Post by Sharon
The sense of independence and industry, time with nature and mastery of skills are intoxicating.
I grow an organic garden with herbs, veggies, fruits, roots, you name it! But I also look to creating interesting artwork for the yard made out of found objects and interesting trellises to grow vines up.
The homeowner where I live decided to throw out the screen door, but I saw a trellis.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeoJpXP_2jhwa-x9wioZV3TBFDrA5XAGcwbcHx_7h0NT-dxzi4wfUS04eHEoJzEVy2Qn9aroklT1YBlXLqHD8CR7RIZQCp6vHaDn9VdFmbKu6u5Dr4zjWNhusVA0riJL8bvsJx2RX0I4/s400/56508690_10213859072684984_2685853185758724096_n.jpg)
Now, pole beans having a support and it adds some architectural interest to the patio. As he is wheelchair bound right now, he will appreciate being able to pick beans off his porch.
As well, I am growing a wall of corn and melons along the patio that both shade the patio from heat, give privacy, and make a place for him to pick.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KyYaAnpAWwymWvY3DQtI0g6yktNmmYxzTLtTW7HkNabTzU_5IV7g45n5HsLXqLzcUXfGBuA1nTQbAS0MzJ8OjvkWAHo8eWzF8oF4g3TVLunHBoQvrLnFdn9JYxNGwmIEpT2hrPMJ2MA/s400/0317191758c%257E3.jpg)
There are grapevines growing along the corner post of the patio where I have a pot of flowers lined by empty wine bottles that catch the light. I put hooks on the posts of the patio with twine pulled taut for the grapevines to grow up and block sun off the porch.
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This birdfeeder above was made from an old headboard post found out in the desert and a piece of broken composite board painted in southwest colors and a bird feeder attached to it.
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I took an old terra cotta pot and painted it with southwestern colors and added a white platter with water for a bird bath.
There are so many things you can work with to put a little homesteading in your life.
Consider -
*making compost
*growing a garden
*repurposing household items as garden art or practical places for plants to climb
*making wine or beer
*using herbs for healing
*making healing bitters
*canning extra produce
*utilizing architectural elements like windows, doors and gates for garden art.
*make a potting shed out of found items. (go on nextdoor.com and find out what your neighbors might be getting rid of if you haul it away, like taking down a gazebo and using the wood or garden rock).
*call your landscapers or city for free mulch that they dump on your driveway and you can haul to your garden and put where you need it.
*learn how to quilt and sew.
*try your hand at making pottery.
*make a koi fish pond.
*get some chickens for your yard and to love.
There is something about a sense of self reliance, the physical industry that goes into homesteading that makes you feel young and strong and in control of a life that sometimes feels like it's in your boss's or family's hands.
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