conception and contraception calendar

(28 pages)

The Secret Garden Calendar 2008 by: Smith & Hawken publisher: Workman Publishing Company released: 2007-06-30 ISBN: 0761145451 $11.99

Located off the well-worn path, wrapped in layers of greenery and an enduring sense of mystery, the secret garden is a sanctuary for the mind and spirit. Just you, the sounds of birds and trickling water, flowers scenting the air, and perhaps a stone bench or perfectly placed chair from which to take it all in. Smith & Hawken's Secret Garden Calendar features a dozen retreats that are peaceful, beautiful, and encourage meditation and quiet contemplation. Through an archway, a naturalistic garden filled with vegetables, herbs, and flowers. A sunny poolside niche surrounded by roses and jasmine. In the shade of a dramatic weeping willow, a cushioned bench perfect for a catnap. Gardening quotations and appreciations accompany the beautiful photographs.

This is a very nice calendar. I have only two complaints. Since I use this calendar to inspire me to think of the warm blooming months during the Great Lakes winters, I did not like the winter scene for December. I could look out my window for that. Also, I would have liked a couple more "vista" photos rather than all close-ups of the gardens. That way I could mentally wonder down a path.

When I checked the calendar last week for an appointment, I discovered that 2007 was still up and set on December. Where have I been? I found Amazon and zipped through the calendars, fully expecting nada since stores don't have calendars any more. Voila! The perfect calendar-- the Secret Garden.

I ordered, it came in. The pictures are stunning in their glorious greens and shades and, well, abundance. When I look out my patio door, I see what I call my cottage garden. There is a lovely little shed with windows all around where I house my potting soil, pots, wheelbarrow, and other garden tools. It has two ceiling fans and even in hottest summer--Louisiana is in the sub-tropics--the shed stays cool.

I have been working on this cottage garden for three years now. In the spring it will look like the lush garden you see depicted in the picture. Of course, I cannot go out there because hordes of mosquitoes are just waiting for me. There is something about my blood that excites their little buzzers and biters and pinchers.

But I can dream.

This is the second year I have purchased this calendar and I am hooked for life! There are other "garden" calendars, but none with quite the same style, richness and beauty of the photography. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys gorgeous garden and nature scenery.

I needed some new calendars for my office and house....but I am picky....didn't want any of the free ones that come from the insurance agent, etc.....Looked in a few stores,,, to no avail... nothing really beautiful....went online and found exactly what I wanted on Amazon...They are both lovely and compliment my home just as I wanted....Received them quickly and efficiently.. Thanks so much, Cherrie Middleton

I have been getting this calendar for several years. The photos are beautiful. I only wish they reflected a garden in my backyard.

The Old Farmer's Almanac 2008 Gardening Calendar by: Old Farmer's Almanac publisher: The Old Farmer's Almanac released: 2007-09-13 ISBN: 1571984283 $7.99

I love my 2008 Old Farmer's Almanac Calendar. It is my favorite calendar that I have had in many a year! How else would I know that the full moon for this March which falls on Good Friday is called the "Full Worm Moon"! If trivia like this. and information on growing plants isn't your cup of tea, then perhaps a Farmer's Almanac calendar isn't for you. I, for one, plan to buy the same type of calendar next year. I love the layout and design and the esoteric information. Thanks to the folks at Farmer's Almanac, I know now to not water my Christmas cactus so much when it's blooming!

I have bought these calendars the last 3 or 4 years, and love them. They look nice and don't take up a huge space on my wall. I like that the artwork is somewhat old fashoned looking, while the layout is modern. Also, the main picture is only 4 3/4 inches wide and 7 3/4 inches tall, so it doesn't hit you over the head visually.

In previous years there was a short writing each month about a gardening subject, as well as explanations of special dates, but in the 2008 calendar only the latter is included. The descriptions of the dates are printed in a larger font to fill in the space. I miss the extra information, but it looks a little nicer.

I was hoping for more gardening by the moon phases type information. I thought it would contain a gardening guide (like in the almanac) but in calendar form... you know, things like best days to weed, sow seeds, prune for growth or prune to inhibit growth.

It's a very pretty calender and does include moon phases, but that's about it.

I was very happy with this purchase. It was everything i expected and more. The cover illustration is very bright and cheery, it has a very old fashioned victorian look, which i like. Inside the calendar are beautiful pictures of flowers with descriptions of what they are, and helpful gardening hints. Also a planting chart and moon phases. I will definitely be purchasing this calendar on a regular basis. I bought the farmer's almanac with the calendar, and got both for 14.90 very good bargain. I highlly recommend both products!

(26 pages)

Herb Gardens 2008 Calendar: Recipes & Herbal Folklore by: BrownTrout Publishers publisher: Amber Lotus released: 2007-07-10 ISBN: 1569379327 $13.99

Cooks, gardeners and anyone who cherishes the magic of herbs will enjoy entering this world of flavor, fragrance and color. Herbs have been used for centuries on every continent in cooking, medicines, perfumes and crafts. More than just a calendar, this is a resource to be kept. Herbs can be used in foods from appetizers to desserts, as shown in the easy but sumptuous recipes. Plus, a wealth of herbal folklore, remedies and growing tips are offered every other day. Photographer and author Maggie Oster has written and taken pictures for numerous books on gardening and cooking. Sample Caption: "Parsley is a great breath freshener because of the high chlorophyll content. Thyme has antiseptic qualities and aids digestion. Parsley is a good source of vitamins A, B, and C, plus minerals. Thyme grows well with lavender and sage and attracts bees to the garden."

The photos are very nice. One problem with pictorial calendars is that sometimes it's easy to tire of the pictures before the month is out. That shouldn't be a problem with this calendar. The January recipe, risotto with mushrooms and herbs, was quite tasty. Scattered around the calendar dates are various tidbits of folklore and miscellanea. I didn't know, for instance, that the Chinese used garlic to ward off the evil eye. After enjoying this calendar for the rest of this year, I'll likely get another one of these for 2009.

Courtyard Garden 2008 - 2009 Planner (2 Year Travel Sized Day Planner) by: BrownTrout Publishers publisher: Leap Year released: 2007

No More Missed Dentist Appointments, Business Meetings or Birthdays! Our Stylish & Handy Travel Sized (6.5" X 3.5") Format Provides a Month at a Glance Schedule to Keep You Organized! Just the Right Size to Easily Take Along with You! Comes in a Nice Plastic Dust Cover to Keep Your Planner Looking Good!

Garden Birds 2008 Calendar by: Willow Creek Press publisher: Willow Creek Press released: 2007-06-30 ISBN: 1595435018 $12.99

Birds such as the Northern Cardinal, the Eastern Bluebird and the Ruby-throated Hummingbird along with nine other varieties photographed in their natural habitat make up this lovely and vivid calendar.

(24 pages)

The Kitchen 2008 Calendar by: Willow Creek Press publisher: BrownTrout Publishers released: 2007-02-27 ISBN: 1421619822 $13.99

These photos are truly stunning and make one want to eat well and cook healthy, for the most part. Each picture is asthetically beautiful and layed out in a very pleasing way. The 'blocks' of the calendar are a good large size for writing your important dates and info. The stock is very sturdy too, good quality.

Gardens and Flowers 2008 Calendar by: Willow Creek Press publisher: Dateworks released: 2007-08-30 ISBN: 1400915708 $11.99

Recipient loved it upon opening the gift. I did not see the pages inside.

(26 pages)

Gardens of the Spirit 2008 Calendar by: Maggie Oster publisher: Amber Lotus released: 2007-07-10 ISBN: 1569379262 $13.99

Strongly influenced by Shinto and Buddhism, the Japanese style of landscaping is particularly conducive to restoring an inner calm. Requiring an artful blend of imagination, skill and patience, the Japanese garden is an extension of the self. By adapting the harmonies of natural design to our own landscape, we heighten our understanding of the world around us and within us. The Gardens of the Spirit 2008 wall calendar features the exquisite images of professional garden photographer Allan Mandell. Paired with Maggie Oster's contemplative text, this collection of images brings the experience of Japanese gardening to all who long to create a peaceful oasis in the midst of a challenging world. Sample Caption: "Life's journey beckons us into the unknown. We cannot see the end, only the fewest steps before us. Even when we think we know what those steps will be, large or small, smooth or rough, we cannot fully know what each one will be like until we are there, only then if we allow ourselves to be totally in the moment, open to all the senses, completely aware. If we are distracted by what may be up ahead, where we've been before, by side paths, or fixed plans or concepts, then we become out of balance..."

This calendar is a beautiful way to chart the passing of a year. The photographs are simple but profoundly beautiful, and can be kept and used in other ways after the year is over. The space for writing in events etc. is generous, and even ordering from the UK the calendar is no more expensive than those available here.

This calender shows beautiful photos of Asian-type landscapes and some thoughtful proverbs for the calm and zen-oriented mind.

(24 pages)

Sunflowers 2008 Wall Calendar by: Maggie Oster publisher: BrownTrout Publishers released: 2007-02-27 ISBN: 1421619865 $12.99

Brighten up your day with this calendar full of beautiful images! Several were taken from as close as the neighbor's yard others depict vast fields of these golden flowers in the midwest.

Each photo was digitally captured by California photographer Larry Angier and carefully crafted before including in this collection of 13 sunflower photographs.

But, there's more, Larry's partner Carolyn Fox is in several other sunflower calendars. Search Amazon for Sunflower Calendar 2008 for even more...

If you like large, golden sunflower photographs or would like to brighten someone's day with these beautiful flowers, this is the calendar for you!