What Did I Plant Where & When?
Plant Labels and Documenting Additions in Our Gardens—Intentional Choices For Us and the Birds
Labels As Reminders, Signals, and Educational Tools
Have you ever walked past a garden, finding that your eyes are drawn to the stunning flourishing plants? Did you wish you knew the names of the plants? Plant labels can act as reminders to the gardener and those around them about the identity of a plant. They are a great option for gardens within public view, helping passersby to learn what is in the garden and grow their awareness of the assortment of plant species in their local area.
Importantly, as you integrate new plant species into your garden space, it may become difficult to pinpoint where everything is. Plant labels are a great way to stay organized and keep track of each plant’s location, while helping to avoid disturbing a dormant plant. Different plant species enter dormancy at different times making it challenging to track dormant plant species. At first glance, an empty spot in your garden may appear to hold nothing, but beneath the topsoil may lie a dormant perennial – a plant label will serve as a helpful reminder of what is still in that space.
A Tool to Help Document Garden Plants
We created a spreadsheet to use instead of or in conjunction with plant labels. You can record what plants you add, where, and when. This may be a helpful way to track garden changes over time. Plants take on a life of their own in our outdoor spaces and it is easy to lose track of them. Adding new plants to this spreadsheet right after you plant them may further support your gardening journey.
Do you have plant species you’ve been dreaming of adding to your garden space? We’ve included a sheet that can be used to log plants you would like to incorporate in the future.
Plant Labels as a Source of Inspiration and Signaling Intention
When plants catch the eye of visitors or neighbors, having plant labels may inspire them to start a garden or add similar plants to their own garden. A plant that may have previously been unfamiliar can now be considered as an viable addition to their garden.
Also, using plant labels in your garden can convey intentionality about what is being planted and even why it was planted. Perhaps to support pollinators or to help with soil erosion? Plant labels serve as a reminder to ourselves and those around us that each plant was purposely chosen to support the local ecosystem.
What Should You Include On a Plant Label?
Before getting started on your plant labels, consider what would be most useful for you in your garden space. Ensuring space for the plant’s common names is recommended. The scientific name of the plant, however, is arguably a vital component to have on a plant label. This is because many species of plants have the same common name. Adding the scientific name is a great way to learn a few yourself! If space allows, there are a variety of other components that could be added such as date it was planted, watering needs, and if applicable, bloom time, and toxicity warnings. You can also implement a color coding system, using different colors of ink or paint to categorize plants with similar characteristics such as height or flower color.
Types of Plant Labels
In addition to the countless benefits of plant labeling, they are a fun way to personalize and decorate your garden. Tap into your creativity by making vibrant painted rock labels. To begin, use clean rocks with a smooth surface and paint with a non-VOC non-toxic water-based paint designed for outdoor use. Another environmentally friendly option is milk-based paint or earth pigments that can be mixed with liquid binders to make paint. This can also be a great way to encourage children to express their creativity while spending time outside in the garden.
Be sure to take the proper safety precautions when handling your choice of paint. Avoid painting rocks to resemble berries or fruit because this could confuse birds into believing it’s edible and potentially cause them injury.
Have any small planks of wood, old wooden spoons, or spare wood lying around? They can be used to craft DIY wooden labels. If you are looking for a way to write on the wood, consider using fade-resistant garden marker pens, water-based paint, graphite pencils, or practice wood burning by using the appropriate heated tool to burn letters onto your wooden plant label.
Copper, bronze, galvanized iron, or up-cycled aluminum can be used to make long-lasting labels that are weather resistant and easily installable. How you decide to add words to your metal label depends on the type of metal used. Possibilities include cutting out each letter, using fade-resistent garden marker pens, or using a metal letter punch set to engrave each letter with a hammer.
Why Natural Materials are the Natural Choice
The type of materials you use matters. We recommend using materials such as recycled metal, rocks, ceramic, wood, and metal to ensure we are doing what’s best for our gardens and the surrounding environment. Opting for non-plastic materials not only adds an aesthetically pleasing touch to your garden, but may avoid introducing microplastics and harmful chemicals to your garden and nearby water sources. Birds can sometimes consume plastic under the impression it is food or become entangled in longer pieces of plastic. Despite being commonly found and sold, it is generally not as long-lasting, weather resistant, or durable as non-plastic alternatives. Wood will decompose naturally eventually, so after your label has done its job, it will not contribute to landfill waste. Crafting, repurposing, and upcycling rocks, wood, ceramic, and metal using appropriate non-VOC, non-toxic paints and glazes, if applicable, also reduces landfill waste. Let’s embrace creative uses of natural or recycled supplies we have lying around.
Ceramic Labels Mold to Your Needs
Individualized plant labels from high-fired ceramic that can be crafted into your preferred shape, size, and color, are another option to consider. The key here is to use food safe or non-toxic glazes to minimize potential ecological damage to the soil and plant. Similarly, if you are able to dig clay from your property or purchase ethically sourced natural clay, it can be molded into a plant label and stamped with words. Be sure to seal it with a glaze as clay is naturally porous.
A Small Yet Powerful Tool
As growing seasons come and go, plant labels remain a consistent and reliable way to visually remind ourselves of what we planted and where. Nestled among thriving plants, plant labels can amplify the beauty of a garden and add unique charm to your space. Crafting them can be an enjoyable experience individually or can be done with friends or family.
Plant labels are an optional addition and especially recommended for public-facing gardens as they are an engaging learning tool for all ages. Visitors can choose to interact with your garden by learning about the plants flourishing in your space through the plant label. Next time you notice a plant label, put your plant identification skills to the test before reading the label; perhaps you’ll learn something new.
When purchasing or DIY-ing your own plant labels, be intentional when choosing your materials and consider how to minimize potential environmental harm. The materials you use can have an impact on soil health, local water sources, and wildlife. Let’s make choices that will benefit birds and others while making our day-to-day gardening a bit easier.
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