Botanical Art by Laura Watson

Nature Journal by Alex Boon I’m always on the lookout for artists who bring a fresh perspective to nature journaling, and I’m thrilled to introduce you to Alex Boon. Alex is a nature journaling educator, artist, and content creator from East Devon, UK, whose passion for documenting the natural world is truly inspiring. Alex’s journey into nature journaling started with a treasured copy of The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady and evolved into a lifelong practice that blends art, creativity, and deep observation. Living by the sea in a rural part of the UK, he spends time exploring the natural countryside that surrounds him—filling his journals with sketches, words, and even large-scale maps In this feature, Alex shares his thoughts on keeping multiple journals, how limiting art supplies can actually improve your observation skills, and why a nature journal doesn’t have to be a book at all. Whether you're a seasoned nature journaler or just starting out, Alex’s insights are sure to...

  Rattlesnake Plantain, Ink & Watercolour by Laura Watson Rattlesnake Plantain illustrations, watercolor, Laura Watson, 2025 Discovering the Beauty of  Goodyera oblongifolia : The Western Rattlesnake Plantain Goodyera oblongifolia,  commonly known as the Western Rattlesnake Plantain, is a captivating native orchid found in the forests of British Columbia and beyond. This fascinating plant has inspired both my curiosity as a naturalist and my creativity as a botanical artist. In this article, I’ll share some intriguing facts about this orchid, its habitat, and my personal connection to it—all complemented by my watercolour illustrations. A Closer Look at  Goodyera oblongifolia Despite its common name, the Western Rattlesnake Plantain isn’t related to plantains at all. Instead, it belongs to the orchid family, a detail that surprised me when I first learned about it. The "plantain" in its name refers to the resemblance between its patterned leaves and the introduce...