Help with our Lowcountry permaculture property and organic garden
ReportLocation: Tabor City, United States
The Prince Family has been in the Carolina low-country since the 1670s, and here on this property since 1799. The farm and family have seen many changes throughout the centuries, and is looking to the future!
This is the farm's 11th year hosting visitors. Forty-seven countries represented and over 400 folks volunteering, all have helped make the farm/homestead a better place. They have laughed, learned, perspired, grown & eaten some great food. We hope all that spend time here will take something positive away with them.
Located in the Carolina Lowcountry, on the NC/SC border in the lower coastal plain, the farm/homestead is 30 miles N of Myrtle Beach, SC, just outside a small rural town. We own 120+ acres of mixed pine/hardwood forest and fields, and a large 2-story 1880s farmhouse--the land has been in our family since 1799. Would like to get it back to the level of self-sufficiency of my great-grandparents' day.
Current projects include organic raised bed & field mixed veg gardening, mixed flower and herb(edible & medicinal) gardens, high tunnel, mycoculture, straw bale & traditional cold frames, exotic plants-ethnobotany, permaculture, wildcrafting, hugelkultur, drainage projects/ditching, trail clearing and construction, pallet and bamboo construction, remodeling the 1880s farmhouse, pecan, blueberry, blackberry and grape harvesting, chickens, ducks, geese, guineas, goats, landscaping, composting, biochar production, landscaping with food plants, and a small nursery. Most tasks involve the large garden, raised beds & high tunnel growing areas, as well as the mixed flower/herb beds around the homestead. Helpers also assist with tasks around the yard & house, including meal preparation. Open to trying any new ideas, and always have something going on.
The property has a small pond, an extensive network of trails(several miles) throughout our forest, fruit(plum, persimmon, elderberry, fig, black currant, hardy kiwi, serviceberry, loquat, apple, pawpaw, pomegranate, pear) and nut(pecan, chestnut, hazelnut)trees, asparagus beds, grapevines, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, gooseberries, sugar cane, vegetable and edible flower/herb gardens, 2 LGDs(Max & Dale), friendly barn cats, goats(Pan & Puck), poultry(Chickens & runner ducks[for eggs], guineas, bantams), lots of wildlife, as well as a zone 8 growing season(4 season garden).
Times when we really need volunteers(from 4-8 people) are during the spring & summer season when things are the busiest. I accept folks during the off-season, but in limited numbers(2-4). We have a two week minimum stay. Helpers assist Mon-Sat, 9am-noon, & 1-3pm. Helpers are provided with shared housing. Three meals per day--either prepared by host or by helpers with foods supplied by host.
I have a library of 9k+ volumes, covering a myriad of topics, plus most friends refer to me as a walking encyclopedia. An old hippie(55yo) who has worn many hats, I moved back to the Carolinas to run the farm and help my mom who had Alzheimer's. The hats I've worn in my life include: student, laborer, poet, mechanic, construction worker, cook, infantryman, retailer, artisan/craftsman, restaurant management, school teacher, vice-principal, environmental health specialist, artist, wholesaler, property management, mentor, caregiver, environmental consultant, farmer, land steward, host, & more. Diagnosed with throat cancer in 2016, I've gone through radiation treatments & multiple surgeries. It's been a helluva time for me & the homestead, but we've continued to host volunteers the whole time. I'm now learning a new way of life due a laryngectomy & a pectoral flap procedure. My ability is limited & some international volunteers may have a little trouble understanding my speech at first. My son is my partner in running the farm. I will never be back to my old self, but we will keep hosting until I'm not able to handle it any longer. I look forward to this challenge and having a slew of helpful folks to teach and to learn from.
We will not write invitation letters to help you get a visa. Do not ask!
