Hello and Welcome!
I am looking for help starting immediately and throughout all four seasons. I do appreciate longer stays, with some house and garden sitting. I am seeking assistance for about 25 hours of help per week, in exchange for food and board, which would average out to about 5 hours per day. Weekends free but flex-time works well here.
I have definitely moved in to senior hood, and while that means that while I am slower and unable to do heavy work, I am still actively engaged in the work here. I have had wonderful teachers, and still have time and energy for pay back on that front. So I am most interested in hosting folks wanting to learn & try out this life style. Physical fitness and good humor are appreciated.
This opportunity is ideal for individuals who can work both with me and independently. There is accommodation available, including a room with a queen-sized bed for couples, a bedroom for a single person, and an outdoor bedroom. You would be sharing the house with me and any other WWOOFers.
The property features a bountiful organic garden that provides most of the food, as well as wildcrafted items. I have been tending to this land for over 50 years, growing food and medicinal plants, making plant medicine, and saving seeds. The 30-acre parcel boasts a large creek, abundant wildlife, great water, and stunning views. It is located outside of Balfour, near Kootenay Lake, and a short, 30-minute drive from the vibrant city of Nelson.
In addition to the gardening tasks, there are opportunities to learn about sustainable living, harvest, and process medicinal plants, and participate in the cultural life of the area. Internet access is available, and I am looking forward to the exchange of ideas and experiences with potential helpers.
I do have some house rules that I kindly ask all helpers to follow. These include: changing shoes and dirty clothes after working outside, keeping meal preparation, cooking, and dishes separate from work hours, but sharing is encouraged, ensuring the kitchen is cleaned up right after use. Additionally a general rule of picking up after yourself is appreciated. Thank you for considering these rules. Otherwise, I am quite easygoing.
Organic methods: I use compost, manure, organic amendments, plants for pollinators and other insects that eat the insect pests, and do crop rotation, etc.
Certifications: This land has never had any non-organic amendments used. I am probably more organic than many of the certified farms and have sold locally at stores and markets. When you visit you will see for yourself the great abundance of wild plants, insects, and birds.
I look forward to working and exchanging ideas with you.
Read more
Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Forestry
Wild foraging
Seed saving or production
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Beer, cider, wine, or juice making
Natural cosmetics fabrication
Food justice / sovereignty
Methods or systems
Biological pest control
Holistic management
No-till farming
Permaculture
Regenerative agriculture
Mentoring opportunities
Woman-operated
