I bought nice labels for my beds but in the patches, I use pvc pipe with a tee on top. You cant write on them with a paint pen from walmart that will last 2 of 3 years. The little copper labels in my estimation is a waste of money and those little plastic thingys are the reason I have so many noids. They break if you cross your eyes. In my seedling garden, I have heavy duty Venetian blind cut to about 6 " and then cut into a point The paint pen stays on these for 4 or 5 years. Mine are about 2 and 1/2 in wide so I can get all my info on them. Beside that, I now use a spreadsheet so if my dh runs over the label, I can still identify the plant/cross. I like these better than the pvc pipe ..cheaper too. I have found them sometimes in places like the Salvation Army. The Paint Pen ( fine point, black) is in the craft dept. Once it dries, it doesn't smear. I hope I've helped.

I use the metal ones (Paw Paw Everlast? I think the company's called?) and write with a soft black pencil, which looks like an eyeliner. Some that are exposed to sun I need to update after couple of years but mostly they are covered by the foliage and don't fade. I also use cut blinds and on them I write with just regular pencils and they don't fade, but don't last long mainly because squirrels or birds or who knows what always move them.

I know all my daylilies' names without the labels but sometimes can't tell one from another in the pictures (in the garden of course I can :)) so when I download them from my camera I try to add initials to the pic names. I can never remember my hostas (or lilies ;)) though because many of them look the same to me, and I sure need to update the labels after confirming their IDs :D

I HAVE used venetian blinds, too, since I had a couple that had nev er been used,and found its a very good way to mark the daylilies, when you can't afford the bought ones, that I wouldreally like to have. I used a Label Maker to write the names,and stick them on the blind. and so far,I have some that's been in use for 5 years and still look very good.I also bought the plastic plant markers from Walmart and write the name of the daylily on it with a permanent marker that faded pretty fast, so I got a paint marker and done some with that and they have stayed about 4 years, so far and still can read it.I would like to have the bought ones mainly for the height, so don't have to always be bending over,and hunting for the label. since I moved in December I have to keep all my plants in pots now, which is easier and don't have to hunt for the label.Over half of them, I know the name when I see the bloom, but, always want to look at the label anyway, to make sure I am remembering right.

I use the same markers that Nan mentioned - I used the one type first (and am still using those), but switched over to the Kincaid ones last year. I use a Brother p-touch printer and this type of tape (white on black, I used to use black on white). http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B004I2JRIW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00

I cut mini blinds into 8" pieces and cut a point at one end. I write my information in pencil on the top and the bottom, that way, if by chance, they get broken or fade the part in the dirt still has the info. I also have a map of all my beds. I do have most of them memorized.

The venetian blinds I use aren't the metal type. The are like a hard plastic but can be cut so that there is a point on them. as i said before, these are nearly 3" wide so there's lots of room on them. I also write the name ( cross) on the front and back. it really takes a long time for them to fade because the blind seems to absorb the marker. I also can print a label for them but rarely do.

PS, I did not purchase the blinds which are rather expensive, my sister was changing hers and asked me if I wanted them and I'll tell you, I jumped on them....