— 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
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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
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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
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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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The Harvest Awe: Finding Beauty in the Farmer's Bounty
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The Harvest Awe: Finding Beauty in the Farmer's Bounty

Forget the fussy florals this year. I found myself in awe of the crispness and beauty of the farmer's market haul, realizing the colors and forms of produce like radicchio, persimmons, and artichokes offer perfect, organic elegance. I used this bounty—cradled by kale—as my Thanksgiving centerpiece. It proves that the truest, simplest beauty for any occasion is found right where Mother Nature left it.

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