The newly opened Meadow Garden located at Long­wood Gardens) is an attraction unlike any other. Inter­pretive graphics are integrated into nearly every fea­ture on-site from poles to guard rails to tree trunks at the premiere botanical garden in America attracting 1,000,000 people yearly. These features, designed by the Gecko Group, include beautiful, full color illustra­tions of local wildlife and plants by Natalya Zahn.

The flexibility and durability of the Direct Embed Sys­tem provided the logical solution to move this proj­ect from design intent to reality. Collaborating with the owner and designer, teams from Direct Embed Coating Systems and MS Signs were able to present production methodologies that would resolve the ar­tistic and functional goals equally. The DECS process allowed all parties maximum flexibility in dimension and shape and is the premier process for permanent image quality.

 Samples were developed along with reviews of graph­ic quality among the different interpretive panels and maps. In addition, full documentation was developed with the MS SIGN fabrication team for incorporating the panels into sign bases, railings, posts, and walls. The result is a visually vibrant, informative and cohe­sive program that is being enjoyed by all who walk the meadow at Longwood Gardens.

 The final installed signs have a graceful beauty that only the Direct Embed process can ensure. Graphics are highly durable, but totally integrated to the sub­strate materials. DECS offers an image “dimensionali­ty” like no other process. All of the units are perfectly integrated with their environment, making for a mem­orable and seamless visitor experience.

“…… I was honestly blown away by the quality of the direct embed pieces specifi­cally - The finished pieces that I saw looked BEAUTIFUL. I honestly couldn’t have asked for better representation of my artwork.”     Natalya Zahn, Project Illustrator