Until now, country living has not come with instructions or a guidebook. Fortunately for country land owners who did not grow up learning the essentials about a successful agrarian life, local author Missy Janes has written an absolutely invaluable book: "Life in the Country, Stewarding the Land Responsibly, A Landowner's Guide."

Satisfying the yearning for a life in the country by purchasing land in a beautiful bucolic area brings with it many responsibilities that are essential if rural beauty and agrarian health is to be protected.

This small, modestly produced book is a treasure trove of suggestions, directions, definitions and comparisons about everything from the importance of hedgerows, how Riparian systems work, important Country Courtesies and pasture management. It is also an amazing compendium of lists including contact information for National & Regional Organizations; local organizations whose mission; Native Perennials; Native Trees and Birds and Butterflies.

In only 100 pages, Missy Janes has set out precisely the information a Piedmont landowner needs to take good care of country property.

It makes excellent sense for Piedmont realtors to purchase hundreds of this brilliant book to give as gifts to every new Piedmont landowner.

The more every landowner knows, the better life will be for everyone in the country.

Missy Janes book is available at The Goose Creek Association office for $10 ($12.50 if mailed). Call (540) 687-3073 for a copy.