The Ultimate Guide to Garden Labelling: Materials, Techniques, and Tips

Discover the art and science of garden labelling with our comprehensive guide. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, learn about the best materials that withstand the elements, techniques for clear, durable labelling, and tips to keep your garden organized and beautiful. Explore eco-friendly options, DIY solutions, and our top product recommendations to make your garden labelling both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The Team @ The Garden Label & Sign company have product options to suit all manner of Gardeners.

If you are new to Gardening and have a small greenhouse, cold frame or warm windowsill.  The likelihood is that you are looking for products that can be reused and will work on a limited budget.

The go-to range of plant label markers can be found here.

These budget-friendly products can be written on and wiped off.  These labels are available in a range of different shapes and sizes. 

For example, white plastic pot and stake labels are perfect for labelling seedlings, herbs or seasonal fruit and vegetables.  These can be written on with a pencil or a marker pen.  And assuming a permanent marker hasn’t been used, you should be able to remove last season’s information and re-use for another crop.    

Or, maybe you are attending a gardener’s market or flower show, and require a temporary solution to display information. Our angled blackboard labels would make the perfect solution.  They are available in two sizes. At 44cm and 53cm high, these labels are not likely to be missed, especially if written on with chalk or a white paint marker.

If these products are cleaned and stored correctly after use. And not left outside for months on end.  You should be able to reuse these products for at least 2-3 growing seasons.

If you are looking for durable, sustainable and eco-friendly labelling, then you must consider our range of natural slate labels.

They can be supplied blank, so you can write on them with chalk, a water-based paint or one of our waterproof marker pens.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a longer-term labelling solution, there is also the option to purchase them engraved. We laser etch the slate, creating a subtle, light grey engraved mark, which will not weather or fade.  In fact, the only possible way to remove the text would be to use a sander!

These truly rustic-looking labels are perfect for gardens where straight lines and uniformity are definitely not required.  With rough cut edges and the unique slate texture, it’s highly unlikely that any two labels will be the same. 

Historically, the vast majority of our customers are looking to purchase our UV-stable, coloured acrylic laminate labels.  We have been sourcing the same weatherproof engraving laminate via 908 Ltd since we began trading some 16 years ago.

The laminate is tough and colour fast, even when placed in direct sunlight.  The only colours that appear to change over time are the Red and Burgundy options, which we’ve been told have changed to a rather attractive shade of pink after some years outdoors.

Some gardeners have their own means to engrave.  Whether that be using a hand-held engraving pen, rotary pantograph engraving machine or the latest in laser technology. Our blank garden labels product range will suit all of the above engraving options.  Alternatively, these label blanks make the perfect weather-proof base with which to write on or even stick printed labels too. 

We offer gardeners the option to buy these pre-cut, coloured blank labels, supplied with or without holes or slots. A range of sizes can be found on our website.  However, custom sizes can also be supplied.  We urge customers to contact us directly if they cannot find the size they are looking for. 

But if all of that sounds too much like hard work.  We can offer a professional, bespoke engraving service. We use laser equipment, which ensures all of the engraving is crisp and clear.   

This bespoke engraving service enables our customers to instruct us in all aspects of the design.  From label colour and size, to font style and positioning.  We can even add logos or QR codes to ensure your labels help enhance your garden’s visitor experience.

Furthermore, we keep a record of all engraved jobs.  This means we can help your garden's staff to maintain a continuity of label style throughout the garden.