Lara Norris

One of the key reasons for moving to France was to get back to a more simple way of life. To grow our own food was a major part of that dream.

Unfortunately Paul and I have absolutely no experience WHATSOEVER!

We came to France with seven books on vegetable growing and the ability to access YouTube. Add to that dogged determination and a can do attitude and you get….

Two idiots, 100s of seeds, a fork, a spade and some very fertile ground. Then, eventually you get potatoes, beans, onions, squash,rhubarb,carrots, parsnips, sprouts, lettice, broccoli, corn…..the list goes on

We had also a few aces up our sleeves.

Firstly we had an ALEX and a MAX. Our sons who came to help for the first three months of our adventure before heading off to a new life of their own in Canada. Between them they added youth, strength. A love of lifting heavy weights (Alex) and a years experience of working in a garden centre (Max)

Secondly, we had inherited with the purchase of the house a well dug and cared for vegplot.

Thirdly – If it grows I can cook it – stand still too long and I start to wonder if you you would be better with parsley or sage!

Finally and something I have learned from Max (and jurassic Park):

“Life will find a way”

These two idiots with these few ingredients have managed to grow in their first year enough fruit and veg to feed ourselves for about 40% of the time. We have been able to make our own Christmas presents, we have more eggs than we know what to do with and have loved every moment.

Next year we hope that you will follow us as we tell you more about our big life change. How we want to live a more sustainable, simple life. Next year we start to grow to live. We will also be trying to bring in enough money to do some of the other things we love.

It is an experiment in self sufficiency, celebration, ecology, waste management and mostly, the joy of life. We would love you to follow us and keep us company on our journey.

Pourquois Pas?