Welcome, I’m Lesa (it sounds like Lisa) and I write Better Hens and Gardens to help rural-minded folks transition to more self-sufficient, sustainable, lifestyles. As an engineer and manager for a large corporation, I was relocated ten times over a span of twenty years. During those years, I became increasingly concerned about our food supply; so with each move, I tried to shift closer to my vision of self-sufficiency, sustainability, and real foods. Then in 2005, I finally made it onto ten acres called Bramblestone Farm, and started a true rural journey.
Over the years, my partner (Randy) and I built homes, patios, decks, and barns; grew vegetables, flowers, and fruit trees; and raised chickens all while being employed full time. So, we started Better Hens and Gardens to help others deal with the sometimes overwhelming prospect of pursuing a rural lifestyle, while still being employed and living in suburbia. It’s meant to share all the “stuff” we learned, and follow our latest journey on Bramblestone Farm.
Bramblestone Farm is located in Northeast Ohio, so we experience a full range of beautiful seasons. We currently have a large garden, various fruits and brambles, 25 chickens, nine goats, six honey bee hives, and two cats. The chickens and goats free-range on about four fenced acres, controlling the bugs or weeds, and supplying (hopefully) eggs or milk. We hope you enjoy Better Hens and Gardens, learn something useful, and share your insights or comments back with us!