Last night, Jennifer and I stepped into a scene that felt equal parts eco-grit realism and backyard rebellion — and entirely beautiful in its purpose and presence. Behind a modest home in Ottawa’s Hogs Back neighbourhood is a micro-homestead that punches well above its weight, built from salvaged materials, practical smarts, and a whole lot of creative, passionate intention.
In front of their hand-built shed — all sharp lines and reclaimed textures — stand Marc Adornato and Aileen Duncan. He's gripping his nail gun. She's holding a pitchfork. Barefoot, paint-stained, and entirely at ease, they strike a pose that playfully nods to 'Canadian Gothic'.
It's a stoic portrait that's entirely them!
© Dwayne Brown / Marc Adornato + Aileen Duncan
Meet the Makers
Marc is a local and well-loved Ottawa artist known for poking at society's sharp edges with wit and satire. From dystopian paintings to performance art, he's built a reputation for asking tough questions and creating art that doesn't always go down easy. Lately, he's been finding a new kind of creative voice in the garden — much quieter but no less intentional.
Aileen brings a grounded clarity to their shared world. She's an urban forester, policy expert, and community builder with Forêt Capitale Forest. Her work spans systems and soil — from shaping environmental policy to tending saplings in her own yard. What started as a professional focus has become something more personal: a way of living her values from the ground up.
Their backyard now reflects everything they care about — resourcefulness, creativity, and staying rooted.
A Micro Farm With Macro Impact
Three years ago, when Marc and Aileen moved into their home, they had no idea what was growing just beyond the back door. Over time, and with a bit of digging, they uncovered 18 fruit trees, rows of grapevines, and enough space to grow serious food.
Fast forward to today: they've created a thriving micro farm complete with raised beds, a pollinator patch, and DIY systems that would make any permaculturist proud.
They grow more than they can eat — and they don't keep it to themselves. Friends, neighbours, food banks… all benefit from their overabundance. Whether it's jarred preserves, fresh greens, or surplus apples, their backyard yields more than produce — it nurtures community.
Resourceful by Nature
“This isn’t about perfection — it’s about doing what you can with what you’ve got.” — Marc & Aileen
What makes this homestead special isn't just the amount of food or the creativity in its layout — it's how it all comes together. The greenhouse? Made from reclaimed windows. Rainwater is collected in secondhand barrels and piped through salvaged hoses. Even their seed-saving, canning, dehydrating, and pickling routines follow a DIY ethos rooted in accessibility and reuse.
You can follow along with Marc and Aileen’s journey at @hogsbackyard or check out Marc’s artwork at @adornato_arts
Cheers, Dwayne.