Monthly Archives: October 2017

Given the state of our countries unemployment rates, trading goods or services for goods or services, or an alternative currency instead of simply just cash is very lucrative for many.  Trading laws vary, they varied, even before the existence of money or currency.   I am deeply blessed on my journey to find people who have traded the use of much land, both in Mpumalanga and Gauteng.  In Mpumalanga I have written a previous post on some of what goes on, on this farm.   Read it here for more information.

I find myself on a farm, situated approximately 7kms outside Machadodorp, nestled between a trout farm and game farms with guesthouse accommodation.  A co-owner of the land, Ane’, connected with me via an old friend and we emailed back and forth information about our visions for community and self-sustainability.  Working with ATSOU (Awakening the Spirit of Ubuntu) Ane’ found a love and passion working with disadvantaged children and ex-combattons.   She worked in many community projects and is an excellent PA to a very wealthy woman in the city.  It became a trade to do a garden, a massive garden, without any money to invest or reward me with…  We decided on a small piece of land for me to use to build a small home on.  I do not have any money income apart from consultations and the garden in Johannesburg at the Pirates Sports club was thinned out to do a few client gardens when I lost my cottage 6 months ago.  It would have ended then if it were not for a friend Peter who insisted I keep the garden and has truly stepped up to assist in the physical work of it all.  It is also an important garden because it ensures there is always food in Johannesburg growing for me and those who assist, and those who I giveaway to.  We therefore currently trade a ride through to Johannesburg once a week/every second week (to tend to my garden at Pirates and do consultations), my monthly costs (rent, electricity, washing, and three meals a day),and if necessary assistance with odd items for personal use when required, along with the use of the land to build my own home on…

The setup and duties on the farm include assisting in creating a youth camp consisting of 4 teepees and 2 large army tents.  Once we have funds to complete a small ablution and kitchen area for volunteers it will be set up and ready for camps/woofers/visitors.  Ane’s vision does not end there, she has looked at the entire region – Emakhazeni; each small town individually (WatervalBoven, Machadodorp [Dullstroom is already at tourist attraction and is therefore not included] and Belfast) and we have reached out to various departments; Municipality, Arts and Culture and the Cooperative Governance of Traditional Affairs for assistance.  We wish to implement a plan and program which can be summed up as a self-employment initiative for each area.  This involves setting up of green spaces (community gardens), tourist stalls, art and crafts developments with capacity building, incorporating ideas such as trash to treasure and fresh start to name a few of the projects in mind.  It is a highly amiable and ambitious vision.  It is also the most likely model to create community that thrives on local and naturally grown produce, medicine and cosmetics.

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I’ve worked on these gardens for approximately 6 months, and planted over 100 different edible and medicinal plant varieties.   Some in bags, some in the ground, some in trays, some in the food gardens, some in the wild…  I am still, in no way producing anything in a monoculture method. or on a mass scale. We are still experimenting; wanting to find a main crop or two…a vision of setting up a nursery in the area. I estimate another 2 years at this rate before making some serious money, but keep an eye on my Facebook pages and this blog, many things change instantly in my world.

My trade is to use my talents, to just be, which seems surreal but is quite a task at times.  It is all very exciting, very humbling, very rewarding and very much dependant on consistent effort and discipline.   It is a race against time that is no longer as we know it. Climate change presents itself, especially with drought and a recent tornado in Johannesburg.  Biodiversity is vital to both our own health and that of the earth itself.  This planet.  I am almost certain a few of us will evolve, as some plants evolve when transplanted from region to region.  The question is, whether or not we are prepared to evolve?

Much about gardening has become a dance for me, like putting away ones toys after a game.  Relayering, replacing, restoring, adding, shifting mulches….  The result is longevity and great skin.  It is a dance highly recommended to those drawn to it, but not a calling for everyone.  I came across men eating mice once, and it shocked me to core with a deep sadness at how unprepared they were, even with the knowledge of planting seed.  If anything to do a garden is a major way of taking ones power back.  IF not back from government or shop owners we dislike, or from bosses who don’t pay us enough to go on holiday often enough, then simply it is a matter of pride, in my opinion, as a garden is a good foundation for a home ;-)

Do come join me in Johannesburg at my garden for a monthly crop swap so we can add to the biodiversity of this country or visit us at the farm in Mpumalanga and volunteer your time and expertise.

see you in the garden ;-)