If you’ve ever wanted to keep track of the plants and flowers you collect, a herbarium journal is the perfect way.

You can press, label, and arrange each specimen, turning your notebook into part science, part art.

It’s a relaxing hobby and a beautiful way to learn about the natural world while creating a keepsake that you’ll treasure for years.

Materials Needed

• 1 sturdy journal or sketchbook (A5 or A4 size works well)
• Pressed flowers and leaves (5-10 to begin with)
• Acid-free glue or double-sided tape (1 small tube or roll)
• Fine-tip pen (0.5 mm)
• Optional: botanical reference guide
• Wax paper sheets (20-30)

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Choose a strong, blank journal with thick pages to prevent warping when gluing plants.

Step 2: Press your flowers and leaves between paper and heavy books for 1-2 weeks until fully dried and flat.

Step 3: Arrange your first specimen on the page. Keep it simple, one plant per page helps it stand out.

Step 4: Secure the plant with acid-free glue or tape, applying only enough to hold it in place.

Step 5: Write the plant’s name (common or Latin), the date, and where you found it. Then add any personal notes like the walk where you discovered it.

Step 6: Continue adding plants as you collect them, letting the journal grow into a botanical diary of your life outdoors.

Tip:

Keep small sheets of wax paper tucked between filled pages to protect delicate flowers from rubbing against each other.