Plant Markers from Nature

These markers will add a rustic touch to your garden bed.

• Willow twigs
• Weather-resistant, small nails
• Birch bark (or whatever you have on hand -- tin flashing, copper, cedar shake, scrap lumber, etc.)
• Acrylic or latex paint
• Polyurethane sealer or spray

Interested in even more outdoor projects? Use poultry wire to create lights.

Step 1.

1. Cut four pieces of slender (3/4-inch or so) willow or other twigs. Pieces should be long enough for a 3 x 5- or 4 x 4-inch plant marker. Nail together as shown. Copper nails are ideal but any weather-resistant small nails will work.

Step 2.

2. Cut a piece of birch bark from a fallen tree to size. Or use whatever you have on hand -- tin flashing, copper, cedar shake, scrap lumber, etc. Nail to the back of frame.

Step 3.

3. To make a stake for the sign, nail a 16-inch or so branch to the back of the frame, extending the top of the stake above the sign as shown.

Step 4.

4. Paint the plant name on the sign. Use any acrylic or latex paint you have handy. Let dry, then coat entire label, including the ends of the stake, with a polyurethane sealer or spray.