The Watercolor Garden

Create Your Own Botanical Diary

A botanical diary is a personal record of the natural world around you, combining watercolor, drawing, observation and written notes. It’s a place to capture the flowers, leaves and little discoveries you notice through the seasons, while building your artistic skills along the way.

Check out 2024 My Country Diary

A full year of nature journaling & botanical paintings

During 2024 while on maternity leave with my son, I created this country diary inspired by the work of Edith Holden and The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady. This project was a way to slow down, reconnect with nature, and document the changing seasons of Vancouver Island through watercolor and ink. Between naps, stroller walks, marsh visits, woodland trails, and quiet evenings painting at the kitchen table, I slowly filled these pages with native plants, wildflowers, berries, fungi, and seasonal observations gathered throughout the year. This project became both a creative practice and a record of a deeply meaningful season of life. Click through to explore a full year of nature journaling, month by month, and follow the unfolding landscapes, plants, and personal moments that inspired each page.

See My Complete Country Diary

The Watercolor Garden

The Watercolor Garden is an online learning space for nature lovers who want to build their watercolor skills and create a botanical diary of their own. Learn through step by step classes, Weekly Watercolor lessons and seasonal inspiration designed to help you notice more, paint with confidence and enjoy a creative connection with the natural world.

Learn More

Pay Once. Learn for Life

Build your skills. Notice more. Paint the natural world without feeling pressured.

The Watercolor Garden teaches nature enthusiasts (like you) my 3-step botanical painting method so you create your own botanical diary. Learn through 30+ classes, new Weekly Watercolor lessons, and seasonal botanical drawing challenges. Pay once. Learn for life. Current pricing expires October 31, 2026.

Get Started Today

Join The Watercolor Garden in a Way that Suits You!

Choose from monthly (no commitments), Annual (save $109 per year), or Lifetime Access (pay once learn for life).

$299.00

Lifetime Membership (limited time offer)

Sign Up Here
$29.00 / month

Monthly Membership

Sign Up Here
$239.00 / year

Annual Membership

Sign Up Here

What Students are Saying About The Watercolor Garden

Evergreens & Berries

Louise La Rocque

I learned a so much about the card making process and Laura's excellent instructions are taking me step by step toward a watercolour painting that I can be p...

I learned a so much about the card making process and Laura's excellent instructions are taking me step by step toward a watercolour painting that I can be proud of.

Read Less

Botanicals for Beginners

Cindy Bishop

These mini lessons are very helpful. I now have more confidence to continue.

Read Less

Painting Watercolor Holly

Margaret Graham

This course is easy to follow with lots of detailed instruction. I particularly like the concept of the 3 step painting method, helping me organize the road...

This course is easy to follow with lots of detailed instruction. I particularly like the concept of the 3 step painting method, helping me organize the roadmap to the final product.

Read Less

Snowdrops

Deb Starnes

I really enjoyed this tutorial. I opted to use a fine liner on this project and although I'm happy with the results, I will try painting it again without u...

I really enjoyed this tutorial. I opted to use a fine liner on this project and although I'm happy with the results, I will try painting it again without using liner the next time.

Read Less

how to start a nature sketchbook

Patty McLeod

I've recently taken several courses for nature watercolor paintings...From some very published artists ! This course was so much better. Simple , comprehens...

I've recently taken several courses for nature watercolor paintings...From some very published artists ! This course was so much better. Simple , comprehensive, great techniques, great videos and excellent teachings.

Read Less

Rowan Tree Class - Such a fun project

Catherine Smith

What's not to like about painting wonderful red berries and interesting leaves and branches. Laura explains this project very clearly and it is easy to foll...

What's not to like about painting wonderful red berries and interesting leaves and branches. Laura explains this project very clearly and it is easy to follow along with her. Such a satisfying way to spend a couple of hours.

Read Less

Hi, I'm Laura

Botanical artist, instructor and nature lover. I'm here to help you build the skills and confidence to create beautiful botanical art and your own botanical diary.

More About Me

Stay Inspired by the Natural World

New botanical art videos, painting tips and nature journal inspiration, delivered to your inbox.

Not quite ready to join The Watercolor Garden? Join my free email list and be the first to discover new YouTube videos, Weekly Watercolor projects, Botanical Diary inspiration, seasonal subjects and practical tips to help you keep drawing, painting and noticing the natural world around you.

Join the Free Newsletter

$299.00

$29.00 / month

$239.00 / year