Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
23 Apr 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
20
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Badges (2)
Details
Description
Hello and Welcome!
My name is Dianne. I am an 80-year-old woman, living and working on this property for 50 years. I live with a traveler house-mate, and share the land with my family.
I am looking for help thru spring and summer, and appreciate longer stays, with some house and garden sitting. I am seeking assistance for about 25 hours of help per week, in exchange for food and board, which would average out to about 5 hours per day. Weekends free but flex-time.
I do have some house rules that I kindly ask all helpers to follow. These include: changing shoes and dirty clothes after working outside, keeping meal preparation, cooking, and dishes separate from work hours, but sharing is encouraged, ensuring the kitchen is cleaned up right after use. Additionally a general rule of picking up after yourself is appreciated. Thank you for considering these rules. Otherwise, I am quite easygoing.
This opportunity is ideal for individuals who can work both with me and independently. There is accommodation available, including a room with a queen-sized bed for couples, a bedroom for a single person, and an outdoor bedroom. You would be sharing the house with me and any other WWOOFers.
The property features a bountiful organic garden that provides most of the food, as well as wildcrafted items. I have been tending to this land for almost 50 years, growing food and medicinal plants, making plant medicine, and saving seeds. The 30-acre parcel boasts a large creek, abundant wildlife, great water, and stunning views. It is located outside of Balfour, near Kootenay Lake, and a short, 30-minute drive from the vibrant city of Nelson.
In addition to the gardening tasks, there are opportunities to learn about sustainable living, harvest, and process medicinal plants, and participate in the cultural life of the area. Internet access is available, and I am looking forward to the exchange of ideas and experiences with potential helpers.
Organic methods: I use compost, manure, organic amendments, plants for pollinators and other insects that eat the insect pests, and do crop rotation, etc.
Certifications: This land has never had any non-organic amendments used. I am probably more organic than many of the certified farms and have sold locally at stores and markets. When you visit you will see for yourself the great abundance of wild plants, insects, and birds.
I look forward to working and exchanging ideas with you.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Elderly Companionship
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Learn about sustainable living, how to grow and put up food for the winter. You will have the opportunity to harvest and process medicinal plants and to create oils, tinctures, teas, salves and creams. Learn to identify wild edible plants and eat fresh organic food directly from the garden. I have a very interesting, wide and varied library and love sharing stories.
In addition, you will have the opportunity to participate in the cultural life of the West Kootenays, known for world famous music festivals, a vibrant arts scene, and multiple recreation opportunities including wilderness hiking and access to beautiful lakes and rivers.
Help
Besides the usual garden work (weeding, harvesting, etc.) there are garden paths, and wild forest garden projects needing work.
We are providing food and accommodation for 25 hours of work each week. Hours per day can be flexible depending on task requirements and your needs.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
For volunteers there is one bedroom with a queen-sized bed in our house or depending on the situation another room with a single bed, there is also an outdoor bedroom. The rest of the living space is shared. Organic food is provided.
What else ...
We are a half hour east of the city of Nelson. There is a bus system and the longest free ferry boat ride in the country within walking distance.
I am in agreement with the sustainable development UN goals
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have a great wi-fi connection in the house and other people have had a part-time job beside helping in the house. A consideration of working a total of 25 hours over 5 days is requested.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (13)
She was also really flexible on work time,… read more
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(4.8)
She was also really flexible on work time,… read more
She also has plenty of interesting stories about… read more
Why did I come back ?
Because of Dianne which is always willing to explain things about plants, how to preserve food, help you with your english if you need to. Because of the food always fresh from the garden, always tasty and healthy. Because Dianne is always… read more
