Joanie Appleseed

Rooted wanderer and tiny-scale grower on my "not quite an acre" plot in Enterprise.

For years, I traveled the world as a teacher —from the Balkans to the South Pacific, East Timor and across the US. I learned about food systems and planted trees in many places. But I never stayed long enough to enjoy the fruit.

Joanie Appleseed is a playful nod to Johnny Appleseed, the original wandering planter.

This is my first season tending an unheated hoop house of winter-hardy greens while nurturing young Balkan-inspired fruit trees—apples, quinces, and plums that won't fruit for a few years yet. I’m applying permaculture principles and building soil health in our alkaline dirt.

Small winter harvests. Lots of experiments. Someday fruit.

This time, I'm staying for the harvest.