I don’t know about you, but I can’t grow a vegetable garden. Even Zone 2 plants fit for the Siberian climate die on my watch. This is why I am in awe of people who can grow food and make a business of it. Jackie and Bryan Skrypnek from Cochrane are a case in point. They created Hereabouts Bed and Breakfast, a microcosm of sustainable country living in an urban setting.
Jackie and Bryan love to do things their own way. I think of them as urban homesteaders. They designed and built an exquisite 247 square foot tiny house about four years ago, pouring their creativity and lots of elbow grease into it. A luxuriant garden and a greenhouse surround the tiny house. This is where Jackie source much of her fruits, vegetables, and herbs to prepare elaborated breakfasts for her guests. And, what she can’t source in her backyard, she will source locally— Mostly organic, sustainable products that are in season. Jackie even includes wild food plants whenever she can, such as stinging nettles, fireweed, plantain and tender spruce tips.
You see, Jackie practices “Rejunevative Organic Agriculture” using “Permaculture” principles. In a nutshell, what this means is that plants are grown organically without the use of man-made chemical products. Additionally, Jackie employs gardening methods that rejuvenate the soil to restore its biodiversity and health. In doing so, the soil becomes richer in a natural, sustainable way. All of this is done through the lens of “whole system thinking” as she considers her garden an ecosystem.
As a result, Jackie’s garden has healthier soil that grows healthier plants, producing healthier, tastier food. Meanwhile, the soil’s capacity to absorb CO2 is enhanced, and the water cycle within the ground is better regulated. Jackie’s greenhouse works in similar ways, using only passive energy that significantly extends the growing season that is notoriously short in this part of the world.
Jackie is passionate about sustainable and wholesome living. The Hereabouts B&B is a demonstration of what is possible - in this case, living “off the land” from a small-footprint area. She calls it. “Our little slice of urban possibility!”
Her gardening passion naturally fuels her love for cooking, and her guests get to enjoy exquisite breakfasts. When I asked her why breakfasts, she quickly replied, “It is one of my favourite meals of the day. I love the creative outlet of preparing breakfasts for guests using fresh and available food.”
If you have friends or family coming over this year and you do not have space to accommodate them, be sure to consider Hereabouts Bed And Breakfast.
If you live in the area and want to know what it feels like to live in a tiny house - give it a try. Make it a stay vacation. Jackie will be happy to share her gardening knowledge, and, who knows, maybe Bryan can be coaxed into playing a bit of guitar for you.
Hereabouts Bed and Breakfast website: hereaboutsbnb.com
__________________________________
Renée Delorme is a sommelier specializing in private wine tastings.
Interested in being profiled? If you are food artisans, growers, producers and restaurateurs please email me at [email protected]
