Barnheart

Monday, February 6th, 2012 by P. Allen Smith, 35 comments

Congratulations to Ellie! Girl, you've got a pretty bad case of Barnheart!We're sending you a copy of Jenna's book.

Thanks to everyone for commenting. You've all painted wonderful pictures of rural life.

Do you have Barnheart? According to author and homesteader Jenna Woginrich Barnheart is a "dreamer's disease" that attacks "those of us who wish to God we were outside with our flocks, feed bags, or harnesses instead of sitting in front of a computer screen." Symptoms include studying chicken coop plans, daydreaming about heritage livestock breeds and calling in sick to work in the garden.

I am no stranger to the Barnheart syndrome so it was with relish that I read Jenna's memoir Barnheart*. Her story of setting up her first homestead in Vermont is thoughtful and humorous and will definitely ease your longing for the farm life.

In between tales of caring for her expanding menagerie, and tending the garden she articulately describes that feeling of independence and satisfaction that comes from having homegrown food right outside the back door. It should be no surprise that my favorite chapter is about her turkey TD (Thanksgiving Dinner).

These days Jenna is living in New York. She is the author of three other books and a blog called Cold Antler Farm.

If you think Barnheart is just what the doctor ordered for your "dreamer's disease" here's your chance to win a copy. Tell me about your homesteading daydream in the comments section below.

I'll select a winner on Friday February 10, 2012, just in time for Valentine's Day.

*I received a review copy of Barnheart from my friends at Storey Publishing.

Books on My Design Desk

Monday, May 9th, 2011 by P. Allen Smith, 15 comments

A gift from garden designer Xa Tollemache during her recent visit to the farm prompted me to rummage through my library looking for my favorite books on garden design. Lady Tollemache gave me Andrew Wilson's book The Garden of Giubbilei. Xa takes her inspiration from many sources including her own garden at Helmingham Hall, but certainly the work of Luciano Giubbilei has influenced her award-winning designs and exhibitions at the Chelsea Flower Show. Thumbing through the book inspired me to go back to some of my old standbys.