Whispering Willow & Mindful Farmer Courses were born from a desire to share our combined knowledge and experience around gardening, homesteading, and farming. We hope to build a community of learners, collaborating to grow great things in concert with nature.


In these courses you will explore: cut flowers, vegetable gardening, beekeeping, backyard chickens, preserving the harvest, baking, fermentation, and much more.

Hey Friends,

I am so happy you are here! I'm Jill owner of Whispering Willow Farm. My business grew from a wild passion to grow food and inspire others, to now a platform where thousands of you have joined our family's journey as we navigate farming, sustainability, and growth.

I've spent the last eight years growing food and evolving as a gardener and teacher. Over the last four years I have participated in local plant sales and sold produce to local restaurants, but what I have loved the most is getting to share the experience with you.

I am passionate about building a community of like-minded people who strive to make significant positive impact on our families, society, and the earth as a whole. Let's learn and grow together.

-Jill Ragan

Howdy y'all,

I'm Sean, the owner of Mindful Farmer, a farm supply, greenhouse manufacturing, and cut flower business located in Central Arkansas.

For the past 5 years, I have managed 3-acres of Certified Organic mixed vegetables and flowers for a large non-profit, provided training to regional farmers, and researched and developed tools and techniques for increased profits and efficiencies.

Before farming, I worked for years as an environmental consultant and field ecologist, and gained experience I use daily in my organic farming endeavors.

Additionally, my wife Melanie and I own Mindful Kitchen and produce elderberry syrup from locally sourced ingredients, including honey from our bees.

I am passionate about building agricultural systems that work for everyone and in concert with natural ecological systems.

-Sean Pessarra

Live Digital Workshops

Periodically digital workshops will be available. Workshops will have a teaching component from Jill, Sean, & occasionally guest speakers. However workshops, unlike courses, are interactive throughout the teaching portion via moderated questions.

Video Based Courses

Our online courses are geared toward the new or beginning gardener, homesteader, or farmer. We strive to share our experience and expertise through informative and engaging videos. In addition to video content, you will receive PDF reference materials, and have access to live Q & A.

Private Coaching and Mentorship

Coaching session can be purchased separately or as a discounted bundle with a course. Coaching sessions consist of 1-hr prescheduled consults with Sean Pessarra. If you would like to schedule more time with Sean send him an email to check availability.