefully
Your ideal rock has a smooth-ish writing surface and is light in color. Grey and/or bumpy rocks are out.
Step 2: Rinse And Dry Your Rocks
Your family will question your sanity, but it really does help to have rocks free from dust and grime. No need to get crazy with soap, just make sure the dust from their last million years of life is all gone. Rub them with your bare hands and you’ll feel them getting clean.
Step 3: Apply A Clear Coat
To seal the surface so the writing doesn’t bleed in, lay out the rocks – writing side up – on a sheet of newspaper outdoors. Using a continuous motion, spray just a light coat and let dry for at least 30 minutes. I use this one by Rust-Oleum. It’s about 50/50 whether you’ll find it in your neighborhood hardware store. Whatever you use, make sure it’s clear and UV resistant.
Step 4: Write On Your Labels
Use a garden marker that is designed to be fade and water resistant. I’ve been very happy with this one.
Step 5: Apply A Top Coat
Use a UV resistant top coat to seal on the writing and give extra protection. Same technique as earlier and again, dry for at least 30 minutes.
Step 6: Place Your Rock Marker In Its Place Of Honor
Maybe not every single plant needs a rock, but I try to have one in every grouping. It serves as a great reminder for one thing. And it makes visitors ask questions which can lead to some fun conversations about native ecosystems. Then for those sneaky spring ephemerals that completely disappear it’s a huge help to know where they might pop up again after a year’s absence.
Might as well get started, you know the plants are coming…
Great idea! How can I save this so I can find it again?
Do you use Pinterest? You could save it there.
I love this idea. I just want to find a way to do it without so many unnatural products, many with lots of nonrecyclable packaging.