Pearl Sutton wrote:It's possible that I'm seeing tick deterrence by asters. Is there such a thing?
I don't know what type these are, I thought Philadelphia Fleabane, but that's not right, as they have no basal rosette of leaves and the flowers are not turning lavender at all. They come up straight from the ground, and stay white. Average height at the moment is around 4- 4.5 feet. And they are THICK in this yard this year. Butterflies, hover flies and small bugs adore them.
Despite their height, which would make them excellent tick platforms, I have seen zero ticks on them. I have killed ticks on the 3 foot tall grass stalks, and on the bushes at 4 foot heights, but none on the asters. Being as they are obviously related to the Fleabane, I'm wondering has anyone ever heard of asters being tick bane?
They are tall, rowdy, and very hard to get coherent photographs of. These were the most useful pictures I managed to crop out of the chaos.
Lots of little flowers
Attempting to show growth habit
Utterly amok, everything white in this picture is these asters
I haven't researched this particular plant but I know that it belongs to chrysanthemum family. This family of plants is anti parasitic due to it's content of Pyrethrins, possibly something else. I use chrysanthemum flowers to make a tea - a very powerful dewormer - hint hint... specially important if you live off grid.
Erik Larson wrote:Hi Kasia and everyone, I'm a 55 year old cishet man living in Virginia (not tied to it but not sure about Canada), and I'm also looking to create or join a community, or partner with people focused on self-sufficient sustainable living as a way of life and business.
I've been learning about permaculture, regenerative ag, intentional community and cohousing, etc since April. It's all an important part of the solution to ecosystem imbalances (including pollution, environmental degradation and climate change), and many social and individual mental/physical problems.
It would be awesome to live on even just an acre or few (or more) in low-zero-impact housing, growing and eating mostly plants (farm animals can be a valuable part of an ecosystem for many reasons), and working with people on projects that benefit all of us and the community, and serve as a model way of life and living.
I've always liked nature and the outdoors, but I know nada about gardening, farming or living off-grid. I'm on WWOOF and have been visiting and volunteering on farms and communities in Virginia. I like doing cool stuff with good people. I've got basic carpentry, maintenance, mechanical and social skills. i make great salads, burritos and stir fry, but not much else. Would be glad to do food prep and clean up and a lot of other stuff if someone else likes to cook.
I do massage and teach Kung Fu for income. Hobbies include reading, writing, art and music. I'm currently working on a permaculture certificate from Millison's course at OSU, and networking while I consider options.
I'd appreciate insights or links, etc. from anyone.
Hi Erik,
That is fantastic! Good for you!
You have a lot of skills already. You are not sure about Canada eh? Well, I'll tell you that I have the options of living in Europe (anywhere) due to my citizenship and passport entitlements, also New Zealand, Australia and South Pacific Islands. By heart I'm a beach gal for sure and I love tropics and sub tropic climates - I lived there so I know! I'm not excluding other options. I do find Canada wilderness very soothing and healing. That's what I need right now. Take a look at Canadian lakes of Manitoba / Ontario. You will be amazed. I've spend many summers living on a boat near Kenora, hopping islands on a seadoo, looking for gold in old mine shafts, foraging for berries all day long (my primary source of food). There is enough fun to share.
Nancy Reading wrote:Hello Ka and Kasia and welcome to Permies,
Women can and do off grid and homestead alone (see this thread for examples). Things can often be easier with another pair of hands though. Good luck in your future plans.
Thank you Nancy! So great to be here :).
I know it's doable alone. I have 8 acres at the lake, thou not off grid, I try to make it as much off grid as much as I can. I can tell you that I could use many sets of hands. Thank you for the link, I'll check it out!
Ka Armstrong wrote:I'm in Canada and interested in hearing more on your goals and interests. Do you have an email? Would love to chat and share where I'm at with goals and like minded thinking.
Kasia Jarvis wrote:Hi there guys.
I wanted to make this post to reach out to like - minded people hopefully to connect and build together. I'm a youthful just turned 50 year old European woman living in Canada. I've been looking at land and found lots of options available. The most appealing to me is a large acreage in the bush. What makes me hesitate is the fact that I would be all by myself, having to handle a huge piece of land. I'm interested in connecting with people who are looking to go off grid with me. Details/location/tasks/ etc to be discussed. As for myself, I'm not new to living off grid and come with loads of skills (chef, herbalist, gardener, healer, builder...). I'm looking for people or families with similar skillsets to join the force. Currently, I'm in the city, downsizing as fast as I can to sell the house by early summer 24'. I do have 2 bedrooms if anyone is in transition process and needs a temp place to stay. Let me know what you think and feel free to reach out. I'm keen to see if there is any interest out there.
I'm looking Canada-wide.
How many acres are you thinking in what zone?
I'm looking at minimum of 40 acres to 160 acres max. The zone would be 4 ;(, unless I find something in BC - zone 5.
Hi there guys.
I wanted to make this post to reach out to like - minded people hopefully to connect and build together. I'm a youthful just turned 50 year old European woman living in Canada. I've been looking at land and found lots of options available. The most appealing to me is a large acreage in the bush. What makes me hesitate is the fact that I would be all by myself, having to handle a huge piece of land. I'm interested in connecting with people who are looking to go off grid with me. Details/location/tasks/ etc to be discussed. As for myself, I'm not new to living off grid and come with loads of skills (chef, herbalist, gardener, healer, builder...). I'm looking for people or families with similar skillsets to join the force. Currently, I'm in the city, downsizing as fast as I can to sell the house by early summer 24'. I do have 2 bedrooms if anyone is in transition process and needs a temp place to stay. Let me know what you think and feel free to reach out. I'm keen to see if there is any interest out there.
I'm looking Canada-wide.
