07-08-2013, 05:02 PM
A few years ago I ran across --across not over--- a charming older couple that had an touching horticultural tradition. When a mainland friend, family member or an otherwise memorable person came to visit them in their Hawaii home, they would sometimes plant something in their honor and then mark that plant with the name of the plant and the name of that person. And so, for example, their granddaughter would have a pineapple planted in her honor. This couple has long since returned to the mainland and I cannot consult with them.
I have tried to emulate this tradition but have run into a problem: the markers fade within a matter of a few months. I have tried the white plastic markers, inscribed with a "permanent" marking pen and the zinc markers with slender copper stakes, inscribed with a special black marking pencil.
The writing vanishes, as if it were written on the wind or in the disappearing ink sold through comic books back in the day.
Is anyone using a plant marker and method of inscription that can withstand the constant kanilehua and the frequent peltings of Puna?
I have tried to emulate this tradition but have run into a problem: the markers fade within a matter of a few months. I have tried the white plastic markers, inscribed with a "permanent" marking pen and the zinc markers with slender copper stakes, inscribed with a special black marking pencil.
The writing vanishes, as if it were written on the wind or in the disappearing ink sold through comic books back in the day.
Is anyone using a plant marker and method of inscription that can withstand the constant kanilehua and the frequent peltings of Puna?