The New York Botanical Garden Engagement Calendar for 2005

The 2005 edition of The New York Botanical Garden Engagement Calendar celebrates the beauty and enduring popularity of orchids with spectacular illustrations by one of most notable botanical artists of the 19th century, Walter Hood Fitch (1817-1892). Fitch's exquisite depictions of these exotic plants helped spur the frenzy for them that overtook Europe — Britain, the Netherlands, and Belgium in particular — throughout the 19th century. "Orchid mania", as this phenomenon became known, drove plant hunters to the ends of the earth, risking life and limb, to obtain specimens. Most of these plants did not survive long in their new homes, or died en route during lengthy sea voyages. Demand therefore remained at a fevered pitch and exorbitant amounts of money often changed hands, reaching a peak in 1890 when £1,500, approximately $175,000 in today's currency, was paid for one orchid. Fitch was renowned not only for his splendid, colorful, and detailed depictions of orchids and other exotic plants, but also for his prolific output, creating over 10,000 images during his lifetime. In addition to its good looks, The New York Botanical Garden Engagement Calendar has many unique touches that add to its usefulness. It has durable hard covers and a cloth-covered spine concealing a spiral wire binding that allows it to lie flat for easy writing. Its pages are large enough to write appointments and reminders, yet it can still be easily slipped into a bag. A ribbon marker helps keep one's place. Year-at-a-glance calendars for past, present, and future make long-term planning simple to do. It also has a pocket on the inside back cover to hold important bits of paper. But that’s not all! The New York Botanical Garden Engagement Calendar includes a listing of public gardens throughout the United States, as well as 2005 events and exhibitions at the Garden, a map, and an In Flower guide to the Garden's plantings. And it makes a wonderful gift! SPECIFICATIONS Hardcover with cloth spine Concealed spiral wire binding Full color throughout Over 60 botanical illustrations Week-to-a-page format Ribbon marker Pocket on inside back cover Year-at-a-Glance calendars for 2004, 2005 and 2006 New York Botanical Garden Events & Exhibitions listing New York Botanical Garden In Flower Schedule and map Listing of Public Gardens throughout the United States