Those who love flowers can choose from many different almanacs and calendars. For 2011, two of my favorites were released by Llewellyn Worldwide.


Llewellyn’s 2011 Herbal Almanac

Each year this guide just seems to get better and better. Floral designers will find this is invaluable. It has all sorts of articles that will be of interest on a range of different topics. These articles are by leading experts in their respective fields. The ones on herb crafts and herbal natural decorations for the home for various seasons and festivals are especially helpful.

One section is devoted to growing and harvesting herbs. Floral designers will find this section has a number of wonderful articles. One of my favorites is on the hydrangea. This also explains how to gather and preserve summer flowers and herbs. Learn how to press flowers and plants, make potpourri, and create herbal gifts for loved ones.

Those with cutting gardens can learn how to save herb seeds. Flower lovers will also find the section on herbal history and folklore is very enlightening. Along with other topics, this features articles on the poetry of herbs, medieval herbs, and Highland herbs. There is extensive lore about each individual herb as well as tips on its uses.

All in all, this wonderful guide has nearly 25 enlightening articles on growing and using herbs to enhance you life throughout the year. For those who garden by the moon, this has complete charts giving the moon sign and phase for each day of the year.


Llewellyn’s 2011 Woodland Faeries Calendar

This wonderful wall calendar is by legendary fantasy artist Linda Ravenscroft. This will have special appeal to flower lovers. It invites you into the world of faeries, and provides a glimpse of their customs and habits. For each month, this has an original faerie portrait depicting the creatures striking poses and performing their usual activities. The appealing and captivating art depicts all kinds of flowers, herbs, and foliage both on the faerie portraits as well as on the monthly calendar pages. In almost all case, the faeries are wearing flowers for personal adornment, such as garlands.

The calendar pages are large and roomy enough to record all upcoming appointments. The edges and borders of these pages are decorated with art featuring floral and botanical themes. Each month also has the major holidays and the phases of the moon. In one lower corner of each monthly calendar page, you’ll find a thumbnail-sized calendar for the next and previous months.


For disclosure purposes, I received review copies of these items from the publisher.