Botanical Art by Laura Watson

Thimbleberry, Rubus parviflorus by Laura Watson Welcome back to the Featured Native Plant Series, where we take a closer look at the incredible wild flora of British Columbia through both a botanical and artistic lens. Today’s plant is one you’ve likely encountered along trails or forest edges—soft, sprawling, and bearing bright red fruit in early summer. Thimbleberries were on my childhood list of 'safe berries to eat,' and I have many fond memories of foraging for them from a young age on northern Vancouver Island. With a slightly fuzzy texture reminiscent of a peach, they taste just like jam. Let’s explore the thimbleberry. Thimbleberry,  Rubus parviflorus, Photo by Laura Watson Scientific Name, Common Names & Family Scientific Name: Rubus parviflorus Common Names: Thimbleberry, Western Thimbleberry Plant Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family) As a member of the rose family, thimbleberry shares many traits with its relatives, such as five-petaled flowers and compound frui...

  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...

  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...

 Holly & Berries by Margaret Graham from the class How to Paint Holly Hello, friends! I'm so excited to share something a little different with you today—a student spotlight! In this post, we’re shining the light on Margaret Graham, a dedicated and motivated member of The Watercolor Garden. Margaret’s commitment to practicing new skills and learning has been such an inspiration to me and the rest of our community. Her journey as a watercolour artist, the projects she’s worked on, and the insights she shares are sure to encourage and motivate anyone on their own creative path. Let’s dive in and get to know Margaret a little better! My name is Margaret Graham. I have lived in Nanaimo for over 40 years. I am happily retired from teaching, owning a retail business and owning and managing rental properties. My activities include cycling, hiking, swimming, foraging for berries and mushrooms, fibre arts and now drawing and painting. How did you first get into watercolour painting, a...

Leaves are fascinating structures essential to plant life, and understanding their morphology (external structures) helps botanical artists and nature enthusiasts observe them more closely. Using the Gary oak (Quercus garryana) leaf as an example, let's break down the key parts of a leaf and their functions. 1. Apex The apex is the tip of the leaf, where the leaf tapers off. In the Gary oak, the apex is usually rounded and smooth, contributing to the overall broad, lobed appearance of the leaf.

The instructive picture book,  Edinburgh: Edmonston & Douglas, Public Domain Introduction: Welcome to the enchanting world of Victorian botanical illustration, where art meets science in a mesmerizing display of natural beauty. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of botanical illustration during the 19th-century Victorian era (1837-1901), exploring its significance, and impact, through floriography, the printing press and the masterful works of renowned Victorian illustrators.  The Flourishing of Botanical Illustration: During the Victorian era, a period marked by scientific curiosity and artistic innovation, botanical illustration flourished as a means of documenting and celebrating the rich tapestry of plant life. As explorers ventured into uncharted territories and naturalists sought to classify the world's flora, botanical illustration emerged as a vital tool for cataloguing and understanding plant diversity. The Floral magazine . v.6, 1867,  London, L....

Photo: iStock by Getty Images,  License details , Creator: bauhaus1000 Introduction Botany is a fascinating field that combines the beauty of nature with the rigor of science. For botanical artists, understanding the fundamentals of botany is essential to creating accurate and captivating artwork. This guide will introduce you to the basics of botany, tailored specifically for artists, and show you how this knowledge can enhance your illustrations. What is Botany?  Botany is the scientific study of plants, algae, and fungi. It covers everything from plant anatomy and physiology to taxonomy and ecology. For botanical artists, botany is more than just a science—it's a way to deepen your connection with the plants you illustrate. Knowing the structure, function, and classification of plants can transform your art from simply beautiful to scientifically accurate and educational. The history of botany is closely linked with botanical illustration. Artists like Maria Sibylla M...