What’s Growing

Robins on branches, 70 degree days followed by snow, dirt under my fingernails – Spring is coming!

There is so much preparation, planning, and doing these days.  I finally got around to placing my fruit tree order after spending days agonizing over which varieties and limiting myself to only 20 trees and a few bushes (I ordered from One Green World and St. Lawrence Nurseries).  Some of the highlights are “Arkansas Black” Apple (a fantastic keeper), “Olympic” and “Nijiseiki” Asian Pears, and “Meteor” and “Bali” Sour Pie Cherries.  While I wait for their delivery, I’m reading all I can about fruit tree planting and care (this book has been particularly helpful), and setting out stakes for their placement.

While I have not yet ventured out to the raised beds to direct sow anything, I have started some spring crops on my heat mat, including a wide variety of kale, onions, broccoli, cabbage, and greens.

They are still so tiny!

Most importantly, we’re growing a home!  The summer structure is taking shape slowly but surely.  All nine posts are in the ground, all six beams have been secured, and tomorrow the roof rafters will be put into place.  It’s possible that we’ll have a roof by the end of next week!

As the structure emerges and our visions for the land take shape, we’re realizing how badly we want to live there.  Although our original intention was to build a non-insulated space for summer use and then figure out another living situation for next winter, now we find ourselves having conversations that start with the words, “how rustic are you willing to live?” or “200 square feet is enough space for our family of four, right?”  It could be completely crazy, but I think we’re both so eager to sink into that space that seemingly impossible situations are now looking somewhat possible.

Wishing you a beautiful Monday full of impossible possibilities!

* This post was shared on the Homestead Barn Hop, and Natural Living Monday.