guildfordcycads

I have a 2 acre homestead. My house sits on the southernmost acre. I’d like to add a pond on the back acre. I will also have a small fruit tree orchard that straddles both acres and a chicken coop on the back acre

Looking for advice on pond size. I’m thinking a 1/8 acre pond but I’m having a hard time imagining it. Does anyone have a close to two acre property with a pond? Any input?

Hi!

I’m a horticulture student, now taking classes in urban agriculture and landscape design. The class project I’m on rn is a “Plant Matcher” tool to help gardeners pick plants that suit their site. I believe it will be very useful in the site planning process, especially for beginners.

The project was inspired by permaculture principles. While its focus is on challenging urban small-spaces, but I think the idea and the tool itself is universally useful. It basically helps you start with “observation” (sunlight, wind, etc.), collects preferences, and then recommends right plants for the conditions.

I’ve made a simple mock-up prototype to test the idea. The plant library is not done yet, so the results aren’t real. But I’d love to know if the experience feels clear and useful.

Thanks in advance for your comments here or via the feedback survey!

Here’s the Project Link.

Hello everyone I am writing a research paper on regenerative agriculture and I’d like to ask a few short questions to collect my own data if some volunteers would be willing to answer them. You can answer in as much depth as you’d like.

Have you heard of/have any knowledge of regenerative agriculture? If so, how would you define it?

Do you believe that regenerative agriculture positively impacts soil structure, sequesters carbon, and enhances microbial life? If so, are these benefits highly important or negligible?

Can regenerative agriculture be used in tandem with conventional farming successfully?

Is there any importance in the use of organic, sustainable, or regenerative practices on farms/ranches?

Do you believe that excessive use of synthetic fertilizers negatively impacts soil health?

Would you consider regenerative agriculture to be a helpful tool in stopping erosion and dust storms?

Is further research on regenerative agriculture needed to form a full opinion on the topic?

In the future, would you consider implementing regenerative agriculture techniques on your land/land you work on? Do you already?

I recently filmed a short tree ID moment near Lake Musconetcong in Stanhope, NJ. The tree caught my eye with its golden-yellow evergreen foliage—beautiful in the fall light. I suspect it’s a Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis), but I’m not entirely sure.

Could it be Eastern Redcedar, a golden Thuja cultivar, or something else entirely?

This short video (no narration) shows the tree in full sunlight, lightly shaped to highlight its form. I’d love to hear what others think—especially those familiar with conifers in the Northeast.

I share more quiet tree ID moments like this on TreesWizard, if that’s your kind of thing.

Curious what clues you use when identifying cedars and junipers—especially when fall color throws you off.

My neighbor has a starfruit tree that has branches growing over our side of the fence. I am not trying to be rude and pick their fruit, but 7 have already fallen on our side of the fence. Is fallen fruit still considered edible so long as you look it over, or should I just compost it? I just hate to waste it.

On a crisp fall afternoon at Lake Musconetcong (Stanhope, NJ), I spent time pruning a wild red cedar that’s been growing near the shoreline. This short video captures the tree’s transformation—before and after light seasonal pruning to reveal its natural shape and vitality.

No narration—just the quiet rhythm of pruning, golden light, and the peaceful backdrop of the lake.

I’m sharing this as part of my ongoing nature-based storytelling and tree care practice through TreesWizard. If you’re interested in how small interventions can support long-term tree health and landscape harmony, I’d love your thoughts.

Would love to hear how others approach cedar care in permaculture settings—especially when balancing aesthetics with ecological function.