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.
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 […]
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. […]
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 be a great way to explore the nearby lake – and honestly, it was! (Well, at least to a certain point…) Inflatable Boat Adventure – Joy with Small Obstacles It […]
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 concept of permaculture for years and experimented with it on a small plot in Austria. On less than 300 m², many permaculture principles were integrated, but it became clear that […]
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 weather doesn’t matter. Diana needs to go out, no matter how unpleasant it is outside, so we ventured through the rain. These rainy conditions also showed us how water flows […]
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, also known as buffalo gnats, can make outdoor life quite difficult, especially if you’re not prepared. What are Blackflies? Blackflies are tiny, blood-sucking insects that are particularly active during the […]
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. Michaud Beach, part of the Point Michaud Beach Provincial Park, is located on the east coast of Cape Breton and is known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. The […]
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 drives between our property and the apartment have now become an integral part of our routine. We still travel a lot on the main road around the lake and are […]
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 dream of a sustainable life surrounded by nature. The property in Cape Breton offers us the ideal foundation for our permaculture project. Here, we don’t just want to live but […]