It started with a problem
Long before online ordering, laser engraving, or social media, a gardener in Highland Park, Illinois, had a simple problem: he couldn't find a garden marker he actually liked.
His name was Hal Borin, an avid gardener, rose grower, and member of the Men's Garden Club of Highland Park.
So, he made one himself.
Attractive, durable, and at home in the garden
Hal wanted a marker that was attractive, durable, practical, and able to disappear naturally into the garden rather than distract from it. His solution became the Harlane Garden Guide Name Stake.
Thoughtful design
A sturdy green plastic stake with a removable, interchangeable nameplate. Two shades of green were intentional — the darker stake blended into foliage while the lighter nameplate stayed easy to read.
Built to endure
Designed to withstand hard ground, loose soil, garden tools, chemicals, and even rough treatment. Early literature proudly described them as reusable “year after year.”
Made for rose growers
Approximately 380 pre-printed rose variety names were available, drawing interest from garden clubs and the American Rose Society alike.
A little piece of gardening history
1961
98 Cents for Five!
One of the earliest advertisements announced the “Unbreakable Plastic Garden Name Stake” in a retail package containing five stakes and five plain nameplates for just 98 cents.
1961+
Established & Growing
A Harlane dealer price sheet dated March 1, 1961 shows packages of 5, 25, or 100 stakes and nameplates, plus replacement plates, 18-inch extensions, and even Garden Guide pens.
Today
Thoughtful design
The Rose Gardener is proud to continue that tradition, engraving Harlane garden labels for a new generation of rose growers and gardeners.
