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greenwoman6

A new year and a new beginning

My dream of "living in the woods" has finally become a reality. Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to have a home in the woods, where nature was close and the sounds of civilization were far away. I remember my dad telling me stories of a hermit he met while he was out tramping the woods (he called it hunting, but it really wasn't). I was fascinated that someone would be willing to live far away from everyone and be alone, not expecting anyone to stop by, and living off the land. I am not in that category - I still have contact with the outside world, but I do have more peace and quiet and a more restful home.



It was a long road to get where I am. It is never easy to give up a home that you have been in for a long time. I lived in Mendon for over 35 years, and worked hard at having a garden and homestead that satisfied and sustained me and my family. But, it was time to move on. Taxes were increasing, the area was getting too crowded, and I could no longer bear the expense and time it took to maintain that home. My quest for something simpler began, and I found my place in the woods.


Richmond, NH is just far enough away from everything to be the ideal situation. I can be in Boston in two hours - if I book it and travel not at peak traffic time. Brattleboro, VT is just over the river and offers lots of entertainment and several bookstores and lots of interesting shops. I do have to travel 10 miles to the nearest convenience store, but I am used to driving so that is not so difficult. I also have a very long and winding dirt road to navigate, so I need to keep an eye on the weather and realize that I may not be as spontaneous in my outings. But it appears that is not a great challenge as I can set my own schedule and be very flexible.


My gardening has only just barely begun. I did get in some garlic plants in November, so hopefully they will be the start of my new farm. I do have 35 fruit trees, mostly apple, so my pruning days are looming and I will need to start that task soon. Since I acquired the property last January, I did a hard pruning on them, as they were not well cared for and needed to be brought into line. I had virtually no apples - part of that was the pruning, but also the porcupine that I found I had, as well as voracious squirrels who ate every last one. Sorry, deer, I guess you won't have any fruit to snack on, though I am finding that you are enjoying the tips of the branches. I spent some time last week tying Irish Spring soap onto the trees - I've always heard that works so we will see if that is true.



I have almost 50 acres, and most of that is wooded. Mike and I have been slowly exploring the property, and we found evidence of moose up the hill last week. During the summer and fall, I had lots of visits from turkeys - several of them would come through the yard, feeding on the meadow grasses and especially enjoying the poke berries. I would see the branches bending as they made their way through the yard. The night camera revealed an eight-point buck visiting, but I have not seen any deer during the day. It's great to see the tracks and spoor of many creatures, and wonder if I will encounter more of them in person. We had a pair of hawks nesting nearby, and my favorite were the bluebirds who took up residence in the three bluebird boxes I put out this summer. What a treat!



As I look forward to this next year, I realize how grateful I am to have an opportunity to start anew, with a clean slate to begin my adventures in NH. I have met a few neighbors - most of them avid gardeners - so I feel right at home. The serenity here is just awesome, and I eagerly look forward to discovering more about my new home and environs. There is a spirituality to watching the seasons unfold, and creating a new paradise here in NH. All's right in my world.


Looking at the new year with new eyes,


Karen


The information on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and has not been evaluated by the FDA. Green Woman's Garden | karen@greenwomansgarden.com | 603-239-6733 |

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