In the first real episode, we’ll talk about the ancient art of manipulating woody plants for our own gain. These are techniques that were common in the Old World, practiced some in the new, and deserve to be revived for a well stewarded farmstead. Country people have always been good at making the things they need, and at its most fundamental level, that means producing the raw materials.

The following books are mentioned in this episode:

This one is out of print, but if you’re at all interested in the story of the Dutch in America, it’s a good one. “Netherlanders in America,” by Jacob van Hinte:

“Carving Out A Living on the Land” by Emmet Van Driesche, available from Chelsea Green.

The other book I mentioned (and well worth a read), is “Sprout Lands: Tending the Endless Gift of Trees,” by William Logan Bryant.

You can find more resources regarding hedgelaying in America at the North American Hedgerow Society. (Be a little patient, it’s still in its infancy).

Further information on tree hay, including a nice little video can be found on the Agricology website.

And a great site on the history of landscape design in America, including a discussion of hedges, at the National Gallery of Art.

Please bear with me as I learn how to record a podcast. This time, I learned not to forget the pop filter on the microphone! It’s really hard to take that out in post, and I’m still not entirely happy with the result.

I’m not sure if this will end up being a weekly schedule or every two weeks. Or whether I will go continuously or break things into season. If you have an opinion, leave me a comment!

Episode Transcript: