Hi–
Great blog and great books! I just finished “Patriots” and enjoyed it.
I wanted to add a suggestion, FWIW, re: botanical perimeter fencing. I’ve seen stretches of “trifoliate orange” (Poncirus trifoliata) that are truly impressive in their effect of being -but not looking at all like- the botanical equivalent of razor wire. It is well adorned with a most ferocious array of thorns. It produces smallish bitter-tasting fruits that, if of no other use, are good as an anti-scorbutic. It is not native to the US, but in my opinion, bogeymen aren’t usually well-versed in the finer points of native lansdscaping. Best – Shan
Sir,
A thought on the fencing of property. Before the fall happens, local laws still must be met. Here in Ohio we have a Partition Fence Law.
Fencing must meet a standard and it is very specific. It tells what type of posts, the spacing, the wire, and the upkeep of the fence. Living fences are generally not allowed with two exceptions. Also the fence line must be kept clean three feet each side of the line and both property owners are liable for the expense of the fence and it’s upkeep. If a violation occurs with the fence, the township trustees get involved and it can end up in court. All this will happen before there is no law enforcement. Here Ohio, we are saddled with some very restrictive laws, maybe other place can secure the perimeter in advance but we can’t.
Thanks for the blog and may God Bless. – An Old River Rat in Ohio
Mr. Rawles,
Thank you for the time and resource you provide with Survival Blog. I am a newly awakened soul who saw the specter of economic disaster late last year. I have a
long way to go, but the process is underway.
It is with some interest that I read the essay on Perimeter Fencing with Plant Life. I have recently begun to consider ways in which to conceal my home from the nearest roadway, and bamboo is the method I selected.
I have researched a number of different species and selected those that will provide dense screening as well as food (human and animal), fiber, and building material. My home will slowly disappear from sight over the next five years. If I elect to stop maintaining the perimeter of my groves, the property will take on an abandoned, unmaintained look. A livestock gate at the driveway will complete the illusion.
I was surprised to see the author of the essay select clumping bamboo as part of his perimeter plan. In my research, clumpers will not move far beyond their original planting site for many years, and they do not do well in the US beyond zone 9. His other plant selections are excellent, and I will incorporate blackberries into my property as well.
I would not want to rely on any static defense alone, no matter how painful the plant material might be to move through. I would want livestock guardians as a secondary defense to sound the alarm against intruders. Sincerely, – Jason T.
Good day, sir.
Of the aforementioned plants, bamboo can be used to create the following (and much more).
Baskets, bird cages, blinds, boats, bridges, buckets, charcoal, chopsticks, armor (hand to hand), cooking utensils, fans, fences, firewood, fishing rods, food steamer, furniture, garden tools, hats, incense, musical instruments, pens, pipes, roofing, scaffold, tableware, toilets, toothpicks, toys, umbrellas and walking sticks.
Having watched the BBC series “Victorian farm” I’ve seen the trouble Victorian era Europeans had to go to in order to craft or repair even small fences. Bamboo (to me) stands out for that very use alone.
In a stitch you could also de-thorn some of the blackberry reeds and use them for weaving or a basic twine (while they’re still supple).
Kind regards, as always. – The South Aussteyralian