Before the border fades: label your perennials this autumn
Three favourite plants, a few labels and two photographic views: record what grows where before many perennials die back for winter.
Cover image: AI-generated image
The hosta beside the path, the favourite perennial behind the stone: in September, many plants are still easy to recognise. Later, the above-ground growth of many deciduous perennials dies back. Record what grows where now, using a label and two photographs. Start with three plants you would like to identify confidently next spring.
Record your border in three simple steps
Record the name
Copy known plant and cultivar names from existing labels. If you are unsure, write “name to check” in your notes and photograph the plant. For a long cultivar name, put a number on the label and save the full name in your photo album or gardening notebook. First test that your writing is legible and adheres to the label.
Mark the spot
Gently insert the label beside the plant, not through its centre or visible roots. If you feel resistance, choose another clear spot. Position the name so you can read it from the path. Labelling is no reason to cut off leaves or seedheads.
Take two photographs
Take one photograph of the plant with its legible label and a second showing the whole border. A fixed border edge, stone or path will help you find the spot later. Save both photographs under the same number in an album such as “Border September 2026”.
A photograph records more than a name
Which neighbours look good together? Where were plants too crowded in summer? Add a short personal note: “Keep this combination” or “Check spacing in spring”. This captures your observations while leaf colours and growth habits are still visible. Our two-photo tip complements the label; it does not rely on the writing remaining unchanged for months.
Check labels and their writing occasionally. Not every perennial dies back: evergreen types retain foliage. Even among deciduous plants, species, position and weather affect when the border changes.
Three favourite plants are enough for today
You do not need to draw a complete planting plan. Three labelled spots and six photographs make a useful start. In spring, check what already grows there before planting into an apparently empty space.
Choose white plant labels and mark your first plants.
The lead image is an editorial example; the product image shows the plant labels offered for sale.
