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 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 introduced plantain weeds that many of us recognize in lawns and road...