🌿 Welcome to the Blog 🌿
This is a growing place full of knowledge, ideas, and honest insights into our life on Cape Breton Island.
Here you’ll find everything that shapes our everyday life: plant profiles with practical applications, food storage, canning, natural care products, small and larger DIY projects, soil health, permaculture – and personal stories from life between forest and workbench.
We write from experience, not from perfection.
Whether you’re just starting out or already in the middle of it: this blog is for everyone who wants to live and create with head, heart, and hands.
Our content is organized by topic – so you can quickly find what interests you.
Categories
Year in Review 2025: Water System and Soil Health
2025 was a year of quiet but decisive changes on our land in Cape Breton: a new water system with a second pond, prepared beds, a polytunnel, first harvests and many hours of observation. Looking back, it becomes clear how closely water management, soil health and mental wellbeing are interwoven in our everyday life.
Planning your vegetable garden: goals and eating habits
Before you order seeds or design new beds, it helps to step back and ask two simple questions: what do you want your garden to do for you, and how does your household really eat? When you align garden goals with your everyday meals – instead of an idealised wishlist – planning suddenly becomes clearer, more realistic and far easier to sustain through the season.
Last Minute Gift
Still looking for a last minute Christmas gift that feels meaningful
Support the planting of fruit trees or the long term creation of a mixed woodland and help something real take root
And if the recipient wants, they can follow the learning journey through the blog and see how sustainable forest building works step by step
Red Clover: History and Symbolism
Red clover is far more than a humble meadow plant. This article traces its role in agricultural history, explains how clover became a symbol of prosperity, and shows how red clover now sits at the intersection of climate mitigation, soil fertility, symbolism, and modern herbal medicine.
What to Do in the Garden Now: Winter Rest, Berry Care and Planning for Your Next Growing Season
When the garden looks quiet on the surface, our most important work begins: we thin out dense raspberry patches, plant garlic, refresh the mulch around our berries, watch how winter cabbage responds to its spot and give the soil fresh impulses. Winter becomes a silent planning season where we prepare crop rotation, soil care and berry structures so that the next garden year can start more stable, diverse and relaxed.
A New Clipart Library for My Content
I’ve discovered CraftNest as a large clipart and design library that I plan to use for future blog posts, recipes, PDFs and other materials. The platform offers far more than just farming motifs – it includes a wide range of cliparts, coloring books, junk journal pages, sublimation designs and SVG files in different styles, many of them as PNGs with transparent backgrounds and commercial use included, making them suitable for both print and web projects.
Haunting Season on the Island
A personal take on Halloween on Cape Breton: why the island glows by September, how events and shared venues connect rural distances, which Gaelic Samhain roots still echo, and how we fold sustainability into everyday life—from swap ideas to the homegrown pumpkin. Rounded out with current Canadian stats on participation, spending, and shopping timelines.
Bittersweet Nightshade: identify and act
Bittersweet Nightshade is poisonous but ecologically active: it can feed pollinating bees via buzz pollination, add cover/structure, and provide bird food.
Bayberry: Culture, Candles, Compost
The Northern Bayberry is far more than a source of natural wax. Between coastal winds and colonial history, it tells a story of sustainable craft, folklore, and ecological resilience. Today, it is quietly returning — in candles, compost, and culture.
From Rain to Habitat
A year of watching before digging: how we harvest, steer, and store hillside rain with a diversion drain, gentle overflows, and a new pond. After nearly 16 rain-free weeks, our water system is the difference between stress and stability for soil, plants, and wildlife.
The Art of Mulching – Sustainable Methods at a Glance
Mulching protects soil, conserves moisture, and supports soil life. Learn which materials work best, their pH effects, and how to mulch in Zone 6a.
Pirate Days
Pirate Days transform St. Peter’s each September into a vibrant pirate village. What began as a local initiative has grown into a colorful festival of parades, costumes, treasure hunts, and fireworks. Blending maritime history, community spirit, and tourism, it has become a cultural highlight on the Bras d’Or Lake.
Biochar – ancient wisdom, modern practice, living soil
Biochar is more than just “charred wood.” Rooted in ancient traditions like Terra Preta, it combines science and practice to improve soil, boost resilience, and lock away carbon. Learn how it’s made, why “charging” matters, and how it transforms gardens into sustainable, living systems.
Canada Goldenrod – golden abundance along the wayside
Canada Goldenrod lights up late summer with golden blossoms that feed pollinators and offer us healing, nourishment, and craft. Once seen only as invasive, this resilient plant reveals a wealth of uses – from herbal teas and tinctures to natural dyes and cosmetics – when harvested with care.
Give Away, Don’t Throw Away
Classifieds are more than just a place to shop cheaply. They keep items in circulation, save resources, and foster connections within communities. From free building materials for garden projects to everyday items finding a second life – sharing through online marketplaces has become part of a sustainable culture.
Understanding Hardiness Zones – and How to Grow Successfully in Zone 6a
Whether you’re starting a vegetable bed or planting perennials, success in the garden depends not only on light, soil, and water – but also on your zone. Plant hardiness zones help you choose species that survive local winters. In this detailed guide, we explore what hardiness zones are, how they’re structured globally, and what they mean for growers on Cape Breton Island, located in Zone 6a. With practical tips, a full USDA zone table, and zone-specific planting advice, this article is your roadmap to climate-smart gardening.
More Reach for Small Blogs
Small blogs often carry the biggest ideas – but they rarely get seen. That’s why we’ve joined Trusted Blogs. The platform helps bloggers like us become more visible, connect with the right audience, and find meaningful collaborations. Why we made this move – and why it might inspire you too.
Usnea – Forest Wisdom in Threads
Usnea, also known as beard lichen, is more than forest decoration. As a bioindicator of clean air and a quiet herbal ally, it thrives where nature still breathes. In this post, you’ll discover its healing properties, how to identify it, and why respectful use matters more than ever.
When the Soil Lives, Everything Thrives
Healthy soil is the foundation of every thriving garden. It stores water, supplies nutrients, and supports a resilient ecosystem. This article explains how living soil works, why humus matters, and how to care for and improve your garden’s soil in natural, sustainable ways.
Why Gardening Makes You Happy
Gardening is gentle medicine for body and mind—balancing hormones, reducing stress, cultivating mindfulness, and nurturing resilience. It offers a deep sense of self-efficacy and connection to nature. This article explores the science behind why working with plants, soil, and sunlight heals us—even when the harvest fails.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Thanksgiving in Canada: Harvest, Tradition, and Community on Cape Breton
In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October, significantly earlier than in the United States. This timing aligns with Canada’s harvest season,
Traffic Rules Comparison – Canada vs. Austria
1. Introduction Canada and Austria have many similarities when it comes to road traffic, but there are also key differences that are important to understand,
Raised Bed, Wildflowers, and Fire Trucks: A Colorful Mix from Canada
After settling in Canada, the next adventure awaited us: we bought a boat – an inflatable boat! Why an inflatable boat? We thought it would
Permaculture and Forest Gardens: A Sustainable Path to Healthy Agriculture
Even before we moved to Canada, we had been deeply engaged with the idea of sustainable farming. Gernot, in particular, has been working with the
Rain, Storms, and New Paths: An Update from Our Property
The past few days have been marked by rain – sometimes light, sometimes heavy, even with stormy conditions. But as any dog owner knows, the
A Little Treasure – Our Discovery of the Spring in Loch Lomond
Sometimes, it’s the unassuming conversations with neighbors that lead to real treasures. During one of these encounters, we got an interesting tip: only about a
Quiet Roads, Big Challenges: How to Prepare for Blackflies and Breakdowns in Canada
When spring arrives in Canada, it brings not only colorful flowers and green foliage but also the less welcome presence of blackflies. These small flies,
A Day at Michaud Beach: Sea, Wind, and Adventure
On a Friday in June, we set off for Michaud Beach, an idyllic and quiet spot about 45 minutes from our home in Loch Lomond.
The Magic of Lupine: A Journey Through Myths and History
For centuries, stories have surrounded the lupine that go far beyond its botanical characteristics. It is not only a striking bloom in the garden but
The First Setback: When the Dream of Canada Meets Reality
The first major setback often comes unexpectedly, and it’s especially painful when experienced in a foreign country. After deciding to start our new life in
Field Horsetail: A Medicinal Plant with Ancient History and Modern Uses
Field horsetail, also known as scouring rush, is one of the oldest plants on Earth and has played an important role in natural medicine for
NATURE IN EVERYDAY LIFE: EXPIRIENCES BETWEEN APARTMENT AND PROPERTY
Since we arrived here, our daily life has changed in many ways. The routes we take for shopping, the daily walks with Diana, and the
The History of Nova Scotia: A Journey Through Time
The Mi’kmaq, a skilled people of hunters and fishermen, lived in harmony with nature and developed a complex society based on respect for the environment
Small Adventures in Our Hidden Paradise
After our first exciting adventure on our property, we decided to regularly embark on small excursions. Although the cleared land looks barren and bleak at
Our Trip to Arichat
A trip to Arichat, a charming little seaside town. It was a beautiful day when we set out to explore the town and its surroundings.
Our Start into the Adventure of Preparing the Property
With great enthusiasm and a clear vision, we are beginning to make our property livable. Preparing the land is a necessary step in realizing our
First Adventure on Our Beautiful Property
The approximate boundaries of our property. Our property is a beautiful, elongated rectangle covering approximately 70 hectares. Our neighbor told us that the land was
Together for a Greener Future: Your Support Matters!
KI generated Imagine a world where forests thrive, the air is clean, and sustainability is the key to a better life for everyone. This vision
Happy Canada Day
As the days grow longer and the warmth of summer envelops Canada’s vast and diverse landscapes, we celebrate one of the country’s most cherished days
A Warm Welcome in Loch Lomond: Our First Steps and Encounters
The move to Loch Lomond has been a wonderful experience for us. From the very beginning, we were welcomed with open arms, and we quickly
Arriving in a New Adventure: Our First Days in Canada
After a long journey, we’ve finally arrived in Canada and are now settled in the house we rented, which we had found earlier through our
Our Flight to Canada: An Adventure with Obstacles
The preparations before our flight were extensive and time-consuming. We had to carefully review Canada’s entry requirements and complete all necessary forms and medical checks
From Vienna to Sydney, Canada (Cape Breton) – The Best Travel Options by Air and Sea
The journey from Vienna, Austria, to Sydney (YQY), Canada, on Cape Breton Island is a real adventure. Here are the best options and steps to
A New Start in Canada: Residency and Work Permits Explained
The dream of living and working in Canada draws numerous people each year. To turn this dream into reality, it’s essential to understand the various
Canada Calls: Packing and Shipping Our Container – Part 1
Deciding to emigrate to Canada was an exciting and challenging journey for us. One of the biggest tasks has been, and still is, packing and
The Art of Discovery: How We Found Our Piece of Paradise Through Virtual Networks
In a world full of possibilities and virtual connections, our search for the perfect property begins far from home, yet closer to our dreams than
Finding the Perfect Place: How to Discover the Ideal Property for Your Home
If you dream of owning your own piece of land, whether to build a house, start a farm, or simply have a personal retreat in
Our Journey to Canada: The Search for the Perfect Emigration Destination
When we decided to leave our life in Austria behind and emigrate to Canada, we were faced with a multitude of decisions. One of the
From Alpine Roots to Maple Branches: The Birth of Our Self-Sufficiency Journey
Here and now, in the foothills of our homeland in Austria, our journey toward self-sufficiency and permaculture begins. It’s a sunny day in the garden,
From Alpine Roots to Maple Branches: The Birth of Our Self-Sufficiency Journey
Here and now, in the foothills of our homeland in Austria, our journey toward self-sufficiency and permaculture begins. It’s a sunny day in the garden,