Elder Creek Apothecary

06/10/2026

My garden just over here showin’ out 😍

Guys, it’s oppressively hot outside.

06/10/2026

Bill the Blue Jay was not known for his calm demeanor, nor his level-headed approach to whatever he had set his mind to that day — but he was a herald, and it was important to remember that.

This morning Bill was particularly loud. He'd had his breakfast of cat food and was chittering back and forth with himself at the feeder, the usual pageant of grievance and self-importance, before he pushed air into his chest and released a mimicry of a hawk's cry.

Watch, he seemed to pierce into the air.

So Nettie did. She paused and watched. For what, she did not know — but she knew Bill, and while he could be quite the diva at the feeder, this sound was different. A different tone, a different pitch. Something she couldn't put her finger on, only feel it settle into the back of her molars.

His cries repeated so urgently that the sounds began to blend together, forming a word — or something that wore a word's shape. Not language exactly. Something older than language, the way a creek-sound is almost a sentence if you're tired enough and standing still.

Bill had moved to the fence post nearest the garden, which was itself unusual. He preferred the feeder's chaos. The fence post was a working position.

Nettie followed his line of sight.

The tree line at the far edge of the property had gone quiet in a way that had nothing to do with Bill. The usual morning commerce — the wrens, the small unseen rustling in the clover — had simply stopped. Not frightened-stopped. Waiting-stopped. There is a difference, if you've lived anywhere long enough to learn it.

Nettie set down her tea. The chamomile had gone cold without her noticing.

Whatever was at the tree line had been watching Bill. Bill had been watching it back. Nettie understood now that she had been the last to know.

✨ Did you know that in addition to my full-time teaching career and managing the farm/apothecary I'm also a writer?

I write eco-gothic folk horror with an emphasis on generational trauma and undiagnosed neurodivergence all set within the Ohio River Valley.

In Lunathir's Heir, Nettie uses her work at the Library of Congress American Folk Life Archives to label and codify her upbringing in Bracken County, Kentucky. But the past refuses to remain in pristine boxes, and she soon learns that some skeletons must be uprooted rather than filed away.

It's possible the very real Bill the Blue Jay will make a cameo in the trilogy.

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

Can we just pause for a moment to appreciate the color on this corn 😍

These will be planted out this weekend along with more pumpkins in preparation for our Samhain gathering (coming soon). I love a fancy piece of corn next to a big ole fairytale pumpkin.

Seed packets will be available in the shop this evening.

06/08/2026

What's steepin' in the creek this week 🌱

I planted out more lavender, sage, tomatoes, pumpkins, peppers, and native herbs before we got some rain today. I do hope we get a few more raindrops for the garden, but I appreciate what we did get.

Last Thursday I taught a catnip class at the Scott County Heritage Center & Museum There is more folk history in that one plant than most people expect. Come find out. Classes are the first Thursday of the month. Call the museum to reserve your spot.

On Saturday we wrapped up planning for Bloom & Buzz: A Pollinator Party. When I presented this idea to my co-collaborators they gave a resounding YES and have since then worked their booties off to help make this event something more than I could have dreamed up on my own. They are powerhouses.

All that to say the day is going to be filled with good people, good plants, and good fun and all for free.

Yesterday's Rural Roots Road Tour was the highlight of my week. It was amazing to see so many people out and about on our tour. Didn't get a chance to stop by and make a tea or sugar scrub? The shop will have them stocked tomorrow. These are seasonal, one-time only products that will not be restocking. Grab them while they last!

Most of my herbs don't get harvested until St. John's Day. That window is almost here. The crafting season opens right behind it — and I'm glad you're here for another one.

The shop is open sun up to sun down. Seasonal teas and scrubs are there now. The crows are watching. Theft will be dealt with accordingly.

→ eldercreekapothecary.com

This week's Field Note from the Shadowroot is about a woman who spent thirty years filing federal records — and never once filed the thing she actually knew.

Catherine Moneyhon. Bracken County, Kentucky. Daughter of the man who swore the old stories were gone. She didn't believe him either.

The poem she left behind is real. So is the ancestor it came from.
Friday Field Notes are free.

https://open.substack.com/pub/thehagunderthewood/p/field-notes-from-the-shadowroot-c62?r=2pygti&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

Weekly Marginalia from the National Archives

06/07/2026

Huge shoutout to every single person who came out today or supported the Rural Roots Road Tour and Elder Creek Apothecary by liking and sharing our posts.

I can’t speak for all our roadside stands, but I think it’s safe to say we do what we do because we love it. And when you love what you do it’s even cooler when you get to share that with others. It’s thrilling, actually.

Thank you for shopping local ✨

Looking ahead:

Bloom & Buzz: A Pollinator Party is on June 20th from 9-3 PM and absolutely free.

Enjoy a day learning about pollinators, engaging in family-friendly activities, and taste a bit of the tour in our tasting area.

Now, to frame up this lil cutie and put it in the shop 😍

06/07/2026

All of our baked goods are made with organic flour.

We believe in choosing local and organic, as much as possible to make real food. 🫶

06/07/2026

She did and she discovered she was so very loved.

06/07/2026