Grow Education, is a non-profit educational program founded by The Marion Institute, which supports the local community in creating healthier eating and living habits.
For this project, we designed a high-end, outdoor educational signage system to communicate information in a way that is both visually compelling and easy to understand — turning complex concepts into an engaging, accessible visual experience.
The final design is a polished, thoughtfully composed signage system blending illustration, layout, and brand consistency into a cohesive educational tool. It educates and inspires at a glance while addressing hesitation from the community members who were unfamiliar with native plant gardens — particularly concerns around insects, maintenance, and the appearance of an unmowed space.
To streamline the creative process we began with researching visual assets for direction and concepts. From there, we carefully illustrated each element to create a fully cohesive design.
Each illustrated piece was adjusted for consistency in line work, visual style and colors complimentary to the Grow Education brand. The result is a set of illustrations that feel intentional, cohesive, and uniquely branded — far beyond a standard stock or generated solution.
Strategic layout, hierarchy, and spacing ensure that the signage is not only visually appealing but also highly functional in an educational setting.
A series of matching signs were designed to connect physical space with digital content. Each sign features a unique QR code linking to educational videos, helping extend learning beyond the garden and increasing engagement with Grow Education’s media.
Together, the signage transforms the garden into more than just a landscape — it becomes a living classroom. Visitors are guided to understand not only what they’re seeing, but why it matters. The finished files were prepared to exact printer specifications to ensure a smooth hand-off, and professional output.
Together, the signage transforms the garden into more than just a landscape — it becomes a living classroom. Visitors are guided to understand not only what they’re seeing, but why it matters. The finished files were prepared to exact printer specifications to ensure a smooth hand-off, and professional output.
“Beth worked with us to design a series of educational signs to be used in our school-based garden program. These signs connected the outdoor classroom to program content, combining student friendly information with engaging visuals, including this one that was installed at a pollinator space on campus. The creative process was smooth and professional and the finished product met our needs perfectly! From Nate Sander, Grow Education Program Manager