Growing up in the Netherlands , Mark Hommes was resurrect on gardening and a love of Dutch flag . Current co - owner of Castle Hayne Farms , Mark always recognise he would become a commercial - bloom grower , acquire the trade from his father , but what he did n’t realize is the amount of deep story both his ploughland and his family legacy would carry in Castle Hayne , North Carolina .
Mark ’s family raised him on a bulb farm in the Netherlands where he learned the ins and outs of the horticulture industry . It was n’t until Mark ’s dad started an export business to the United States that Mark decided to visit and lessen in love with the land . “ My beginner and uncle buy the farm , primitively name Coastal Bulb Farm , in 1978 , ” Mark said , “ and when my ally and I resolve to visit in 1989 we both fall in dear with the land and the amount of opportunities pose to us here . ” Mark and his friend became Centennial State - possessor of the farm in 2004 and have grown it to 7.5 Accho plus four Akko of commercial greenhouses .
Iris varieties“Dutch iris has always been our specialty and staple crop at Castle Hayne Farms , ” Mark pronounce , “ it came from my family heritage in the Netherlands and grows really well here along the coast of North Carolina due to the full amount of everyday sun , pee and cool evening temperatures . ” According to Mark , most Dutch iris varieties grow today originated from his families farm in the Netherlands . “ It is by far my best-loved blossom to grow because it ’s in my blood , ” he said , “ we are continuing the family bequest of developing new motley , in fact , we are presently working on one that will be named after my daughter . ” In plus to Dutch iris , the farm grow a smorgasbord of other flowers , such as Beatrice Lillie , snapdragons , peonies and sunflowers as well as CBD and nursery vegetables , like squash vine , mad apple and zucchini .
A typical day on the farm begin early at 6:30 a.m. with crews harvesting flowers in the greenhouses , laying tarp and sterilize soil to check right health . “ Many hoi polloi do n’t realize that in addition to ensuring the right amount of water is given , maintaining grunge health is substantive to the overall timbre of your blossom , ” Mark said , “ because a gamy quality dirt helps assimilate and displace excess H2O , but the quality of your crop is determine by who is at the ending of the hose . ” Mark is also responsible for planting schedules , order fulfilment , sale and selling for the farm . “ It ’s like take tending of a baby 24 hours a daylight , 7 day a week , with no breaks , ” he order , “ you may not permit it slide and it ’s a stressful business because flower have to be deal very quickly , within five day of harvest , or they have to be throw away . ” Despite the day to day strain , Mark says there is no greater pride than walking into a greenhouse and seeing a beautiful craw quick for harvest time .
Carolina BouquetOne unique products give by Castle Hayne Farms is their Carolina Bouquet . “ This sweetness features a variety of blossom that are in season , so it commute from one time of year to the next , ” Mark said , “ they are all made by hand and we give it our own plan so that it correspond current gardening in the Carolina ’s . ”
RetailersProducts from Castle Hayne Farms can be found at the Riverfront Farmers Market in business district Wilmington , the Carolina Beach Farmers Market , the Wrightsville Beach Farmers Market and the Oak Island Farmers Market . Flower redolence from the farm can also be found at retail chains across the state , including Whole Foods , the Fresh Market and Lidl . Their bloom can be recognized by the sleeve with a Dutch Iris and Goodness grow logotype .
Although times are changing and the future is unsure , Mark knows exactly what his farm will continue to do . “ In the time to come , we will continue to maturate beautiful , in high spirits quality flowers and take care of our local mass , ” he said . If you would like to learn more about the history of Castle Hayne Farms land , check out the Holy Scripture “ Tar Heels and Wooden Shoes ” by Charles W. Riesz Jr. and shoot the breeze their website for more on the family ’s history of growing beautiful plants , like Dutch iris .
For more information : Castle Haynes Farms[email protected]www.castlehaynesfarms.com
