The impact of interpretative messaging on sustainable landscape practices in public horticulture institutions
Date
2015
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Museums including botanical gardens and zoos have been using interpretative strategies such as display panels, brochures and guided tours to encourage and foster learning opportunities and experiences to visitors. To date, little research has been conducted on how interpretative strategies and messaging on sustainable landscape practices may motivate and influence a visitor's learning and enhance their knowledge on the practices implemented by public horticulture institutions. This research aims to determine if visitors gained knowledge through the usage of different interpretative strategies on sustainable landscape practices; and to evaluate the preference types and effectiveness of the strategies based on knowledge gained and best learning experiences of visitors. The research site was Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (P.C) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a well-known role model of green initiatives and sustainability. Survey forms were given to every third visitor at the entrance of P.C's indoor Conservatory. Visitors were required to finish "Pre-visit" survey before entering the indoor Conservatory and "Post-visit" survey after their garden visits as they exit the Conservatory. Results indicated visitors gained knowledge and increased learning experiences on the sustainable landscape practices through interpretative strategies implemented by P.C; and visitors preferred using display panels/storyboards and self-guided tours during visits. The research also found brochures and self-guided tours were most effective in helping visitors gain knowledge and learning experiences. Recommendations on display panels/storyboards, guided tours, and suggestion of other interactive strategies were provided as guidelines to public horticulture institutions.