Oona in the Garden

In 2013, my partner and I bought an acre of land in the Gulf Islands, British Columbia. Once upon a time it had been well-tended, but years of neglect had taken their toll.  Little did we know, we were being called – literally and metaphorically  – “Back to the Garden.”  (Enjoy my version of Joni’s classic as you read the rest of the story : )

The abandoned fruit trees, overgrown pond, wild grape vines, and sod-covered raised beds begged us to take care of them.

Now that the excessive blackberries were gone – thanks to Leigh and his trusty crow bar – what would we do with this?

Despite putting layers of newspapers and leaves on the raised beds in October, there was still lots of heavy clay sod to be turned in the spring.

What began as a “why not?” has grown into a passion/minor obsession, and now we are two busy creatives (Oona, a musician/educator/writer and Leigh, a photographer/videographer) living close to the earth and elements as we learn to sustain ourselves and this land we steward.

The greenhouse area above with a 3-sisters planting of corn, beans, squash and melons a few months later.

The raised beds, renewed, with trellises, rabbit fencing, rebar reinforcement and a coat of coral paint

Blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, loganberries, grapes, lemons, pears, peaches, apples, plums, kiwi, watermelon, ground cherries, cantaloupe and yes – passion-fruit, in Canada! – are just the fruit we will harvest this year.

Don’t get me started on the vegetables and herbs…  We have grown sweet potatoes as big as footballs and are preparing to cultivate mushrooms. Hummingbirds and butterflies, honeybees and so many song birds thrive in this place we call home.

Photo by Leigh Hilbert

This blog offers some tried and true tips, occasional insight, and sporadic glimpses of our journey growing organically and dancing with the devas.  May you sow in beauty!

Oona in the Garden