Being able to grow your own food is a blessing. 1/5th of an acre surrounded by trees and neighbors backyards creates a unique urban farm setting with plenty of land to grow food, have chicken, bees and neighborhood cats. The “farmhouse” was built by Fred Durr in 1890 for his bride Caroline. He was 24 years old when he built it. It changed hands only three times, in 1944, in 2005 and in 2012. The tiny house addition was built in 2016 by my son Miro and Sam. Miro also takes care of the bees. I try to live a sustainable live style with a low carbon footprint. Except in high summer  heat all the energy is provided by solar panels. 10 rain barrels provide enough water to irrigate the garden. Food is grown all year long and the hens provide an average of 5 eggs per day. Sustainability and resilience can only be resolved on a local level. Each town has its own climate and its own challenges and resources . In New Orleans we have a lot of sun and a lot (sometimes too much) of water. We can grow food all year long but pests can survive all year as well. The Butterfly Farm is an example, how, over time  you can become more and more independent. Taking care of the land that was given to us is crucial. In New Orleans this includes owning the water that falls on the land and not let it run off into the street. Weeds feed the hens and  tree cuttings don’t leave the land at the Butterfly Farm and are returned to the soil. Neighbors pick up food overflow and I have a room available for guests. Welcome to New Orleans!