— STORIES & REFLECTIONS

From the Farm

Stories, recipes, and reflections from our life raising heritage sheep in the Piedmont.

The Zucchini Obligation: Learning to Grow Only What Sustains You
garden, clean living, Preserves, Recipes Olga Elder garden, clean living, Preserves, Recipes Olga Elder

The Zucchini Obligation: Learning to Grow Only What Sustains You

he true wisdom of gardening comes when you stop growing for public opinion and start growing strictly for your own table. Discover why I finally banished the "obligatory" squash vines from my garden to make room for more garlic—and the three incredible, crowd-pleasing recipes from that chaotic era that earned a permanent spot in my kitchen anyway.

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The Yield of the Seasons: Why We Chose to Grow
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The Yield of the Seasons: Why We Chose to Grow

Choosing to grow at this stage of life isn’t about frantic success: it’s about stepping into our harvest! Recently, we faced a big decision about the future of this farm, this land: walk away and quietly phase into our retirement years, stay small or expand. Discover how we are using decades of wisdom to build a bigger table for the next generation—proving that we aren’t winding down, we’re just getting started!

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Wool Pellets for Gardening: A Natural Fertilizer Guide
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Wool Pellets for Gardening: A Natural Fertilizer Guide

The Magic of Wool: Why Your Soil Needs Wool Pellets

If you’re looking for a sustainable way to boost your garden, the answer might be sitting right in the shearing shed. Wool pellets are a powerhouse of regenerative gardening, offering a 100% natural way to nourish your plants while conserving resources.

  • Exceptional Hydration: Wool can hold up to 20 times its weight in water, acting as a slow-release reservoir that keeps roots hydrated and reduces your time with the garden hose.

  • Natural Fertilizer: As they biodegrade, pellets release a steady stream of nitrogen and potassium—perfect for heavy feeders like peonies, dahlias, and tomatoes.

  • Improved Aeration: The pellets expand and contract as they hold water, naturally loosening the soil so roots can breathe.

By choosing wool, you aren’t just feeding your garden; you’re closing the loop on agricultural waste and embracing a truly "slow" approach to seasonal growth.

Ready to give your garden a woolly boost?

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The Baker’s Secret: Why Leaf Lard Belongs in Your Pastry Kitchen
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The Baker’s Secret: Why Leaf Lard Belongs in Your Pastry Kitchen

Think you know the secret to the ultimate homemade pie crust? If you’re still relying on grocery store shortening or standard butter alone, you’re missing out on the single greatest heritage ingredient in the baker’s pantry. Discover the pure, responsibly sourced ingredient that completely transformed my baking 15 years ago, why it yields a shatteringly flaky crust every single time, and why making a masterpiece from scratch is far easier than you think. (Warning: Delicious, unapologetic animal fats ahead!)

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What Is Lanolin? The Skincare Ingredient That Comes from Sheep
skincare, Sheep, raw wool, lanolin, natural skincare Olga Elder skincare, Sheep, raw wool, lanolin, natural skincare Olga Elder

What Is Lanolin? The Skincare Ingredient That Comes from Sheep

Long days in the garden and the barn demand a different kind of skincare—something resilient, pure, and deeply restorative. Lanolin is more than just an emollient; it is a complex, nutrient-rich wax that mimics our own skin oils. Dive into the benefits of our lanolin-rich collection and learn how we’ve refined this farm-grown essential into a staple for your daily ritual

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The Countdown to Shearing Day: 15 Years of Wool, Sweat, and Community
Events, shearing, sheep shearing, Farming, female farming Olga Elder Events, shearing, sheep shearing, Farming, female farming Olga Elder

The Countdown to Shearing Day: 15 Years of Wool, Sweat, and Community

The energy at Stoney Mountain Farm is shifting as we prepare for our 15th Annual Shearing Day! From the physical "sweat work" of organizing the sheep to the careful choreography of food, music, and local wool products, there is a rhythmic magic to the preparation. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to get the farm ready for our biggest celebration of the year—and why this milestone anniversary is one you won't want to miss.

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The Magic of Pan-Banging Ginger Molasses Cookies
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The Magic of Pan-Banging Ginger Molasses Cookies

Cookie Obsession: A Must-Try Holiday Treat

​When it comes to cookies, I confess: I'm completely addicted. The moment a stunning new recipe crosses my path, a baking compulsion takes hold!

​That's precisely how I encountered these marvelous cookies from Sarah Kieffer. They have instantly become a staple in my regular holiday rotation, and I'm confident they'll earn a spot in yours too.

​They are:

  • ​Fairly easy to prepare.

  • ​Beautifully presented—perfect for gifting or a festive platter.

  • ​Absolutely yummy and guaranteed to delight!

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