Not there yet, but already on the way
Immigrating to Canada isn’t just a process—it’s a test of patience, resilience, and hope. We share our story of trying to stay legally, facing visa changes and setbacks, while holding onto our dream. Between a work permit and startup visa, we keep reaching for something permanent.
What is Homesteading?
Homesteading emphasizes self-sufficiency, sustainable living, and a connection to nature, originating from the U.S. “Homestead Act” of 1862. Today, it embodies various practices from food cultivation to ethical lifestyle choices, enhancing community ties and promoting environmental stewardship. It combines tradition and modernity, fostering mindfulness and sustainability.
Year in Review 2024: Our Journey Towards Sustainable Living in Canada
The year 2024 was marked by significant changes and progress on our path to sustainable living in Canada. A Behind-the-Scenes Look: Our Blog and Its Timelines When we launched alpinerootsmaplebranches.com, our project had already been underway for over a year. Much of what we share today stems from the wealth of experiences and developments we’ve gathered […]
Planting Garlic Made Easy: Tips for a Bountiful Harvest
Garlic is a versatile plant that is not only easy to grow but also offers many health benefits. In USDA hardiness zone 5b, which covers much of North America, average annual temperatures range from 4°C to 10°C (39°F to 50°F). Winter temperatures can drop as low as -26.1°C to -23.3°C (-15°F to -10°F), while summer […]
Separate Paths, Shared Goals: Challenges on the Way to Canada
Our journey to Canada was marked by careful planning and preparation. We were aware that not every plan would work out immediately and that the first few years would certainly be challenging. Now that our deadline for job hunting has passed, we’re facing unexpected hurdles. Despite promising job offers from some companies, changes in immigration […]
The Hidden Treasures of the Lowbush Blueberry – A Powerhouse from the Forest
On our property, in the lower fifth, we found it: the Lowbush Blueberry. Discovering several large patches of wild blueberries brought us great joy. You can read more about our find in the recent blog post, „Blueberries, Construction Projects, and Animal Challenges.“ For detailed information about the plant itself, feel free to check out the plant […]
Moss Phlox: More Than Just Ground Cover for Sunny Spots
Versatile Use in a Cottage Garden While Moss Phlox is often seen as a purely decorative plant, we discovered that it can be perfectly integrated into the design of a traditional cottage garden. Not only does it add a splash of color, but it also protects more delicate plants by acting as a natural mulch […]
Blueberries, Building Projects, and Wildlife Challenges
After weeks filled with hard work, we’re starting to see how our project is slowly taking shape. The first blades of grass are sprouting in the newly created beds, and it feels good to see that our efforts are gradually paying off. Diana also enjoys these moments, often relaxing nearby while we continue building. A […]
Bunchberry: A Discovery from Our New Home
Since settling in Canada, we have continuously encountered plants and animals that amaze us with their diversity and beauty. One plant that particularly caught our attention is Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis). This small, unassuming plant, often found as ground cover in the forests of Nova Scotia, has its own charm and brings many ecological benefits. A Story of […]
Soil Samples and Campfire: An Evening in Nature
Since moving to Canada, we’ve been constantly learning more about our land and preparing it for our permaculture project. An essential part of this process involves taking soil samples from different areas of the property. These samples help us understand the soil better and identify the best spots for specific plant types, such as herbs. […]