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Qr codes in demo landscapes
This document discusses using QR codes in extension demonstration gardens to provide plant and site information to visitors. It describes how QR codes work and how several public gardens have implemented them successfully. The author details setting up a mobile-friendly website with plant profiles linked to QR codes in their new extension demonstration landscape. QR codes could provide audio tours, evaluations, photos submissions and more. While awareness and technology barriers exist, QR codes allow customized, updatable signage for self-guided garden tours.
Qr codes in demo landscapes
- 1. Technology in theGarden Using QR Codes to Market Your Demo Landscape Emily E. Eubanks, UF/IFAS Communications Coordinator
- 2. Technology in theGarden • Videos • Audio Tours • Apps • QR Codes
- 3. QR Codes Basics •QR codes (short for Quick Response) are barcodes that can be read by mobile phone (smartphone) cameras. • A QR Code is unique to a webpage.
- 4. QR Codes inthe Garden • Give specific site/plant information on the spot • Quick access • Bookmark sites • Provide consumer driven technology at their fingertips • Used by retailers and public gardens
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- 7. State Botanical Gardenof Georgia
- 8. Primary Extension Methodsfor Teaching Basic Plant Info • In person – One on one – Lecture • Very hands-on • Handouts • Websites/Videos
- 9. Primary Extension Methodsfor Teaching Basic Plant Info • Pros – Personalized info – People like it • Cons – Very time consuming – Can’t answer everyone’s questions – Miss people who wander through gardens and don’t ask questions
- 10. What Do VisitorsWant to Know From a Demo Garden? • What’s the name of this plant? • Can I grow it in my yard? • What kind of care does it need? • What other plants go well with it? • Where do I get more info?
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- 12. Moving to anOnline Format in the Garden • Pros – Consistency across the state on the content received – Easily updated – Can be used as a self-teaching device • Cons – Visitors tend to be an older population with barriers to technology
- 13. Extension Demonstration Gardens •Cooperative Extension Service use demonstration gardens as teaching tools • Usually maintained by Master Gardeners • Significant variety of gardens – Themed – Indoor – Location specific – Plant type specific
- 14. Florida Extension DemoGardens • 66 documented demonstration gardens in Florida • Maintained by Master Gardeners • Located at extension offices, schools, fire stations, libraries, etc. • Four seasons of gardening – constant maintenance and visitation • And, constant gardening questions
- 15. Audience – SuperUsers • Master Gardeners • 4-H Volunteers & Youth – Mostly over 55 – Youth ages 8-18 – Sometimes have smart – Volunteers all ages phones – Usually have smart – Somewhat computer phones literate – Somewhat computer – Lots of horticulture literate knowledge – No prior horticulture knowledge
- 16. General Audience • Everyoneelse who visits Extension office or demo garden – County commissioners – Lecture attendees – Quick stop ins – Plant clinic visitors – General public
- 17. Straughn Professional Development Extension Center • Opened January 2012 • 1st Extension demo landscape on UF campus • Demonstrates 9 Florida- Friendly Landscaping Principles • Two intro signs, interpretative signage, and plant signs
- 18. Timeline • 2011 –developed Extension demonstration garden landscape plan and installation for Straughn Center, plans for signage but no money • December 23, 2011 – met about grand opening of Straughn Center, initial request of indoor plants, realized they really wanted signage • January 4, 2012 – started on signage and QR codes, realized it would be closer to 80 QR codes • January 11, 2012 – installation of signs and QR codes • January 12, 2012 – grand opening of Straughn Center
- 19. Development • Communications Coordinatorworked on content • Web Coordinator worked on QR code and website development – After research, realized our current site is not mobile friendly and would need a mobile friendly site in addition to full site about landscape – Built on JQuery Mobile Framework
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- 21. Plant Info • Shrubs • Trees • Groundcovers • Grasses • Perennials
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- 23. Demo Area Signs •Create a Wildlife Habitat • Use Microirrigation • Build a Rain Garden • Use a Compost Bin • What is a QR Code?
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- 26. Uses for QRCodes in the Garden • Individual sites – Direct to Extension office site • Podcasts – Audio tours, verbal info, stories about the garden, children’s book readings, etc. • Evaluation – Pre- and post-test of garden • Picture submission – Garden photo contest
- 27. Uses for QRCodes in the Garden • Email – Send questions directly to MG Help Desk • Google Maps – Check in or mark on Google Maps • Twitter hashtag – Develop a trending hashtag about the garden • Facebook page – Encourage people to like and interact • Meet Your MGs – Bios of garden caretakers
- 28. Downsides • Low awarenessof QR codes • Limited technology • QR code might direct users to a website that does not display properly on a cell phone • Appropriate and effective pedagogical uses of QR codes
- 29. Future • In-service trainingfor horticulture agents, MG coordinators, and Master Gardeners • Serve as a resource for county faculty developing their signage