Landscapedia has partnered with a public garden in the New Orleans, La., area to create an interactive tour that visitors can access from their smart phones.
While touring, visitors can get detailed information about the gardens and plants. They can conveniently bookmark the plants to print out later from home. Visitors also will be able to find retailers for the plants in their area.
Much like text messages and headphones have replaced brochures in art museums and galleries, this project will assist public gardens with engaging their visitors in the experience by providing them with detailed information on each plant, which allows them to take home information on their favorite plants without adding to the operating costs of the public gardens.
"We are fortunate to have some great public gardens working with us on the project", Landscapedia Founder Michael Franklin said. "This project is part of our public service mission for 2009, and we are excited to provide this opportunity at no charge to the public gardens or their visitors."
Landscapedia currently is taking applications for locations for the next round of testing later this spring. Interested institutions should contact Franklin directly through Landscapedia.
Retailers also aren't charged when they upload their inventories.