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Breaking out into ‘homesteading’ is something that some might call the ‘simple’ or ‘basic’ life, but let me tell you, there is nothing simple or basic about it! It is a 24 hour on call job, with no weekends, holidays, or vacations!  I have always loved animals, and always had some assortment of critters to make sure I was 'grounded', but I was chasing education, I guess trying to prove something to myself... I was the first in my family to obtain a graduate degree, and then a post graduate degree. I did accomplish a lot for which I am very proud. But during my PhD I got very sick, and had to step back ... during that time my animals literally saved me (physically and mentally), and I could never find my way ‘back to the books’, no matter how hard I tried.  I love research, learning and teaching, but my heart is here with my animals and so, this is where I belong.  Being among plants and animals full time really is where a biologist belongs, right?

What is homesteading? For me, I consider it to be living entirely off of your own steam: what you grow, raise or build! Since I have been here full time I still battle health issues, but I am the happiest I have ever been in my life.  My homestead, and the animals I raise here are truly my sole source of income. With that in mind, please understand the amount of work, care, love, devotion and effort that goes into providing animals and products when I can, and that while you might be able to find things cheaper, there is a big difference in knowing you are supporting local, small scale farming which is so appreciated! I am currently hoping to buy a bigger property so that I can expand. If you would like to leave a donation or just a note, my email address is borderbrookgardens@gmail.com As this is a business, it is considered income and I cannot issue you a donation receipt unfortunately. Thank you for reading my story and I hope you enjoy my site! 

Julie Johannessen BScH MSc