RE: Big House, Tiny Garden, December 2025

I've been wanting a greenhouse. Like the old ones in Europe. Stone foundation, glass, wooden framing. Germans used to keep chickens in there too - fertilizer, and bug control.
More and more lately, finding broccoli, cauliflower, or any grocery-store produce is harder and more expensive. Mold, or just limp veggies that didn't survive the plane, ship, or truck ride to get to Aldi or Sam's or WalMart.

Perhaps the solution is to move to Fairfield, IA.

Abundance EcoVillage is a planned off-grid community located on agricultural land outside of the town of Fairfield. Residents can purchase a lot and build a house to required performance standards, creating a robust community that promotes health and prosperity for the residents and greater environment . . . Lonnie Gamble, an electrical engineer and sustainable living professor, conceived, created and founded Abundance EcoVillage with Michael Havelka, a biologist with interests in sustainable agriculture. They experimented with their own homes and sustainable . . .

One Of America's 'Most Unusual Towns' Is A Unique, Scenic, And Progressive Destination In Iowa
By Lilly Paltsev Nov. 23, 2024

Touted as America's most progressive city, Maharishi Vedic City was meticulously developed according to the principles of the Veda, ancient scriptures written in Sanskrit that form the basis of the Hindu religion. In addition to teachings about the nature of existence and the importance of religion, the Vedas provide insightful guidance about how to lead a balanced and healthy life.

The city plan was based on an ancient system of architecture known as Vastu, which is based on natural laws and takes into account the various planets in our solar system and human health from a Vedic perspective. The creator of Vastu is a Hindu religious leader named Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who was famous for introducing Transcendental Meditation (TM) to the Western world and combining Vedic knowledge with modern science. The Beatles were some of the most famous followers of Maharishi and practitioners of TM.

According to Vastu, buildings and homes are constructed based on the latitudes and longitudes of Earth and must align with both the North and South poles and the equator. The purpose is to restore harmony and balance, create optimal conditions for meditation, and encourage creativity, health, and good fortune. According to Vedic City Planning, this style of architecture supports the betterment of society by creating a protective barrier to both inner and outer stress, which they say reduces the risk of crime and natural disasters.

In Maharishi Vedic City, everything is built according to the sun's movement. The houses face east, and the streets are aligned in a north-south, east-west direction with trees all around. The city has sustainable infrastructure and is powered by solar energy and other renewable sources, with all buildings constructed out of natural materials.

You'll want to stock up on the locally grown organic fruits and vegetables readily available at the city's markets and enjoy the many nature trails for hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing, and picnicking. The city is also home to several famous destinations worth visiting. The Raj Ayurveda Health Center and Spa is a renowned 100-acre wellness retreat that specializes in holistic Ayurvedic treatments with packages that range from 5 to 21 nights.

Astronomy enthusiasts must pay a visit to the Maharishi Vedic Observatory, a breathtaking open-air observatory consisting of large stone sundials that allow you to observe the cosmos as early civilizations did centuries ago. You can also pay a visit to the Maharishi International University campus, a non-profit university that offers both unique programs like Sustainable & Regenerative Living, Consciousness & Human Potential, and more traditional fields like Mathematics, Physics, and Creative Writing.