Combining Art and Science for Plant Identification
Explore artful techniques in plant identification throughout the changing seasons with Extension Master Gardener Mary Jennings. She covers the purpose of botanical journaling: combining scientific observations with artistic documentation. The presentation reviews the historical context and the benefits for both Extension Master Gardeners and home gardeners with improved identification skills, detailed record-keeping, and a deeper understanding of plant life cycles.
Zoom session, recorded April 11, 2025
Class Video
Chapter Breaks
- 0:00:00 Introduction
- 0:02:34 Introduction to Botanical Journaling
- 0:04:47 The Power of Botanical Journaling?
- 0:07:36 History and Purpose
- 0:09:55 Earth Day Your Way
- 0:11:48 Why Not Just Take a Photo?
- 0:16:34 Techniques in Botanical Journaling
- 0:18:47 Drawing Techniques
- 0:24:15 Using Color and Textures
- 0:26:27 Benefits of Getting Started
- 0:35:52 Make It A Fun Game or Puzzle
- 0:39:11 The Details
- 0:40:30 Parts for Plant Identification
- 0:42:03 Plant Identification
- 0:46:19 It’s All In the Family
- 0:49:11 Love Me? Love Me Not!
- 0:51:53 Take Quality Time with Nature
- 0:54:32 Conclusion
Additional Resources
Botanical Journaling Handout – pdf
Art Supplies, Online
- As seen in video
- Mini Watercolor Paint Set –
available at Funtoart.com. - Qilery Spring Mini Portable Watercolor Palette Set –
available at Amazon.
- Mini Watercolor Paint Set –
Art Supplies, Local & Online, recommended in the chat
- Blick Arts
1250 I St. NW.
Washington, DC 20005
https://www.dickblick.com - Jenni Bick Journals
1300 Connecticut Ave, NW Washington, DC
https://www.jennibick.com/ - Penny Post
1201 King St
Alexandria, VA 22314
https://shoppennypost.com/ - Jerry’s Artarama
https://www.jerrysartarama.com - Plaza Art
- 3045 Nutley Street, Fairfax, Virginia 22031
https://www.plazaart.com/stores/fairfax - 7825 Old Georgetown Road
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
https://www.plazaart.com/stores/bethesda - 1120 19th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
https://www.plazaart.com/stores/washington-dc
- 3045 Nutley Street, Fairfax, Virginia 22031
Artists mentioned
- Anni Albers
Who Is Anni Albers? 8 Things to Know – National Gallery of Art
https://www.nga.gov/stories/who-is-anni-albers.html
- Lara Call Gastinger
Botanical Artist – https://www.laracallgastinger.com/
Chief Illustrator, Flora of Virginia – https://floraofvirginia.org/
Perpetual Journal – https://www.instagram.com/laragastinger/
Books & Other Resources
- Burns, Sarah. 2024. What is a “Color Study” and how does it help you become a better landscape painter? The Fearless Brush.
https://fearlessbrush.com/2023/01/20/what-is-a-color-study-and-how-does-it-help-you-become-a-better-landscape-painter - Common Native Shrubs and Woody Vines of Virginia. 2022. Virginia Department of Forestry.
https://dof.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/Common-Native-Shrubs-and-Woody-Vines-ID_pub.pdf - Elpel, Thomas J. 2013. Botany in a Day, The Patterns Method in Plant Identification. Publisher: HOPS Press.
- Headlee, Celeste. 20120. Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving. Publisher: Harmony.
- Laws, John Muir. 2016. The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling. Publisher: Heyday.
- Leslie, Clare Walker. 2021. Keeping a Nature Journal, 3rd Edition: Deepen Your Connection with the Natural World All Around You. Publisher: Storey Publishing
- Sharing our spaces with Wildlife: Ask Before You Act. PDF
https://mgnv.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/sharing_our_spaces_with_wildlife_brochure_single_page1.pdf. Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. - Tan, Amy. 2024. The Backyard Bird Chronicles. Publisher: Knopf.