Locally grown flowers for people with roots.
From bees to bouquets: A journey to wedding flowers
Believe it or not, I grew up in Cary, the daughter of an organic gardener who taught me to love getting dirt under my fingernails. While my journey didn’t start with flowers, it did begin with bees—nature’s own flower fairies.
As a beekeeper, I quickly learned that blooms are the secret to sustaining a thriving hive. My passion for flowers took root and grew into something more meaningful: a commitment to crafting lovely floral arrangements for weddings and special celebrations.
With nearly 30 years as an organic grower, I’ve cultivated everything from perennials and vegetables to some ill-fated roses.
But in 2015, our farm transformed into something special—a haven for pollinators and a flourishing specialty cut flower farm dedicated to producing the most beautiful blooms for Raleigh Durham weddings.
Today, our farm provides the seasonal flowers that make Hen House’s wedding arrangements truly unforgettable. Every bouquet and centerpiece reflects the care and attention that starts right here, from seed to bloom.
Join our community of flower enthusiasts and make your wedding day a celebration of North Carolina’s natural beauty!
Flowers picked with care
Growing flowers for people and bees can sometimes be at odds—they each have different needs when it comes to blooms. But there’s one thing we all agree on: the importance of sustainable growing practices.
At our farm, sustainability is more than a philosophy; it’s the foundation of what we do. Here’s what it looks like in action:
Pesticide and Herbicide-Free Blooms: Our flowers are grown naturally, without harmful chemicals, ensuring they’re safe for bees, wildlife, and your special events.
Enriching the Soil: We use cover crops and natural compost to nurture healthy soil, creating a strong base for vibrant, long-lasting blooms.
Pollinator-Friendly Habitat: Our farm provides a welcoming environment for bees and other pollinators, supporting the ecosystem while producing stunning flowers.
Commitment to Education: As a proud member of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers and the NC State Florists Association, I stay at the forefront of best practices.
Expert Support: Our connection with NC State’s College of Agriculture & Life Sciences keeps us informed and ensures we’re always improving.
Local farm heritage
Our farm need grew from the ever-growing demand for elbow room for our hobbies. Paul, the hunter. Me, the gardener & beekeeper. The boys – well, boys. Projects that we piloted on a small scale at home and in the mountains, quickly outgrew their bounds and demanded space. We discovered this land in Chatham County and the dream rolled on.
The farm started as a commercial chicken farm in the 1950’s as Pittsboro Poultry. In the 1970’s it was sold to Mary & John Clouse who operated as Rocky Hill Farm. They were contract chicken farmers raising broilers for hatching eggs.
The Clouse’s heritage is humbling. Everyone in the small farm business knew them. Mary visited several times before her passing and told me how John was renowned for his way with animals, well-known and in high demand for sheep shearing, cattle advice, and mechanical know-how.
Mary was legendary in her own right. An outspoken supporter advocate of small farms who spoke to all who would listen about the importance & tough road of the small farmer. The Rural Advancement Fund International (RAFI) has a plaque on their wall in her honor.
Following those footsteps makes you feel small. Time took its toll on the farm. Chicken barns were torn down and things fell into disrepair. When we found the property we saw great possibility (and work).
A budding flower farm
We think bringing the farm back from the past feels right. Neighbors comment that it’s good to hear a rooster on the farm again. The beehives are buzzing again. And the land is producing abundant flowers for weddings and everyday joy.
We are working to find our own path & niche on this land but find that things here have roots (and rocks). We’ll keep trying, adding new things but working hard to maintain the character and roots from which it came.
