Homegrown Branching Out
Country Living|June - July 2023
A cross-country move to Washington's San Juan Islands prompted Audra Query Lawlor to begin preserving the region's heritage, one jam jar at a time
Homegrown Branching Out

When Audra Lawlor and her husband, Gerry, left New York City in 2011 for five acres on Washington's San Juan Islands, she wasn't sure how they were going to pay the mortgage. "But when I saw the property, with its raisedbed gardens and a stand of orchard trees, I just knew we needed to be here," says Audra.

The first summer, just one tree alone-a shiro plum-yielded 150 pounds of fruit. Audra bought a copper pot and started making jam infused with the garden's abundant mint. Friends urged her to sell it, but she resisted until she learned a key bit of history: In the late-1800s, the islands were a major fruit-producing region.

This story is from the June - July 2023 edition of Country Living.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June - July 2023 edition of Country Living.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM COUNTRY LIVINGView All
FARM and AWAY
Country Living

FARM and AWAY

When your country cabin is in a place called Summertown, you better believe there's plenty of fresh-air fun to be had

time-read
3 mins  |
June - July 2023
Homegrown Branching Out
Country Living

Homegrown Branching Out

A cross-country move to Washington's San Juan Islands prompted Audra Query Lawlor to begin preserving the region's heritage, one jam jar at a time

time-read
2 mins  |
June - July 2023
Picnics & Parties Just Add Saltwater
Country Living

Picnics & Parties Just Add Saltwater

At her 1930s converted fish camp in Savannah, designer Elizabeth Demos keeps it casual for a come-as-you-are evening down by the dock

time-read
1 min  |
June - July 2023
In With the Old Swing Your Partner
Country Living

In With the Old Swing Your Partner

Sashay your way to a striking display with colorful Western square dance memorabilia

time-read
3 mins  |
June - July 2023
Across the Pond - All Hands on Deck
Country Living

Across the Pond - All Hands on Deck

When a family of creative spirits sets out to restore a centuries-old English boathouse, the result is a jaunty seaside sanctuary

time-read
1 min  |
June - July 2023
Country Comeback Quilty Pleasures
Country Living

Country Comeback Quilty Pleasures

Equally timeless and trendy, pieced and patchwork quilts are comfort food in coverlet form

time-read
2 mins  |
June - July 2023
Currently Craving A Party-Ready Outdoor Kitchen
Country Living

Currently Craving A Party-Ready Outdoor Kitchen

Mallorie and Jim Rasberry of HGTV's Home Town serve up ample Southern style at their family cabin outside of Laurel, Mississippi

time-read
2 mins  |
June - July 2023
Perfectly Imperfect Creaky Screen Doors
Country Living

Perfectly Imperfect Creaky Screen Doors

Nothing complements the come-and-go casualness of summer like this mesh mainstay

time-read
1 min  |
June - July 2023
No Place Like Home
Country Living

No Place Like Home

A worn and weathered set of skeleton keys represents a rich life under one roof.

time-read
1 min  |
April - May 2023
Hide-and-Seek
Country Living

Hide-and-Seek

Patience proves paramount when author Tove Danovich's feisty flock of backyard hens sends her on an unconventional egg hunt.

time-read
2 mins  |
April - May 2023