Willow Oaks Farm

Willow Oaks Farm is 60 years old. It began in 1947 in Brownsville, Tennessee with Henry and Louise Levy, David's parents.

At that time, the farm consisted mainly of apple orchards. Later Henry and Louise added a peach orchard. Then, they built the first early American greenhouse in the early 50s. The greenhouses were built to grow fruit originally, but they realized there was a better market for vegetable plants. Ornamental flowering plants like marigolds and petunias were soon added to the crop list. Youngest son David began running the farm in 1975 due to his parents' health. David is a whiz at constructing greenhouses and their components like plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilation etc.

Today, the crop list includes hundreds of varieties of annuals, perennials, herbs , and vegetables. David and his wife Sarah have a library just to keep track of all the plant labels. They have 20 greenhouses (50,000 sq. ft.) and additional uncovered space spread out over 10 acres.

The Levys focus on what grows well in West Tennessee soil and climate. They experiment with new varieties in trial beds and visit various gardens every year. They are always learning by reading, talking with other growers, and trying new things.

Willow Oaks plants are sold to landscapers, independent garden centers, government entities, non-profits, and to the general public. Plants are shipped only within a 150-mile radius of Brownsville to ensure freshness and to save fuel. This is the second year the Levys have sold their products to the Memphis Farmers Market. They added sweet corn as crop just for the MFM this year.

David and Sarah begin their plants from seeds, unrooted cuttings, rooted cuttings, bulbs, or rhizomes depending on the plant. They are always a season ahead planning and preparing for the next season. For example, macho ferns for spring 2008 were planted in July 2007. In December, they will be in full swing planting begonias and geraniums.

Co-managing the farm is Sarah's second career. She is a lawyer licensed in Arkansas and Tennessee. Digging in the dirt became more than a hobby after she met David. She has a reputation for designing mixed containers, and has a real flare for color and texture. She knows the habit of the plants and how they will grow as companions in the same pot.

In the future, The Levys would like to continue to modernize their watering and heating systems, and become even more efficient so they can spend more time teaching children and adults how important plants are to our environment.