Seasonal labels

[Diane Whitehead]

I've just visited a public garden which suffers, like so many others,
from labels that don't match what is currently flowering.  One example
today was red hellebores, while the adjacent sign proclaimed
Anemone nemorosa!  At least they belong to the same family.

I had a sudden inspiration.

On mountain roads, there are signs that are needed only in the
winter.  They usually say something like "Chains required". They
are hinged, and most of the year they are folded in half with
the words inside, and a little clip holding the two halves together
until the next winter.

Just what we need for botanic garden labels.  A quick trip round
the garden opening or closing signs a couple of times a year by
one of the interns, and the garden provides much more of a
botanical education for the average visitor.

[Brian Ellis]

Brilliant idea Diane, it deserves to be taken up

[maggiepie]

I think it's a terrific idea 
Now you just need to figure out how to market them!!

[Maggi Young]

No, Helen, first Diane needs a  prototype and a manufacturer......... though you can make a start on the marketing now, I'm sure Diane won't mind a headstart in that process..

[maggiepie]

Maggi, she probably should 'patent' the idea before someone else pinches it!!

[Maggi Young]

Maggi, she probably should 'patent' the idea before someone else pinches it!!

Ooops, probably right ---- I hope that the fact that the idea is "published" and dated here might serve Diane well in the event of a sneaky usurper trying to rush a patent in now....
I wonder if Diane will still speak to us when the money starts rolling in??

[maggiepie]

Ooops, probably right ---- I hope that the fact that the idea is "published" and dated here might serve Diane well in the event of a sneaky usurper trying to rush a patent in now....
I wonder if Diane will still speak to us when the money starts rolling in??

hahahaha!!
I bet she will!!

[fleurbleue]

I hope so  !

[Ragged Robin]

Me too, a very nifty idea Diane 

[JohnnyD]

Great idea but I agree that marketing would be the problem -patent or no patent.
As a really low cost alternative, perhaps the aforementioned intern could simply turn the labels back to front!
JohnnyD

[Martinr]

Ah John, I saw this and thought of your Sedum spinosum / Orostachys spinosum label...............must have made a deep impression on me

[Maggi Young]

I hope that revolving label actually says Sedum spinosum / Orostachys spinosa.......... 


 None of you chaps down at Loogaburrooga today?

[Diane Whitehead]

My pleasure is in spinning off ideas, not doing anything with them.

Anyone is welcome to make a fortune, or just a modest income,
from this idea.

Maybe I should present it to Lee Valley Tools, a great source of
gardening and woodworking tools.

[Martinr]

I hope that revolving label actually says Sedum spinosum / Orostachys spinosa.......... 


 None of you chaps down at Loogaburrooga today?

How could I make such an elementary mistake

I was indeed at Loogaburrooga for a few hours doing my bit by clearing up empty cups, etc

I managed to spend no money but had a good laugh at what people are prepared to pay for Colchicums, Snowdrops and Hepaticas. Just can't get into grossly expensive cultivars with white flowers

[JohnnyD]

Yes Maggi - it did say 'spinosa'!
But I could never remember which side was the latest 'fad'.
J.