Fernery Interpretation Redesign: Highlighting Morris Arboretum’s Collection

After over twenty years of exposure to the elements, the panels in the fernery plaza were in need of an update. Their content was not only outdated, but weathered to a point where the text had become illegible. When an interpretative panel falls into this state of disrepair it loses educational value and cannot fulfill its designated purpose. My project focused on updating the design, content, and graphics of all interpretive panels in the fernery plaza. This collaborative project was completed with the help of the interpretation committee, a graphic designer, and many other key staff members at Morris Arboretum. The end result consists of four new metal photo labels highlighting the Dorrance H. Hamilton Fernery and two larger aluminum panels that showcase Morris Arboretum’s living collection. In conclusion, the addition of six redesigned interpretative panels will restore educational value to the fernery plaza by informing all visitors of the importance of Morris Arboretum’s living collection and the Dorrance H. Hamilton Fernery.