The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens has embarked on an exciting journey of transformation, unveiling a series of educational and wayfinding signs that promise to revolutionize the visitor experience. This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant milestone in the organization's history, as it introduces dozens of informative signs throughout its conservatory for the first time. The new signage is not merely functional; it's a vibrant expression of the Botanical Gardens' recent rebranding efforts, infusing each sign with whimsical elements that capture the imagination.
Last month, the Botanical Gardens unveiled its fresh brand identity, a move designed to align with ongoing renovation projects and future expansion plans. This revitalization encompasses more than just visual elements; it includes a new logo, updated mission and vision statements, a refreshed color palette, and a redesigned website. The public's enthusiastic reception of these changes has fueled the organization's excitement to continue its transformative journey, with the new signage serving as the next phase in this evolution.
The impetus for this signage project stemmed from a recognized need for interpretive and wayfinding assistance within the conservatory. Thanks to a generous grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, the Botanical Gardens was able to implement a cohesive and comprehensive signage system throughout the entire facility. This financial support has enabled the creation of branded signs that not only guide visitors but also educate them about the diverse plant collections on display.
As visitors approach the Botanical Gardens, they are now greeted by a striking new logo adorning a brightly illustrated sign in the parking lot. The experience continues as they enter the main doors, where a refreshed admission desk and gift shop showcase lively branded elements. Inside the conservatory, each greenhouse boasts a variety of signs highlighting plant collections, sharing interesting facts, and providing clear directional guidance. This thoughtful approach to signage ensures that visitors can navigate the space with ease while deepening their understanding of the botanical wonders surrounding them.
Mark Mortenson, president and CEO of the Botanical Gardens, emphasizes the significance of this development, stating, This is a huge milestone for us as a cultural museum. The educational signage is just the beginning of the progress we're making in our living museum. His words underscore the organization's commitment to enhancing the educational value of each visit, transforming the Botanical Gardens into a more immersive and informative experience.
The impact of these changes extends beyond mere aesthetics and wayfinding. Amanda Johnston, director of education, explains that the new signage encourages visitors to spend more time in each greenhouse, learning about the collections in greater depth. This initiative reflects the dedication of the Botanical Gardens team in caring for and showcasing their plant collections, providing a platform to share not just the beauty of the plants but also their fascinating characteristics and histories.
Looking ahead, the Botanical Gardens has even more enhancements planned for the near future. Visitors can anticipate new pathways, plant additions, exhibits, and expanded educational opportunities beginning this fall and continuing through 2027. These ongoing improvements highlight the multifaceted nature of the Botanical Gardens, emphasizing that it offers much more than just its historic conservatory. From outdoor gardens and an arboretum to diverse programming and event hosting, the Botanical Gardens is positioning itself as a versatile destination that deepens the connection between people and plants through beautiful gardens and extraordinary experiences.
