Greening the Desert inspired us in 2009 to start our permaculture project at 3800 ft elevation near Grand Canyon West (Skywalk) in the Arizona Joshua Tree desert.

Most of the many trees we planted in 2010 froze when it got down to single digits for several nights and we learned the hard which trees not to plant here. While it gets very hot in summer, the WIND does a lot more damage than the sun.

Instead of finishing our house, we've been working on new gardens, a little greenhouse, a 20' x 40' hoophouse, home orchard and building with adobe -- a wonderful building material.

Then it turned out that my partner really didn't care about plants and I'm looking for several semi-permanent residents willing and able to run this place. Am 58 now, not getting any younger and may have to travel to Germany to visit family.

The high desert is the toughest climate to grow food, but I enjoy a challenge and trying different growing methods. Love hosting WWOOFers and HelpXers, but also need permanent help.