Since its opening in 1978, Williams Plant Farm in Sims, has become a cornerstone of the state’s holiday season, supplying Christmas plants to homes, churches and florists across North Carolina. What began as a small venture has grown into a seasonal tradition that was built on hard work, big dreams and horticulture expertise.
H.C. Williams’ path to plant production began with encouragement from his high school FFA teacher and later from a professor at Wilson Tech, who both urged him to explore the ornamental crops program at North Carolina State University. He graduated from N.C. State University in 1970 and has worked in the plant industry ever since. Today, his two sons, Michael and David, are involved in day-to-day operations of the farm.
The Williams family has been growing Christmas plants for 47 years, long enough to see Christmas traditions and trends come and go. One thing has stayed the same though…their constant commitment to quality. That dedication has paid off as their farm has been able to steadily reach new heights over the years.
“I don’t want to sell one time to one customer,” said H.C. Williams, owner and founder. “I want my customers to keep coming back year after year for a quality plant that brightens their home long after the holiday season ends.”
Inside the family’s warm greenhouses, rows of classic Christmas plants stretch end to end. They grow poinsettias, Christmas cactuses and cyclamen. They also offer varieties such as Norfolk Island pine, frosty fern, amaryllis and other assorted foliage plants.
Williams grew 3,500 poinsettias his first year and sold nearly all of them. Today, the nursery sells 24,000 poinsettias annually
Your holiday plants may arrive in late November, but the preparations begin much earlier. The Williams family begins planting and planning months to a year ahead of the season. “It takes a lot of attention to detail and focus on the things we can control when growing a quality plant,” Williams said. Warm, sunny days like the ones North Carolina has experienced this season also help produce vibrant plants.
The family’s top advice for customers taking home holiday plants:
- Keep them away from heating vents
- Keep them wet, but not saturated
- Keep out of drafts
- Give them in bright, indirect light
With a little care, these festive plants can stay vibrant beyond the holiday season.
The family sells holiday plants on their farm in Sims, and to many churches and florists across the state. Shoppers can also find their plants at Logan’s Garden Shop at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh. No matter where shoppers pick them up, each plant carries the care and dedication that make this family nursery a holiday favorite in North Carolina.
“What means the most to us is knowing our plants help set the stage for Christmas memories,” the family shared. “From decorating churches to storefront windows, to sitting in a family’s home, knowing our plants play even a small part in the Christmas season makes all the long hours worth it.”
