Dear Friends, There are a number of aspects to a permanent garden marker The writing material-ink,pencil, laser etc The intermediate printing material- vinyl, paper plastic The long lasting holder I have had years of success using the following combination: Laser printing on self stick waterproof plastic address labels. These are thin white plastic and the laser printing forms a near permanent bond. This plastic printed label is attached to an all stainless steel garden marker made by Kinkaid Gardens. http://kincaidgardens.com/Our_Products-Plant_Marke… Labels as short as 6 inches can be nearly hidden at ground level, while 15 to 18 in height labels are perfect for bigger clumping plants, peonies etc. The owner of Kincaid labels is a friend and fellow gardener. All parts of the label are stainless steel, heavy duty and of good durability, not to be compared to old zinc plated steel which are FAR inferior. The old metal labels are also of a poor design and easily corrode in a year or two. It is also possible to print a duplicate label for the back side of the marker or write on the marker in #2 pencil front or back. It takes all parts of a label to go together and endure. Best Jim W. -- Dr. James W. Waddick 8871 NW Brostrom Rd. Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711 USA Ph. 816-746-1949 Zone 5 Record low -23F Summer 100F +