Written by Poppy Okotcha and illustrated by Frances Whitfield, this beautiful calendar is ideal for anyone interested in sustainable living and ecological gardening.
The calendar is more than just a place to write down appointments and keep a track of the days. It is also an inspirational and realistic guide to permaculture gardening throughout the year.
Setting the scene
The first two pages include a Foreword by Andy Goldring (CEO of the Permaculture Association) and an introduction to what permaculture is, and some of the history behind it. Although the term “permaculture” stems from the 1970s, the techniques are based on centuries of growing and living sustainably across the world. Poppy explains:
“… let’s not forget to give a nod of thanks to our ancestors whose dreams these ideas were and to the people who still today quietly get on with living gently, respectfully and in balance with nature.”
These informative pages also include Poppy’s permaculture story, how she came to explore her connection with the land, and suggestions for how to use the calendar each month.
The calendar pages
The calendar has twelve beautifully illustrations, plus the cover, by Frances Whitfield. The images made from a combination of paper cut and relief print  that I for one will want to cut out and keep.
Each month explores a permaculture principle, with practical suggestions for how to include this in your daily life. There’s also a list of what to sow that month, what can be harvested, what to forage and what to do in the garden.
There is of course plenty of room for writing gardening notes, and appointments.
Printed on unbleached paper, the calendar is fully compostable after use should you wish to. Just remove the two staples (and put in the metal recycling) before adding to the heap.
Realistic permaculture
Sometimes, permaculture can be rather daunting, using a vocabulary that is confusing (I saw a permaculture book title recently and despite a degree in English and decades of working in permaculture had no idea what it meant!) or unrealistic assumptions of having lots of land, or not needing to earn a living.
The suggestions, advice and information in this calendar is all affordable, accessible and realistic. It is an absolute pleasure to read, and makes you feel – “yes, I can do that”.
Location is important
All of the seasonal tasks in the calendar, timings and so on, are relevant to the UK.
If you would like one
The calendar is £20 and is available from Poppy’s website.
The author – Poppy Ockotcha
Poppy is an ecological food grower based in Devon, growing at her home and also in a community garden. Trained in regenerative growing and horticulture, she also cooks, forages and explores using medicinal herbs. Her first book A Wilder Way will be published on 24th April 2025 by Bloomsbury (I have a copy on my desk and will be reviewing this next year.)
The illustrator – Frances Whitfield
Frances an artist based on the Welsh borders whose work focuses on the themes of domestic life and homes. She also works as a gardener, using permaculture principles, and teaches part time.
A Gift
The calendar and this beautiful illustration by Frances (below) was sent to me as a festive gift with no obligation to promote it or review. I genuinely am delighted with it and shall enjoy hanging it on my wall, and using throughout 2025.
Even though I am an experienced grower, there is always something new to learn and a fresh perspective to enjoy.
Having recently spent several days with no electricity (no power, no wifi, no heating etc) thanks to being in a red zone for a fierce storm, really brought home to me that having a paper record of my schedule etc is an important part of a resilient lifestyle !
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