I AM USING A GREASE PENCIL RIGHT NOW AND THEN PUT CLEAR NAIL POLISH OVER IT....I ALSO WRITE NAME ON STEM BECAUSE I WAS TOLD THE NAME WONT FADE OFF AS QUICK AS THE NAME EXPOSED TO WEATHER

I POSTED A SIMULAR QUESTION EARLIER AND THIS WAS SOME OF THE RESPONSE....HOPE IT HELPS....TRULLY RITA

What I use in the commerical beds are DecoColor by Marvy, a black paint pen, you get at stores like Michaels or on Ebay or the internet. Used now for 10 years. Only have to redo about every 3 or more years

Paint pens are good, just make sure it is black. For some reason blue ones don't last. I mostly use grease pencils.

I use a ball point pen & really dig in when writing the name. Then I go over it with black fine Sharpy marker. The marker does fade eventually but the gouged-in pen saves the name.

I use two different methods on my metal stakes. I use a metal engraver to engrave the name permanently on some markers. I also use a "Listo Pencil" with black lead "more like a crayon". Sharpies and permanent markers fade in the sun.

you have been a big help

thanks for the suggestions

mr toad