One Oak Farm

Located less than one mile from the hotel grounds is a three-acre garden using regenerative and organic farming practices to produce fresh fruit, vegetables, and edible flowers for use throughout our food and beverage outlets during the peak spring and summer season. 

A person walking on a grassy field with a dog, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and casual clothing, during sunset near a greenhouse.
A lush garden with a grassy lawn, flower beds, and a wooden pavilion with outdoor furniture, bordered by a dense forest under a partly cloudy sky.
Close-up of ripe and unripe blackberries on a blackberry bush
Wooden outdoor dining table with six chairs on a patio, surrounded by potted plants, overlooking a green landscape with trees in the background, bathed in warm sunlight.
Close-up of a blooming sunflower with yellow petals and a dark center, set against a blue sky background.
Fresh red and white radishes displayed in a black crate.
Close-up of a branch with green berries and leaves, with sunlight and blurred greenery in the background.
Person holding freshly dug potatoes covered in dirt.
Close-up of tomato plants with ripening yellow and green cherry tomatoes hanging on the vines.
Close-up of a green plant with large leaves and small covered buds in the center, outdoors on a sunny day.

Farm Team

  • A man with a beard and mustache wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat and a light gray t-shirt, standing outdoors next to a vines-covered wooden post, smiling at the camera.

    Adam Smith

    HEAD FARMER

    Serving as Head Farmer for our organic farm, he leads regenerative growing practices that directly shape the seasonal menus at Herons. Formerly Director of Agriculture at Michelin three-starred SingleThread, Adam brings deep expertise and a thoughtful approach to cultivating heirloom ingredients rooted in southeastern agricultural traditions. His work strengthens the connection between land, kitchen, and guest experience, reflecting The Umstead’s commitment to sustainability and wellness.

  • A woman with short red hair wearing a green button-up shirt standing in a greenhouse with lush green plants in the background.

    Breyanne

    CULINARY FARMER

    Breyanne is part of the dedicated team supporting the daily cultivation and care of our farm. With a love for seasonal growing and a special appreciation for berries and fruit harvests, she helps nurture the ingredients that inspire the culinary team. Her work reflects the joy of working closely with the land and watching each season come to life.

  • girl in greenhouse

    Courtney

    CULINARY FARMER

    Courtney supports the growth and harvesting of seasonal crops at our farm, contributing to the ever-evolving rhythm of the garden. She brings enthusiasm for abundance and discovery, helping cultivate ingredients that reflect the beauty and vitality of the land.

  • A smiling man with glasses and a beard working in a greenhouse surrounded by green plants.

    Ben

    CULINARY FARMER

    Ben works alongside the farm team to cultivate fresh, seasonal ingredients that shape the menus at Herons. Passionate about growing food from seed to harvest, he values the hands-on process and believes that ingredients truly shine when grown with care and intention.