We had our first visit of this school year to the Missouri Botanical Gardens. We learned a lot of useful information from their interpretation team about the different media and approaches they have in place for spreading information about the garden. We learned about the different types of media; QR codes that lead to websites, pamphlets, educational videos, hands on activities, and signage within the garden. As CODES students, we can use this information when thinking about how we want to implement our research from the past year into the garden.
Our time with the interpretation team was helpful. We were informed on most of the ways that the garden shares their information with the general public. We came up with pros and cons for each method. It had the groups thinking about the best methods to demonstrate our research topics. We found that signage is a selective approach that typically only appeals to individuals who like to read, QR codes appeal to younger audiences who are usually more willing to scan them, and educational videos tend to appeal to educators. While all of these approaches are appealing to specific audiences, we need to figure out a way to appeal to all individuals, no matter their age. It will probably be a challenge when trying to appeal to all ages. Whether it be children, teenagers, adults, or senior citizens, we need to make sure the information we are sharing can be understood and easily accessed by everyone.
Last week when my group met for class, we decided on three ways we wanted to share our information. Our first idea was to have a QR code for a virtual tour in the garden. The QR codes could be on the signage, and if the visitor wanted to learn more about the history of the plant, they could scan the code and find out more information. After visiting the garden, I do not think this is my favorite idea. I feel like it is selective because it will only spark the interest of people who choose to scan the code, and again it doesn’t really appeal to all age groups. Our second idea was to have a specific tour offered for indigenous plants. It would be a guided tour that was led by someone trained on Indigenous knowledge. However, this also will only spark the interest of people who are wanting to learn more about this. Most individuals probably do not know Indigenous knowledge is even incorporated at the garden, so this is also selective. Our third idea is to have a specific exhibit on Indigenous knowledge. It would be an interactive exhibit offered to learn more about the history of how Indigenous knowledge has impacted the garden.
Even with all of these good ideas for our implementation plan, not one of them is a perfect solution. Our group was talking during class and we came up with a solution that we could combine all three of our ideas. It would allow our knowledge to be adapted to all age groups and interests. By doing something interactive in the exhibit, it would appeal to younger audiences, having a QR code that leads to an online resource can appeal to teenagers and young adults, and having an in-person guide telling the stories of the garden could appeal to the older population of visitors.
All in all, our most recent garden visit was very informative. We learned the different methods of how they share their information with the garden visitors. However, I think it would be important for each group to have someone who works at the garden be our mentors. It would be a good resource when we have questions or when we need to be connected to somewhere else in the garden. My only complaint about our meeting was that I wish we could’ve already been assigned our mentors and met with them. Other than that aspect, our visit was very informative to begin our implementation.