— STORIES & REFLECTIONS

From the Farm

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

Wool Pellets for Gardening: A Natural Fertilizer Guide
garden, raw wool, Wool, Sustainable farm Delos Elder garden, raw wool, Wool, Sustainable farm Delos Elder

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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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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Skirting Wool: The Essential First Step to Beautiful Fiber
Wool, Farming, fiberarts, wool preparation, raw wool Olga Elder Wool, Farming, fiberarts, wool preparation, raw wool Olga Elder

Skirting Wool: The Essential First Step to Beautiful Fiber

Imagine a fluffy, freshly shorn fleece. Beautiful, right? But before you can transform it there's a crucial step: skirting. It's not just about removing the obvious bits of hay; it's about revealing the true potential of your wool. In our latest blog post, we dive into the art of skirting, sharing tips from 'if in doubt, pull it out' to gaining the confidence to create a truly exceptional fiber. Learn why this often-overlooked step is essential for quality, and how to master it yourself! #woolskirting #shepherding #fiberarts #rawfleece #smallfarm"

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