This week's haul from the library brought me The Contrary Farmer, a book that I've been delighting in since.
Gene Logsdon talks about farming the way grandparents describe the world they grew up in - lovingly, with respect and a touch of stubbornness. His words make me ache to set up a tiny farm on our land here, to have a few chickens and a pair of sheep or goats. To have a pair of boots caked in gawd-knows-what and a first-name relationship with veterinarians and grass seed merchants. To know my land down to where the patches of sweet grass straggle into the clover.
He also makes me want to plan a real garden this year. Must talk to B about building some raised beds....
10 comments:
I have sheep and a goat. Well, actually I just sold my sheep until I have these babies, then I'll buy some more.
Dumb, but lovely creatures!
I used logs to define my raised beds, and mulched with grass clippings. Worked a treat, and cost next to nothing.
Raised beds are great and, as witchypoo suggests, there are a great many materials you can use. If you want to know more about getting started, email me and I'll give you some ideas.
Please tell me you've read James Herriot's wonderful books. If not, there's an into to lambing your won't forget.
XXX
Roz
intRo, dammit, intRo to lambing
R-- oh, look. That's where the missing letter went originally
ditto on the Herriot. great reads.
i did my raised beds with 2x4s, and used the no-dig method with newspapers and compost. I refused to double dig! worked just fine and proceeded to do all my flower beds like that this year.
(I take credit for telling Babelbabe to stop digging and do the no-dig method for her beds. But I digress).
Up the road from us there's a sign saying Lambs for Sale and the boys all went aaawwww, and begged me to buy one. I said it would only be cute for a few months and then it would be old and stupid, to which Son #3 replied That's ok, then we'll eat it.
I dream of having a patch of land, some raised beds for my veggies and herbs, and a couple of kick-ass goats and some sheep. Someday soon... someday. I wish the same for you :)
That's the power of a good book. I read "We Keep a Light" and wanted to become a lighthouse keeper. I think your dream may be marginally more achievable. And sensible.
Do you usually have this urge, or is this just extra-good writing? Because me, I'm all yeah, growing stuff is hard and dirty, and chickens are stupid and dirty... Oh, there's a reason I'm a city girl!
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