catherine pond

Real People. Real Stories. Real Land.

Planting by the Signs: A Considered Gardening Practice as Old as the Hills

Planting by the Signs: A Considered Gardening Practice as Old as the Hills

Have you ever heard of the old Appalachian tradition of "planting by the signs"? This ancient method of garden planning relies on moon phases and the...

Late Winter Gardening: Things You Can Do in February to Prepare for Spring

Late Winter Gardening: Things You Can Do in February to Prepare for Spring

It's already mid-February and although it's not quite planting time, there are signs of spring throughout the Southeast. Learn what you can do (and...

Finding Farm WonderFrom the Mundane to the Magnificent

Finding Farm Wonder—From the Mundane to the Magnificent

These days, many people are seeking a farm or small holding of land to create a greater sense of freedom and well-being. And there is nothing better...

Winter's Coming  9 Ways to Prepare for the Darkest Season of the Year

Winter's Coming — 9 Ways to Prepare for the Darkest Season of the Year

Winter's coming...are you and your homestead ready for the months ahead? Farmwife Catherine S. Pond shares 10 ways you can prepare for the colder...

Celebrating The Wildflowers of Appalachia

Celebrating The Wildflowers of Appalachia

Wildflower season is in full bloom in much of the South. To celebrate, farm wife Catherine Pond shares a short essay with a series of images of...

How to Make Elderberry Syrup From Dried Berries

How to Make Elderberry Syrup From Dried Berries

Learn how to make a huge batch of elderberry syrup using purchased, or foraged, dried berries and just a handful of other ingredients.

The Appalachian Tradition of Old Christmas

The Appalachian Tradition of "Old Christmas"

In this spirit of this unique holiday season, we bring you the little-known story of "Old Christmas", a centuries old Appalachian custom wherein...

A Quiet Country Thanksgiving  Counting Our Blessings in 2020

A Quiet Country Thanksgiving — Counting Our Blessings in 2020

As the years pass, I am coming more and more to understand that it is the common, everyday blessing of our common everyday lives for which we should...

Make Good Use Of Late Garden Produce With This Veggie Tonic

Make Good Use Of Late Garden Produce With This Veggie Tonic

Don't let less-than-perfect tomatoes rot on the vine (or cucumbers, herbs, peppers, etc.). Use them up and put them up with this tasty and healthy...

The Woodstock Lavender Co.A MotherDaughter Herb Farm Thrives In Rural Kentucky

The Woodstock Lavender Co.---A Mother-Daughter Herb Farm Thrives In Rural Kentucky

One of the best things about owning rural land is finding a purposeful way to make that land work for you. Mother and daughter, Mary May and Allison...