Practical Plants

Here is a nifty permaculture wiki that I just found.  You can browse by the location where you want the plant, or by use.  Some of the uses listed include medicinal, edible, basketry, windbreaks, containers, wax, string, and soap.  I planted some willows last year (or maybe the year before? I don't recall...) specifically for future use in weaving baskets and garden edging.  Most people know of using thorny shrubs to discourage intruders (for example, around first-floor windows for home security) or hedges to contain livestock (much more common in Europe, actually, but still).  But there are some uses here that many people might not typically think of.  Practical Plants

DIY Home Fodder System

DIY Home Fodder System - from threemealsfarm.

There are also some interesting books on the subject, such as Homesteading 101: The Fodder Method and Fast and Easy DIY Fodder System.

Interesting idea for growing your own fodder.  They use it to feed chickens and goats. I'm thinking it could also be used for horses, although I don't know how much you'd have to grow to make a dent in the horses' diet.

Horses in Snow

A couple photos from last week.... our first snow of the year!

From left to right:
Brandy, Teddy, and Atticus

Where is the snow?

So here we are, January 17th, and no snow yet for the year.  Actually, I'm not really complaining... we've had some downright spring-like days this mild winter.  Quite a few in the 60's.  But I would like one or two snow days a year... here are some photos from years past of the snow-covered farm.

Horse and Pet Podcasts

I recently discovered a new site... Pet Life Radio.  It has podcasts on numerous subjects regarding all types of pets, including horses.  It's nice to listen to while doing chores around the house.  Here's a good one I listened to the other day concerning horse agility: 
                     Equine Agility