Nestled among the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains of Ashe County, North Carolina, I have discovered a new way of living – one that involves self-discovery and appreciation of the natural world around me. As a former city slicker turned mountain girl, I have embarked on a journey towards a more meaningful and mindful existence. And along the way, I have discovered the joys of gardening – the art of bringing life from the soil.

When we first laid eyes on this property, we never imagined that we would become avid gardeners. The breathtaking views of the mountains and the temperate weather were enough to draw us in. But as soon as we moved in, I caught the “grow your own food” bug, and I haven’t looked back since.

Our mountain oasis is a true labor of love – a product of our sweat, tears, and dedication. We have built a stunning home, a soap shop, a barn, and a ¾ acre pond that is now home to Koi, goldfish, and even a few catfish. We also have a courtyard and a greenhouse (poly tunnel), offering us a blank canvas to create our own slice of paradise. As new gardeners, we are still learning the ropes, and grateful for the opportunity to grow and cultivate our green thumbs.

For us, building on and within this breathtaking mountain is about more than just creating our home. It’s about building a lifestyle that is in tune with nature, that allows us to connect with the land and appreciate its beauty. With each passing season, we feel more rooted in this place, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.

May is the month when our mountain paradise undergoes a magical transformation. The once barren trees burst forth into a lush explosion of color, as if to say “goodbye drab, hello fab!” But let me tell you, creating a garden in the mountains is no easy feat. Not only do we have to contend with rocky soil and unpredictable weather, but we also have to wage war against the local wildlife. Deer, gophers, and other furry foes are constantly on the prowl, ready to devour our precious plants. It’s like a high-stakes game of Deer and Gopher, and we’re determined to win. We’ve raised the stakes this year with some serious fencing, and we’re ready to take on these pesky pests. Who says gardening isn’t an extreme sport?Over the next week I would like to document and share areas of the property that going forward we will call the Gardens & Bubbles Homestead..  Of course remember everything is a fabulous work in progress, and documenting this might just showcase how new to rural living we still are.  

Below are a few recent pictures of our view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The view from our deck, the building is my little soap shop.

This is the view in April, before the leaves explode.  See how low the pond is?  It is on this list to troubleshoot.

I love our view, and the sunrises.  I am looking forward to setting up the hammock again, but it will need to move to the lower level.  The puppies are too “puppyish” and I love the hammock too much.

The view from the lower level where we let the chickens free range. 

A sunrise view.  I will miss my chickens down here, but looking forward to the “eggscellent” work they will do in the upper garden area.

If you like soothing farm and nature sounds, you might like this.  I love to watch the sunrise when the weather is nice.

https://youtu.be/Ps-5i6tL6Vs