Warm hues, rich textures, and plants that tell a story.

As the seasons shift, so do creative trends. Fall 2025 is shaping up to be full of texture, nostalgia, and earth-forward design—and botanical illustration offers a perfect way to capture all three. Whether you're planning seasonal packaging, launching a fall editorial, or developing a nature-inspired product line, here are some botanical illustration themes that are especially resonant for the upcoming autumn season.

Fall nature watercolor berries by Anna Farba

1. Wild Berries & Hedgerow Plants

Expect to see an increased interest in untamed, foraged plants:

Blackberries, sloes, rose hips, elderberries
Tangled vines and briars
Perfect for: packaging design, tea blends, natural beauty products, or editorial spot illustrations.

These plants evoke a connection to the land and a slower, hand-gathered aesthetic—something clients and consumers are craving.

Browse my hand-painted Berry Illustrations.

watercolor illustration of medicinal plants: calendula, yarrow, tansy, chamomile

2. Herbal & Medicinal Plants

With the continued rise in wellness and herbal knowledge, illustrated plants like:

Yarrow, chamomile, sage, calendula, and marshmallow root
Add visual richness when paired with handwritten notes, field study layouts, or vintage labeling.

This theme is a natural fit for: book covers, plant-based health products, apothecary-style packaging, and educational content.

Take a closer look at my series on Medicinal Plants.

Hand-painted watercolor illustration of a fall pumpkin

3. Fall Produce & Harvest Staples

Illustrations of seasonal food are timeless but increasingly valued for their warmth and familiarity:

Apples, pears, squash, pumpkins, fennel, beets
Consider pairing them with soil textures, foliage, or kitchen scenes.

Ideal for: cookbooks, kitchenware, grocery labels, or home & lifestyle brands.

Client spotlight: I recently illustrated a fall harvest-themed collection for Anthropologie's Kitchen & Dining line—bringing watercolor pears, apples, blackberries, and ferns to ceramic dessert plates. See the collaboration here.

Hand-painted watercolor fall mushroom illustration

4. Woodland Elements & Mushrooms

Mushrooms are still trending—but are evolving in tone. Think:

Wild chanterelles, inky caps, birch polypores
Pair with moss, lichen, pinecones, and forest-floor botanicals.

A moody, detailed look suits: luxury packaging, home decor, or children’s books with a nature focus.

Watercolor pear and golden fall foliage botanical illustration

5. Golden Foliage

The quieter side of fall:

Leaves turned golden, echinacea seed heads, grasses, and thistles
Subtle but powerful palettes—golden ochres, greys, and faded lavender tones—work well for understated designs.

These subjects work beautifully in: textile prints, greeting cards, editorials, or fine art collections.

Looking for Fall 2025 Artwork?

If you're art directing a fall collection or planning seasonal content, I offer:

Custom botanical illustration commissions
Licensing of existing work
Collaborations with brands, publishers, and creative teams

Let’s bring the beauty of the season to life through watercolor.

Get in touch to discuss your project or view my portfolio of available work.

Botanical Illustration Ideas for Fall 2025