Microfarm

Earlier this morning I went out to do my "farm chores." It is ridiculous how much I enjoy taking care of my 4 chickens each day and accomplishing other outdoor jobs. Each morning I take some kitchen scraps to the chickens, give them clean water and check on their food supply. Then I fill food bowls for the dog and cat and drop off the remaining kitchen scraps in our new compost bucket. Soon I hope to get some seeds and starts in the ground in our square foot garden boxes.

This morning while I was out there I noticed two sparrows squabbling in the oak sapling near the chicken coop. They were either mating or fighting for territory directly above my head. It was quite a show and even though I am not thrilled with non-natives making themselves at home in our yard, I enjoyed their presence. I love seeing the natural world function as it was intended, while I go about my day. I think I am in charge of ordering my days, but the orderliness of wild animals routinely acting out their roles in nature without my help or interference, reminds me that I'm not really in charge.

I am in charge of my tiny suburban "microhomestead" though, as much as anyone can be. To be surrounded by sparrows, chickens, oak and birch trees, and empty boxes waiting to be filled with growing food, fills me with pleasure. The projects we have started, such as composting, raising chickens for eggs and planting fruit trees, gives me a sense of order as well as a wonderful anticipation of the future production we expect from this yard. I am delighted that I still have a small yard where we can try growing our own food and compost. With a yard at our disposal we can still take advantage of natural sun and wind to dry our clothes. At this moment, that is way more than enough.