Analysis of Best Practices for Interpretation Development at Public Gardens

Abstract

Interpretation can be the most effective way for public gardens to communicate with their audiences. However, many public gardens struggle to understand interpretation and how to best develop it. A survey conducted of professionals at 174 different public gardens investigated various approaches to interpretation development and their effect on the perceived quality of interpretation and interpretation development practices of the organization. These approaches included staff and volunteer training, planning documents, evaluation, and staff composition. The results of this study revealed many interpretive development practices that are yielding significant benefits for public gardens. The data also revealed that the majority of public gardens have significant room for improvement with regard to interpretation development. For instance, organizations were more likely to be satisfied with the interpretive media that they routinely evaluated, but few routinely conducted evaluation. Recommendations that should help guide decision-making at public gardens resulting from this research are discussed.