Mystery Plants & Trees Journal
This journal shares the stories, memories, and observations behind my children's nature picture book Mystery Plants & Trees: Adventures in the Ludmilla Bushblock. Through walking, photography, and drawing, I document the plants, animals, and landscapes around the Ludmilla Bushblock. These reflections also support my place-based art and education projects exploring how children connect with nature.
The Story Behind the Illustrations of Mystery Plants & Trees
Stories and observations inspired by bushland walks and place-based learning.
Copyright 2026 Maria Grujicic Studio
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These journal entries also form part of my current university project exploring the landscape along the fence line of the Ludmilla Bushblock.
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Reading Mystery Plants & Trees on the Ludmilla Bushblock — the place that inspired the story.
🌱 Submit Your Child’s “Mystery Plant or Tree”
Children and families are invited to take part in a special collaborative project.
You can submit your child’s drawing of a mystery plant, tree, or creature to be included in a free digital book created by Maria Grujicic Studio.
How to submit a drawing
Parents can email a photo or scan of their child’s drawing to:
📧 mariagrujicicartist@gmail.com
Please include:
• child’s first name
• age
• title of the drawing (optional)
📖 Participation Details:
By submitting an artwork: You give permission for
Maria Grujicic Studio to include the artwork in the digital publication
You will be added to the studio mailing list (you can unsubscribe at any time)
Every child sees nature in a unique way. The collaborative digital book celebrates curiosity, imagination, and the joy of observing the natural world.
🍃 Nature always has another mystery waiting to be discovered.
From the Ludmilla Bushblock to a Central Queensland classroom
“Mystery Plants & Trees is helping bring bushland observation, story and care for natural places into our secondary school Languages, Relationships and Culture class. Maria’s work is full of story, creativity and warmth — and it is wonderful to see it becoming part of everyday life.”
— Zelda Quakawoot, educator, Central Queensland
Supporting bushland observation and creative learning
“Mystery Plants & Trees: A Visual Nature Journal from Darwin will support our students to notice bush medicine plants, recognise the natural treasures within bushland and develop sensory awareness of natural environments.”
— Zelda Quakawoot, educator, Central Queensland