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Abstract
New design approaches can be observed in an increasing number of botanical gardens due to a desire to improve the effectiveness of environmental interpretation. This paper presents a review of these recent trends in the display of plants based on a search of botanical gardens around the world and on both theory and previous research findings that have focused on understanding people's experience in botanical gardens and other environmental interpretation settings. Four design strategies of plant display were identified, which are referred to here as familiar frames, icons, imitations and manipulations of nature. These typological categories represent recent design approaches useful for establishing stronger relationships between people, plants and associated environmental issues. Further, the potential of such displays as environmental interpretation tools is discussed based on how people perceive them.
Acknowledgements
I would like to express my gratitude to the reviewers whose comments were of great value to clarify and develop the ideas of this paper. I must also acknowledge The University of Melbourne where the research was undertaken, particularly Associate Professor Ray Green and Professor Catherin Bull for their suggestions and words of encouragement, during the process of writing this paper. A special thanks to directors and managers of many botanical gardens for spending their precious time in providing information for this project.