We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kate Mullen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kate below.
Kate, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
After over two decades of living in Charlotte, NC as a successful business consultant, I felt like something was missing. Although I had never gone camping or RVing before, I had a dream of traveling across the US, seeing and photographing as many national parks as possible. To make this dream a reality, I decided to take a sabbatical and hit the open road in an RV for six months. I ended up finding a deep sense of peace and purpose in my travels, and those six months turned into eight years of full-time RV living and traveling. During this time, I developed important qualities such as resourcefulness, acceptance of change, and a deep spirit of adventure. I also took lots of pictures of our nation’s parks and landscapes, so that I could remember my journey long after.
When the pandemic hit, I had already sold my home in Charlotte and was in need of a new home base. I needed to balance adventure and a sense of place, putting roots down to create a new home. It was time to take a new risk and pursue another dream of being a farmer and herbalist. After traveling all over the country, I knew that Taos, NM was the place – beautiful and culturally diverse, the perfect place to call home. It has been a wonderful experience settling down in Taos, NM and it feels amazing to be a part of a new community. A community that has a long agricultural and healing history.
My partner and I bought 5 acres of land in Arroyo Hondo, NM several hundred feet above the Rio Grande gorge at the confluence of the Rio Grande and Hondo rivers. My focus has been on restoring the prairie fields, beekeeping, and learning all the new flora & fauna. How they change across the three bio regional zones that surround this land: from the rivers, to the high desert mesa we live on, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains that watch over us. I’ve been learning how to homestead and create various herbal products: salves, tinctures, dried teas, candles, and infused honeys.
I hope that my journey will continue to motivate and encourage those who are looking to take their own adventure and that it will inspire you to pursue your own dreams! I believe in the idea that life is only limited by our imagination and willingness to take risks. Taking a big risk or step can lead to even larger dreams that you couldn’t see at the time.
Kate, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
At Persimmon Moon Farm, our mission is to cultivate and harvest high-quality lavender and medicinal herbs using natural farming methods that respect and enhance the health of the land, our plants, and our community. We strive to provide our customers with sustainably grown, chemical-free skin care products that promote holistic wellness and offer a sense of connection to nature. Our goal is to not only produce beautiful and aromatic plant products, but to also educate and inspire others to adopt a more natural and sustainable approach to farming and living.
As I walk through the restored prairie grassland on Persimmon Moon Farm, I am surrounded by a sea of grasses and wildflowers, swaying gently in the breeze. The big sagebrush bushes dot the landscape, providing a natural barrier and a habitat for the local wildlife. The piñon trees send out mix of pine, citrus, sweet, and smokey notes to magically mix with the camphor fresh scent of the big sagebrush filling the air with a distinctive aroma that is truly indescribable.
I can hear the calls of the piñon jays and finches as they flit about, searching for food. The hawks and eagles circle high above, scanning the ground for their next meal. The rabbits and big horn sheep graze peacefully in the distance, while the coyotes yip and howl in the night. Each visiting our small pond for a cooling drink of water in this otherwise parched landscape.
As I make my way towards the house, I come across a clearing where a fire pit has been set up. The warm glow of the fire beckons me closer, and I can smell the delicious aroma of pizzas cooking in the outdoor oven nearby. I sit down on a log next to the fire and take in the alpenglow on the surrounding mountains. The colors of the sunset are breathtaking, painting the sky with hues of orange, pink and purple.
I stay there for a while, watching the stars come out one by one, enjoying the company of friends and family. The fire crackles and pops, and the pizzas are delicious. As the night wears on, I am struck by the beauty of this restored prairie grassland and the way it has come back to life. I know that with each passing season, the landscape will change, but it will always be a place of wonderment and beauty.
Creating Persimmon Moon Farm, restoring just over five acres of land on a high-mesa desert in Arroyo Hondo, NM north of Taos, NM has been a large undertaking. The high mesa desert is a unique and beautiful landscape that is found in many parts of the world. It is characterized by flat, rocky plateaus, surrounded by steep cliffs and deep canyons. The landscape is arid with sparse vegetation, but is home for many species of wildlife including jackrabbits, coyotes, and lizards.
The temperate climate allows for extreme temperature fluctuations, with cold nights and hot days making it difficult for some species to thrive. The landscape is dotted with red sandstone mesas that have been eroded over time, revealing the layers of sedimentary rock beneath. The mesas are often topped with juniper and pine trees, providing a welcome respite from the sun and wind. Even in the harsh desert environment, the high mesa desert provides a peaceful and rugged escape.
Prairie grassland restoration is a process of reestablishing the diverse mix of native plants, forbs, grasses, and wildflowers that were once found in a particular region. This type of restoration can provide numerous benefits, including improved soil health, increased habitat for wildlife, and reduced erosion.
As the restoration matures, it becomes a self-sustaining ecosystem that requires minimal maintenance and creates a thriving habitat for a wide range of wildlife species. This type of restoration is vital for preservation of biodiversity and sustainability of the ecosystem.
Taking on a project like prairie grassland restoration can be a deeply rewarding, but also a challenging experience. The process of restoring a piece of land to its natural state can evoke a range of emotions, from excitement and joy to frustration and disappointment. We’ve already experienced them all!
The initial stages of planning and design are filled with excitement and a sense of purpose as you envision the transformed landscape and the positive impact it will have on the ecosystem. Seeing the first signs of new growth and the arrival of wildlife can be incredibly satisfying and can provide a sense of accomplishment.
However, the process of restoration can also be filled with challenges and setbacks. The removal of invasive species and the management of weeds can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Weather conditions and unexpected events can also have an impact on the success of the restoration project.
Despite these challenges, the commitment to seeing a project like this through to completion is so deeply rewarding. The process of restoration is a journey of discovery, we’re learning so much: about the plants, animals, and ecosystems that call the land home. It also fosters a sense of connection to the land and a deeper understanding of our place within the natural world, this landscape, and community.
The restoration of prairie grassland is also a personal and emotional journey, as it requires patience, resilience, and a willingness to adapt to unexpected challenges. We’ve made a long-term commitment knowing this requires a lot of hard work and dedication, but the outcome of a thriving natural ecosystem is more than worth the effort.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Here are a few books that have been inspirational on my journey.
Edward Abbey’s Desert Solitaire is an acclaimed book that offers a unique and insightful exploration of the American Southwest. Written in 1968, the book is a collection of Abbey’s personal reflections on his experience as a park ranger in Arches National Park. He delves into the natural beauty of the desert and the creatures that inhabit it, while also expressing his concern for its future as development advances. He explores the history of the region and its people, as well as examining the ideas of solitude and freedom. Throughout the book, Abbey’s vivid writing and passionate love of nature come through, offering readers a unique window into the beauty of the desert. Desert Solitaire is an important work of nonfiction that is still relevant today, and it is an essential read for anyone interested in the American Southwest and its environment.
JADAM is a book of natural farming techniques, written by Korean farmer and researcher Jeong-dae Kim. This book covers a wide range of natural farming methods, including the use of natural pesticides, composting, soil fertility, crop rotation, and no-till farming. It also emphasizes the importance of holistic farming practices, such as working in harmony with nature and using locally available resources. JADAM is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in sustainable farming practices, providing detailed guidelines for implementing natural farming techniques in a way that is both environmentally friendly and economically viable.
Liz’s Big Magic Book is an amazing and inspiring book about creative living. Written by Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of the best-selling novel Eat, Pray, Love, this book is full of wisdom and encouragement for those looking to find their creative passions and to live their most authentic life. It offers practical advice on how to bring more creativity into everyday life, as well as how to find the courage to take risks and pursue dreams. It is an inspiring read that encourages readers to find joy in the creative process and to live life to the fullest.
The Ecology of Herbal Medicine – A Guide to Plants & Living Landscapes of the American Southwest by Dara Seville is a comprehensive guide to the use of natural remedies for health and wellbeing. It explores the many facets of herbalism, from the history and science of traditional medicines, to the ritual use of plants for healing. Seville provides an in-depth look at the various medicinal properties of herbs, with detailed accounts of the history, chemistry, and folklore of various medicinal plants. Seville also delves into the ways in which herbs interact with the body, and how they can be used to restore balance and maintain health. With a focus on holistic health and sustainability, Seville provides readers with accessible methods of herbalism that can be used to improve physical and mental wellbeing. The Ecology of Herbal Medicine is an invaluable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of herbal plants in the Southwest and their potential for healing.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
Ultimately, the reasons why someone might want to farm and homestead will be unique to each individual, and may be a combination of different motivations. Other than specific skillsets needed to farm and make herbal products I think focusing on the ‘why’ can help one succeed. When times are tough and you encounter challenges knowing your why can help you focus on the bigger picture. These are a few areas that people are drawn to in farming or homesteading.
1. Connection to the land: Many people are drawn to farming and homesteading because of a deep connection to the land. They may feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment from working the land and being in close contact with nature.
2. Self-sufficiency: Homesteading and farming can provide a sense of self-sufficiency and self-reliance. By growing their own food, raising their own animals, and making their own goods, homesteaders and farmers can be more independent and less reliant on outside sources.
3. Sustainability: Both farming and homesteading can be environmentally-friendly and sustainable ways of life. Homesteaders and farmers may use organic and sustainable farming methods, and they may also strive to reduce their overall impact on the environment.
4. Health and wellness: Some people may choose to farm and homestead as a way to improve their health and wellness. Growing and harvesting their own food, and raising their own animals, can provide a source of fresh, healthy food.
5. Sense of community: Many homesteaders and farmers find that living in a rural or remote area can provide a sense of community and connection to others. They may work together with other farmers or homesteaders to share knowledge, resources, and support.
6. Sense of purpose: Many people may want to farm and homestead as a way to find a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives. It can be a way to live a meaningful life and contribute to the community and the world.
7. Sense of tradition: Homesteading and farming may be a way to carry on a family tradition, or to learn and keep alive traditional farming practices and skills.
8. Escape from city life: The fast-paced and hectic nature of city life can be overwhelming for some people, and they may choose to farm and homestead as a way to escape the stress and noise of urban life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.persimmonmoon.farm
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/persimmonmoonfarm
Image Credits
I, Kate Mullen, was the photographer for all the images.