Botanical Art by Laura Watson

Watercolour and ink Tiger Lily by Laura Watson Lilium columbianum , known as the Tiger Lily, is a vibrant native wildflower of British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest. With its brilliant orange petals speckled in dark spots and gracefully curling tips, this striking lily lights up summer meadows and forest edges. A proud member of the Lily family (Liliaceae), it is one of the tallest and most dramatic native wildflowers in our region, reaching heights of up to 1.5 meters in ideal conditions. Blooming in midsummer, the Tiger Lily is beloved by hummingbirds and butterflies, and by artists who are drawn to its fiery palette and bold structure. Its presence in the landscape is both energising and ephemeral, reminding us to pause and marvel at wild beauty when it appears. I first discovered Tiger Lilies as a child while walking to catch the school bus. Tiger lilies used to bloom along the roadside in late spring where I lived on Southern Vancouver Island. Lilium columbianum , Tiger Lily ...

Fairy Slipper Orchid, Calypso bulbosa by Laura Watson Calypso bulbosa , more commonly known as the Fairy Slipper Orchid, is one of the most enchanting spring wildflowers found in British Columbia and across the Northern Hemisphere. A member of the Orchid family (Orchidaceae), this delicate plant is instantly recognisable by its vibrant magenta petals, slipper-shaped pouch, and golden beard-like fringes that adorn the lip of the flower. Despite its showy appearance,  C. bulbosa  is elusive, shy, sensitive, and often hidden in the quiet hush of old-growth forests. An early childhood memory of mine is being out in the woods with my sisters when we lived in a small community on Northern Vancouver Island. I recall my oldest sister pointing out the beautiful and mysterious orchid to us. This native orchid is a dream for botanical artists. It demands close observation and gentle handling. Rarely growing in large numbers, the Fairy Slipper is a species that invites reverence, both fo...

Coastal Pink Fawn Lily, Erythronium revolutum , by Laura Watson Erythronium , commonly known as fawn lilies, glacier lilies, or dogtooth violets, are spring ephemerals that bring a burst of grace and colour to the forest floor. These charming members of the Lily family (Liliaceae) are easy to recognise by their nodding, lily-like flowers, paired basal leaves, and slender, arching stems. Their presence is often short-lived, making them a treasured early spring discovery for naturalists and artists alike. In this article, we’ll explore three native species of Erythronium found across British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest: Erythronium revolutum — Pink Fawn Lily Erythronium oregonum — Giant White Fawn Lily Erythronium grandiflorum — Yellow Glacier Lily Each one is distinct in its colour palette, habitat preferences, and ecological role—yet all are beloved signs of spring's arrival. Coastal Pink Fawn Lily,  Erythronium revolutum , by Laura Watson Erythronium revolutum – Pink F...

Watercolor painting by Juliene Sinclair Hi there, beautiful internet friend! I’m Juliene, an artist and color educator who helps people pick up their paintbrush and rediscover the joy and healing of painting. Like many, I was an artistic child—always drawing, painting, and creating. But as I “grew up,” I stopped making art, and after earning my very un-artsy engineering degree, I found myself lost and depressed. I spent years in a creative drought until I finally listened to the voice inside me whispering: “Pick your paintbrush back up.”  For a long time, I ignored it, believing the adult-y myth that painting didn’t have much value—that art was just an “end goal,” something to do after all my responsibilities were in order. Ha! Eventually, that voice became impossible to ignore, like a leader desperately guiding the group to safety. So I picked up my brush again—and I’m so grateful I did! I learned firsthand that Brené Brown’s words are true: “Unused creativity is not benign. It me...

  Wild Ginger, Ink & Watercolour  by Laura Watson Wild Ginger Botanical Illustrations by Laura Watson Discovering the Beauty of Asarum caudatum : Western Wild Ginger Asarum caudatum , commonly known as Western Wild Ginger, is a fascinating native plant found in the moist, shaded forests of British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest. This intriguing plant has captured my curiosity as a naturalist and inspired my creativity as a botanical artist. In this article, I’ll share some intriguing facts about wild ginger, its habitat, and my personal connection to it—all complemented by my watercolor illustrations. Wild Ginger Botanical Illustrations by Laura Watson A Closer Look at Asarum caudatum Despite its name, Western Wild Ginger isn’t closely related to the culinary ginger we use in cooking. Instead, it belongs to the Aristolochiaceae family, which includes a variety of woodland plants with unique adaptations. The plant’s common name comes from the strong ginger-like scent of...

Plant I.D. image by Laura Watson If you've ever looked at scientific plant names, you might have noticed a pattern—most plant family names end in "-aceae" (like Orchidaceae for orchids or Rosaceae for roses). But why is that? A Rule of Botanical Naming The "-aceae" ending comes from the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN) , the system that regulates how plants are scientifically named. This suffix helps standardize plant classification and makes it easier for botanists to group related species. How Are Family Names Created? Plant family names are typically based on the name of a key genus within that family. For example: Rosaceae comes from Rosa (roses) Orchidaceae comes from Orchis (a type of orchid) This method ensures a logical connection between plant names and their broader family groupings. A Few Exceptions Before the "-aceae" rule was enforced, some families had different names, like Compositae...