Labelling: The Language of Plants

Evolving Labelling Practices in Botanic Gardens

Presenter #1: Loraine Callow – Program Development Officer, Williamstown BG

Getting started on plant labelling can be fraught and complicated. In this practical session, Loraine will share the Williamstown Botanic Gardens Plant Labelling Project including discussion of design, fabrication, cost, and installation of more than 400 plant labels.

Presenter #2: Ella Rawcliffe – Botanical Records & Conservation Specialist, Auckland BG 

Ella will discuss how common names are chosen for plant labels, and how we use indigenous names for New Zealand native plants. She will also reflect on recent visitor feedback regarding the incorporation of indigenous names and consider the visitor perspective including the importance of accessibility through appropriate colour contrast and font size.

Presenter #3: Ignacio Czajkowski – Senior Living Collections & Mapping Officer

Ignacio will outline the labelling protocols and processes used at the Sydney Botanic Garden and highlight useful resources that support this work.