All things nature, animals, art & life.
Continuing my botanical art journey, I’m excited to share my second drawing of the Abutilon (Sevitzia) flower! This elegant, bell-shaped bloom has such a delicate structure that it’s a joy to capture on paper. Whether you’re a fellow artist, flower lover, or just enjoy watching the creative process, this sketch highlights why the Abutilon is a favorite among botanical enthusiasts.
Take a Walk With Me (Part 2) | Relaxing Beach Front Walk with Nature & Fun
Welcome back to Part 2 of our ocean walk! If you joined me in Part 1, you’ll remember the gentle rhythm of waves, the soft sunlight, and the calm hush of the pier. Today, we’re stepping a little further along the coast, where palm trees sway, the ocean sparkles, and the energy of seaside fun mixes with peaceful nature vibes.
If you love floral sketches, botanical illustrations, or just watching art come to life, my latest creation is for you: a hand-drawn illustration of the Abutilon (Sevitzia) flower. Known for its soft, bell-shaped petals and gentle, lantern-like form, this bloom is a favourite among botanical artists for its elegance, charm, and natural detail.
The afternoon begins in that gentle, almost magical way that only quiet coastal hours can offer. The sun stretches lazily across the sky as you step onto the pier, its wooden boards warm beneath your feet. A soft, salty breeze drifts in from the ocean, carrying hints of seaweed and distant waves. For a few moments, the world feels simple again - slower, softer, and just wide enough to breathe.
Every now and then, nature turns up when you least expect it. This time, the unexpected visitor was a European wasp, also known as the German yellow jacket. What began as a brief buzz through the yard turned into a rare opportunity to slow down and observe an insect most of us usually see only in passing.
Have you ever walked past a garden and been stopped in your tracks by a plant with oversized, sculptural leaves and tall, elegant flower spikes - only to realise you have no idea what it’s called? You’re not alone. This was one of those plants I admired for years before finally learning its name.
Spending time around wildlife teaches you one important lesson very quickly: things can change in an instant. A quiet moment can suddenly turn into one that demands attention, care, and calm thinking. That’s exactly what happened during this encounter with a young Magpie-lark - often called a Mudlark - one of Australia’s most familiar and intelligent birds.
There’s something quietly exciting about starting something new with no expectations. Sitting down with a blank page, a pencil, and no real plan can feel both intimidating and freeing at the same time. This sketch marks my very first attempt at drawing a flower, with no practice beforehand and no idea how it would turn out - and that uncertainty was part of the fun.
If you appreciate clean white blooms paired with bold green foliage, Zantedeschia aethiopica - commonly known as the Arum Lily or Calla Lily - is a plant that never goes unnoticed. In this update, we follow the plant’s progress over a two-month period, observing how it develops from early leaf growth into its signature flowering stage.
Have you ever planted something and eagerly checked in a few weeks later to see what’s changed? In this update, I revisit my Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia) plant one month on, taking a closer look at how it’s growing, whether there are any signs of flowering, and what these early changes can tell us about the plant’s overall health.
If you’ve ever noticed a tiny spider hopping across a windowsill or pausing to watch you from a garden leaf, chances are you’ve met a jumping spider. These small but charismatic arachnids have a way of capturing attention, thanks to their alert movements, expressive eyes, and surprisingly curious behaviour.
Have you ever stopped to really observe a jumping spider? Up close, these tiny arachnids reveal an unexpected amount of personality. With their large forward-facing eyes, quick movements, and curious behaviour, jumping spiders often surprise people who might otherwise overlook spiders entirely. When viewed through macro photography or video, they become even more fascinating - small, alert hunters navigating the world with precision and purpose.
A Bird of Paradise plant in bloom is one of the most striking sights in any garden or indoor space. Its bold orange and blue flowers, shaped like a tropical bird in mid-flight, don’t appear quickly or easily. In fact, many healthy plants take years before producing their first bloom.
If you love succulents that catch the eye, the Aeonium arboreum “Jack Catlin”, also known as the Red Aeonium, is a must-see. With its striking bi-coloured leaves, glossy rosettes, and sculptural branching habit, this succulent from the Crassulaceae family is both beautiful and easy to grow.
(Everything You Need to Know About the Jonquil or Rush Daffodil)
If you love bright spring blooms, sweet fragrance, and low-maintenance plants, the Narcissus jonquilla - commonly called the Jonquil or Rush Daffodil - is a flower that deserves a spot in your garden. Our latest video showcases this vibrant member of the Amaryllidaceae family, highlighting its golden-yellow petals, clustered blooms, and elegant, rush-like foliage.
There’s something truly magical about the golden hour - that fleeting time just after sunrise or before sunset when the sky transforms into a breathtaking masterpiece of color. In our latest video, “Chasing the Golden Hour”, we explore Australia’s stunning skies and capture the unforgettable beauty of nature’s daily light show.
Welcome, plant lovers! In my latest video, I share the recent growth and overall health of my Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae), one of the most striking tropical plants for both homes and gardens. Whether you’re an experienced plant parent or just curious about this majestic beauty, this guide covers the latest updates, care tips, and fascinating facts to help your Bird of Paradise thrive.
(White Calla Lily Care & Growing Guide)
If you’ve seen a white calla lily in full bloom, you know its timeless elegance. In this guide, we’ll explore Zantedeschia aethiopica - commonly called the Arum lily, white calla lily, altar lily, or African lily. From its botanical background to care tips, here’s everything you need to grow this stunning plant successfully in your garden or home.
(A Tropical Marvel for Aussie Gardens)
Australia is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking flora, but few plants capture gardeners’ hearts quite like the Bird of Paradise. With its bold, architectural leaves and exotic flowers that resemble a bird in flight, this plant is more than just greenery - it’s a living sculpture.
This beautiful little skink wanted to come in! 🦎🤎
Sometimes, nature surprises us with small, magical moments. This time, it arrived in the form of a tiny skink with a big personality!
If you’ve ever admired a daisy-like flower with a striking dark center and petals that close when clouds roll in, you’ve likely encountered Osteospermum ecklonis, commonly known as the Cape Marguerite (synonym: Dimorphotheca ecklonis). This stunning member of the Asteraceae family is a favourite in gardens for its showy blooms, low-maintenance care, and long flowering season.
“I'm just a cat.” Simple, bold, and true. Yet when it comes to black cats, those four words carry centuries of myth, mystery, and misunderstanding.
There’s a special kind of magic in the quiet moments of nature - a slender crescent moon rising above silhouetted trees, paired with the gentle chorus of birds settling in for the night. In this short video experience, these elements come together to create a peaceful, meditative escape. Whether you’re looking to unwind, reflect, or simply enjoy the beauty of the natural world, this clip is a gift for the senses.
Even the smallest creatures can reveal remarkable stories when we take a moment to watch them. Recently, a short video captured a Common Macrotona Grasshopper (Macrotona australis) making its way up a wall with calm determination - a tiny yet compelling display of nature in motion.
Australia is known for its vast landscapes, unique wildlife, and some of the most striking skies in the world. In the short video “Australian Sky 2,” that natural beauty is distilled into a peaceful moment as the day transitions into evening.
A magpie messing with a heron that shouts, "Get out!" 🐦⬛🪿🤭
Nature never fails to surprise, and sometimes those surprises come with a dose of unexpected humour. In this short video, a bold Australian magpie repeatedly approaches a much larger heron, leading to a moment that feels almost scripted - when the heron responds with a loud call that unmistakably sounds like “Get out!”
There’s something quietly powerful about watching the sky change at the end of the day. As the sun lowers toward the horizon, light softens, colours deepen, and the pace of the world seems to slow. For a brief window of time, everything feels less urgent.
Currawong bird. They have a very pretty call. 🐦⬛
If you’ve ever walked through Australia’s bushland, coastal forests, or even leafy suburbs, you may have heard a call that stops you in your tracks. Rich, flute-like, and echoing through the trees, the song of the Pied Currawong (Strepera graculina) is one of the most distinctive sounds in the Australian landscape.
Anyone who has spent time observing birds knows they’re full of surprises. Some impress with complex songs, others with remarkable problem-solving abilities. And then there are cockatoos - loud, expressive, playful, and endlessly curious.
Bees are often celebrated for their cheerful buzz and honey-making abilities, but their true value goes far beyond sweetness. These small pollinators play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, supporting food production, and preserving biodiversity.
This poor little guy only has one foreleg
In the natural world, survival is rarely fair. Injury often means the end, especially for small animals that depend on speed, precision, and physical perfection to hunt and avoid becoming prey themselves. For insects, even the loss of a single limb can dramatically reduce their chances of survival.