The Garden Journal ~ Seasonal stories inspired by birds, blooms, and creative living.

Meet Eight Backyard Birds of the Kootenays
Meet Eight Backyard Birds of the Kootenays
Meet eight favourite backyard birds of the Kootenays through garden stories, sketches and quiet observations from Laura’s Garden Studio. From curious towhees and bold Blue Jays to a Pine Siskin... Read more...
Hummingbirds of the Kootenays
Hummingbirds of the Kootenays
Inspired by summer mornings in my Creston garden, Hummingbirds of the Kootenays celebrates five tiny, jewel-bright birds through watercolour, ink and observation. Come behind the scenes as sketches become paintings,... Read more...
Before the Heat of the Day
Before the Heat of the Day
Before the heat of the day, the garden quietly comes to life. Join me for an early morning walk through blooming hydrangeas, fragrant lilies, busy Blue Jays, and hummingbirds as... Read more...
Summer Afternoons in the Garden | July Notes from Lauras Garden Studio
Summer Afternoons in the Garden | July Notes from Lauras Garden Studio
Step into the garden for a quiet July afternoon filled with hummingbirds, blooming Butterfly Bush, fresh bouquets, sketchbook updates, seasonal inspiration, and one of my favourite summer recipes. Read more...
June in the Garden: Birds, Blooms & Creative Inspiration
June in the Garden: Birds, Blooms & Creative Inspiration
June has arrived in full bloom here in the Kootenays. In this month's Garden Journal, I share seasonal garden updates, the flowers currently brightening my yard, recent bird activity, and... Read more...
Backyard Hummingbirds in the Kootenays: Garden Visitors, Symbolism & Sketches
Backyard Hummingbirds in the Kootenays: Garden Visitors, Symbolism & Sketches
The return of hummingbirds each spring feels almost magical here in the Kootenays. In this Garden Journal entry, I’m sharing personal stories from our backyard garden, reflections on hummingbird symbolism,... Read more...
The Hummingbirds Return: A Gentle Beginning to May
The Hummingbirds Return: A Gentle Beginning to May
The hummingbirds have returned, bringing with them the quiet energy of spring. In this Garden Journal entry, I’m sharing early May moments from the garden, a few new hummingbird paintings,... Read more...
The Story Behind The Orchard Singer
The Story Behind The Orchard Singer
Step into the gentle beauty of spring with A Quiet Return to the Orchard 🌸 This reflective blog post captures the feeling of apple blossoms, birdsong, and a slower, more... Read more...
Painting Spring’s First Chickadees
Painting Spring’s First Chickadees
Discover the Spring Song Collection, a trio of chickadee paintings celebrating the first blossoms of spring. Featuring cherry blossoms, daffodils, and apple blossoms, these nature-inspired artworks welcome the returning garden... Read more...
Where Small Ideas Begin
Where Small Ideas Begin
Lately I’ve been allowing myself to continue exploring bird shapes — playing with colour, linework, and a variety of media. Alcohol markers, watercolour, acrylic gouache, acrylic markers, even a touch... Read more...
Sketching Birds in February: Studio Time & Backyard Visitors
Sketching Birds in February: Studio Time & Backyard Visitors
A look at winter backyard birds through playful sketches—chickadees, sparrows, juncos, and more—paired with simple observations and fun facts.  Read more...
Embracing the Winter Pause: A Season of Rest and Creative Rejuvenation
Embracing the Winter Pause: A Season of Rest and Creative Rejuvenation
As we step into the heart of winter, there's a certain magic in the air that calls for a gentle slowdown.  Read more...
Choosing a Word of the Year to Guide Creativity, Business & Life
Choosing a Word of the Year to Guide Creativity, Business & Life
Rather than setting a long list of resolutions or rigid goals, I choose a Word of the Year—a single word that becomes a touchstone. A quiet guide. A way to... Read more...
Woven With Warmth: Reflections From My Holiday Studio
Woven With Warmth: Reflections From My Holiday Studio
Greens, branches, birds, and berries have always found their way into my artwork, but the wreath holds them differently—like a gathering of all the things that steady the heart. Each... Read more...
🍂 10 Things That Light Me Up Lately
🍂 10 Things That Light Me Up Lately
As the year winds down and the leaves fall around my garden, I find myself thinking about this quote often. 2025 has been a year of change — a kind... Read more...
🌿Listening to the Whispers of Change: Nurturing New Creative Seeds
🌿Listening to the Whispers of Change: Nurturing New Creative Seeds
Autumn’s whispers invite us to slow down, breathe deeply, and listen. 🍂 Discover how this new season is inspiring fresh creative beginnings in the studio. 🌿 For months now, a... Read more...
From Petals to Possibility: A Fresh Start in My Studio
From Petals to Possibility: A Fresh Start in My Studio
After a summer of slowing down—listening to birdsong, tending my garden, and giving myself space to reflect—I’ve returned to my studio with renewed energy and curiosity. What direction is my... Read more...
From Stillness to Summer Spark: New Art Plus A Giveaway
After a slow and nourishing start to summer, my creative rhythm is beginning to flow again—and it’s brought something new to life in the studio. 🌞🎨 A new print design titled "Summer In The Garden". Read more...
Slow Summer, Self-Care & Studio Return
Slow Summer, Self-Care & Studio Return
There’s a quiet beauty to the middle of summer — when the garden blooms boldly, the air is thick with birdsong, and time seems to stretch just a little longer.... Read more...
A Week by the Sea: Inspiration from Sidney, BC
A Week by the Sea: Inspiration from Sidney, BC
I’ve just returned from a rejuvenating summer escape to beautiful Sidney, BC — a coastal town my husband Ivor and I have long held dear. Our little yorkie, Gabby, who... Read more...
Creative Joys of June: Studio Inspiration & Birdsong
Creative Joys of June: Studio Inspiration & Birdsong
As we near the official start of summer, the garden has entered one of its most rewarding phases. The last of the peonies have finished their glorious show, and now... Read more...
The Poetry of Peonies: Beauty in Bloom
The Poetry of Peonies: Beauty in Bloom
The lilacs have faded, making way for the season’s most breathtaking performers—my beloved peonies. Their tightly curled buds, bursting with promise, begin to unfurl into delicate, layered blossoms. Some have... Read more...
In Full Bloom: Nature’s Invitation to Pause and Replenish
In Full Bloom: Nature’s Invitation to Pause and Replenish
May has arrived in full bloom here in the Creston Valley, and with it comes a gentle shift—from the brisk pace of spring cleanup to the quieter rhythm of simply... Read more...
Thoughtful Gifts for Mom: Art to Make Her Smile
Thoughtful Gifts for Mom: Art to Make Her Smile
Celebrate Mom with heartfelt gifts of art. Explore original paintings, mini bird art, and frameable cards—30% off through May 11 + free bonus gift! Read more...
Phlox, Fuchsia & Feathers: Welcoming the Hummingbirds Back
Phlox, Fuchsia & Feathers: Welcoming the Hummingbirds Back
Spring’s Most Magical Visitor                                               Here in the Creston... Read more...
Celebrate Spring with Cheerful Art and a Cozy Soup Recipe
Celebrate Spring with Cheerful Art and a Cozy Soup Recipe
March has been a mix of cold rain and grey skies,indoors I’ve been embracing the season with cozy comfort food and cheerful spring decor. Read more...
"Joyful Blooms & Feathered Friends – A Spring Art Exhibition"
"Joyful Blooms & Feathered Friends – A Spring Art Exhibition"
I’m so happy to share that my newest art exhibition, Joyful Blooms & Feathered Friends, is now on display at the Creston Valley Public Library! This spring show brings together... Read more...
Spring Awakens: A Celebration of Blossoms & Songbirds
Spring Awakens: A Celebration of Blossoms & Songbirds
The first hints of spring have arrived, and I can feel the shift in the air. Each morning,I'm greeted by the cheerful chatter of songbirds.  Read more...
Little Joys: The Magic of Chickadees & My New Mini Bird Series
Little Joys: The Magic of Chickadees & My New Mini Bird Series
As winter settles in, I find myself drawn to the cheerful presence of one of my favorite backyard visitors—the chickadee. Read more...
Five Quotes to Inspire Your New Year Journey
Five Quotes to Inspire Your New Year Journey
For this first post of 2025, I want to share five quotes that have inspired me deeply. I hope they inspire your New Year journey as well! Artist Laura Leeder Read more...
Harnessing the Power of a Word of the Year: A Transformative Tool for Artistic Growth
Harnessing the Power of a Word of the Year: A Transformative Tool for Artistic Growth
Embrace The Power of Using a Single Word As Your Guiding Light In All of Your Yearly Endeavors. Tips to choose your word of the year. Read more...
Sunflowers and Chickadees: Celebrating Fall with Art and Nature
Sunflowers and Chickadees: Celebrating Fall with Art and Nature
As the vibrant greens of summer turn into the warm hues of fall, the Creston Valley in British Columbia comes alive in a different way. October brings crisp mornings, rustling... Read more...
New Bird Series: Celebrating the Birds of the Kootenay Region
New Bird Series: Celebrating the Birds of the Kootenay Region
As summer transitions to fall, I've been inspired by the lively visitors to my backyard here in the beautiful Creston Valley of BC. Read more...
Sun, Sea, and Serenity: A Week in Sidney, BC
Sun, Sea, and Serenity: A Week in Sidney, BC
Join me as I recount our recent trip to Sydney, BC, where we soaked up the sun, enjoyed the sea, and reminisced about our scuba diving adventures. Follow along for... Read more...
fuschia peonies shrub
From Garden to Canvas:June Inspiration
Discover the serene beauty and abundant growth of June in my garden. Explore how blooming flowers like peonies and roses inspire my latest bird paintings, and join my art community... Read more...
Gardening and Art: Cultivating Inspiration
Gardening and Art: Cultivating Inspiration
In my garden studio, the lines between art and creation blur, creating a seamless tapestry of inspiration. As May unfurls it’s petals... Read more...
April: The Magic of Transformation And Renewed Creative Inspiration
April: The Magic of Transformation And Renewed Creative Inspiration
As April unfolds, it brings with it a sense of transition and transformation. We witness the remnants of winter slowly giving way.  Read the full blog post. Artist Laura Leeder... Read more...
March Inspiration: The Promise of Spring
March Inspiration: The Promise of Spring
As an artist, March always fills me with a sense of anticipation and creativity. The promise of spring hangs in the air, and soon, the first flowers will start peeking... Read more...