Serena Hartwell

I’m open to any suggestions for trees and shrubs to try. Osage is new to me but I’ll look it up. Firewood is definitely a plus.

Unfortunately it's too cold for rosemary to survive winters. Otherwise I'd love a rosemary hedge!

Yes, deer fencing is most likely what I'll have to do to for the elk. They are excellent jumpers!

Help me decide on fencing to keep elk out! Location is high desert mountains of NM. Zone 7a-7b, 7580 ft elevation. Before I can start gardening in any form, we need fencing strong enough for the elk.

I've always been drawn to the idea of living fences and hedges that provide food and shelter for wildlife and privacy. However, I'm unsure if that would work with our massive elk herds as they love to forage at night and also use our trees to rub their antlers, so even growing a tree requires a cage around it to keep safe until it's out of antler reach.

Currently exploring options and debating between investing in 8'-10' fixed knot fencing vs. a living fence or hedge. Can't do willow or anything that needs regular watering since we get water but mainly as downpours.

I've searched the forums and seen posts with ideas for trees and plants for living fences, but none that use plants of the high desert southwest.

What grows well here:

Native Shrubs
-New Mexico Locust (Robinia neomexicana)
-Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa)
-Wild Rose (Rosa sp.)
-Currants (Ribes sp.)
-Mountain Spray (Holodiscus dumosus)
-New Mexico Elderberry (Sambucus neomexicana)

Native Trees
-White Fir (Abies concolor)
-Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
-Southwestern White Pine (Pinus strobiformis)
-Aspen (Populus tremuloides)
-Bigtooth Maple (Acer grandidentatum)
-Rocky Mountain Maple (Acer glabrum)
-Gambel Oak (Quercus gambelii)

Any input is appreciated, especially if you live in a similar climate/elevation!

I’m happily in a relationship now but last year I posted in the singles forum here. It was eye opening! I was pretty naive in online dating (never had a profile anywhere before). For the most part everyone was kind and respectful, with a few standouts. Multiple wanted open relationships or even a “sister wife” situation that included other women, when I’d stated I’m looking for a partner, not partners. Maybe I needed to say monogamous only? For me that’s a hard no, but I know it’s rather common these days. The second thing that was upsetting was how many messages I received where it’s pretty obvious they didn’t read the post and just launched into a “sales pitch” about themselves. I mean let’s build a connection first, then cover those deeper topics! If a woman says “no longer looking” yet still gets messages, it makes me wonder if those men are listening? The bottom line is that I naively assumed it would be “easy” to meet a like -minded man and build a life together, haha. Little did I know! (I did meet the man of my dreams and we are building our homestead together, but it was only after I went on a dating app!)

Mark Wolo wrote:Hello from bc Canada.
Have you found a off grid partner?
Mark.
How can one message you?

Hello Mark,

I’m not looking for a partner anymore. I posted an update awhile back but it’s buried in all the messages. Best of luck on finding your person!

Serena

So I wanted to post an update on my current status as I continue to receive messages from lovely folks on here. I've had many wonderful conversations that started on here and been deeply inspired by all the people who are homesteading and making that wild and beautiful life a reality.

I'm currently dating someone so I'm not looking for a romantic connection. However, I am still very much interested in helping on a homestead. I've relocated to N. GA to be near family but am finding this is not in alignment with how I want to be doing my part on this planet. I'm hoping to find something for this summer to escape the heat and humidity here. I'd much rather be working with my hands in the soil doing something meaningful than nursing.

If anyone is looking for help with gardening, herbalism, foraging, building, etc. and is open to hosting myself and my 9 year old daughter in exchange for help on the homestead, feel free to reach out! I'd love to hear from you and be of use and connect with like minded folks.

Serena

Hi! I am 38 years old and currently live in the PNW. The older I get, the more I realize I want homesteading to be my whole life, and for it to never end. For me, that would be heaven!  

I want to put down roots, be close to nature, with a partner I trust and respect. To follow the rhythms of nature, have a purpose, be of use, connected to something greater than myself.  

Some of my long term goals are:  

Grow and preserve as much of my own food as possible.
Be as self-sufficient as possible.  

I'm seeking a like-minded male partner whose goals and values align with my own. Ideally, I'd love to join you on your homestead! Or build it up together from scratch. I am a quick learner and love learning new skills. I love to garden, forage, cook, and ferment all the things.  

I tend to be quiet, silly, playful, and positive. I have plenty to share and love discussing deep topics. I am more of a follower than a leader. I'd love to stay somewhere long-term, maybe forever if we get along well.  

I’m divorced and I have an 8 year old daughter, who means the world to me.  

Politically, I don't identify with either major party.  

Physically, I am 4'11’’ and 93lbs, with gray eyes, auburn hair, fair skin, and athletic body.  

I love hiking, foraging, cooking, gardening, rainwater collection, photography, mindful intimacy, meditation/yoga, star gazing, picnics, and camping to name a few of my hobbies.

I am open to talking to anyone, regardless of age or location, so if you feel we share mutual goals/interests, please message me! I'd love to hear from you

I second the recommendation for Aigle rubber boots. I have a pair that’s over 5 years old, with lots of life left and I wear them all the time. The only noticeable wear is on the heel from my uneven gait pattern. Seriously good natural rubber that doesn’t wear down easily, comfy, and shock absorbing.

Goldenrod makes a vibrant golden yellow dye.