Reflections on Creating My Country Diary Inspired by Edith Holden

 

November title page in my Country Diary

It feels hard to believe that almost a year has passed since I began my Country Diary project—twelve months spent immersed in the study of the marsh. Taking countless reference photos, making notes, and enjoying the natural world around me. When I first embarked on this journey, I was inspired by the remarkable work of Edith Holden, whose exquisite watercolours and detailed illustrations of the British countryside have long been a source of inspiration to me. I had a vague sense of what I wanted to accomplish, but as with many creative endeavours, the process has unfolded in ways I never could have imagined. Now, as I near the completion of this special project, I find myself reflecting on the growth I've experienced—both as an artist and as a person.

June title page in my Country Diary

A Journey of Observation and Learning

The marsh has always held a quiet allure for me. It’s a place of contrasts—lush and vibrant during certain seasons, yet spare and meditative during others. The changing light, the textures of the plants and trees, the movement of birds overhead, and the seasonal changes in native and introduced plant species all became sources of inspiration. I set out to document it all, creating a Country Diary of my own, one page at a time.

Over the past year, I have spent countless hours in this place, my camera in hand, often voice dictating notes into my phone as I was not always able to stop with my baby in tow. Some days I would discover a new species of plant, or have a close encounter with an owl, and some days I just took in the quiet beauty of the marsh and the peace that it brings me. As the seasons changed I welcomed the sight of familiar plants and mushrooms I have observed in the same spots over the years. I have come to understand that nature journaling is as much about listening as it is about observing—paying attention to the small details, the quiet sounds, and the fleeting moments that often go unnoticed.

January title page in my Country Diary

A Personal Evolution as an Artist

Looking back on my first entries, I can see how much my approach has changed. I have refined my technique, gained confidence with watercolours, and become more comfortable creating full-page compositions in my nature journal. At first, I doubted I would be able to keep up with creating 2 pages per month. But over time, I began to gain momentum and now with the year almost at a close, I find myself creating 2-3 pages each month without feeling overwhelmed about it, and instead enjoying the process deeply.

Nature journaling has taught me to be patient. I’ve learned to slow down, to really look at what I’m seeing and to appreciate the intricate details that are so often overlooked. Where I once felt frustrated by mistakes or imperfections, I’ve learned to embrace them as part of the process. I’ve come to understand that each mark I make is an opportunity to deepen my understanding and improve my skills. It’s been a process of constant discovery—not just of the marsh itself, but of myself as an artist.

As I’ve developed my journal, I’ve also experimented with different materials, from using waterproof ink pens to watercolours and even some coloured pencils. Each medium has allowed me to explore different ways to capture nature through botanical art. I’ve learned that there’s no one right way to approach nature journaling—only what feels right in the moment. This sense of freedom has been incredibly liberating.

May title page and Coralroot Study in my Country Diary

Inspired by Edith Holden

When I began this project, Edith Holden’s The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady was a constant touchstone. Her ability to capture the delicate beauty of the countryside with such precision and grace left an indelible mark on me. I wanted to honor that tradition, while also finding my own voice within it.

Holden’s work is a celebration of the ordinary, the quiet moments in nature that often go unnoticed. Her illustrations have a whimsical yet exacting quality that draws the viewer in, inviting them to slow down and truly see the world through her eyes. In my own journal, I’ve tried to do the same: to capture the fleeting beauty of the marsh and to bring attention to the small, often overlooked moments of nature’s rhythm.

Though my style may differ from Holden’s, her influence is present in the care I take with every page, in my commitment to documenting the world around me, and in the joy I find in even the smallest details. Like Holden, I’ve come to realize that nature is both an endless source of inspiration and a teacher, offering lessons in observation, patience, and creativity.

A collection of page from my Country Diary

What’s Next?

With just a few more pages left to fill, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and accomplishment. This project, which began as an idea and grew over twelve months of exploration and learning, is almost complete. But the journey isn’t over. I know that this experience will continue to inform my work as I move forward, and I look forward to seeing where this deepened relationship with nature will take me.

As I prepare to share the finished Country Diary on my website and through my social media, I’m filled with gratitude for the process itself—the hours spent at the marsh with my baby boy, the moments of connection, and the quiet joy of creating something meaningful. Most of all, I’m thankful for the growth I’ve experienced, not only as an artist but as someone who has learned to be more present, more observant, and more attuned to the natural world around me.

I hope that through my Country Diary, I can inspire others to slow down, look closely, and discover the beauty that exists all around us, waiting to be noticed. Whether you’re an artist or simply someone who loves to explore the outdoors, I invite you to join me in this journey of creative exploration and connection with nature.

Thank you for following along with me over the past year—your support and encouragement mean the world. You can check out more images and links to all my monthly video updates for my country diary here.

Interested in more FREE botanical painting tips? Download my FREE 5-Step Botanical Painting Guide here.

Happy painting,

Laura 

Laura Watson

Botanical Artist & Instructor

Founder of The Watercolour Garden

www.thewatercolourgarden.com