Dave & Susan Penland
With more than 30 years rooted in the family business, Dave Penland brings a steady, experienced presence shaped by both hands-on work and leadership. Dave spent many years overseeing the company’s landscape division and holds his North Carolina Landscape Contractor’s License, reflecting his deep technical and practical knowledge of the industry. He later served the community as an Agricultural Education teacher with the North Buncombe School District, before returning to the business following the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, Dave contributes extensive horticultural expertise and a long-term perspective to the retail operation.
Dave is also a devoted family man and proud father to three sons—Cody, Zeb, and Nate—now all adults. Nate currently serves in the United States Armed Forces, continuing the family’s tradition of service and commitment.
His wife, Susan Penland, is an equine enthusiast who works as an equine therapist with Horse Sense. She remains actively involved in the family business and also works part-time at the local wine shop, Maggie B’s. Together, Dave and Susan represent generations of dedication, service, and care for both their community and the business they help steward.
David & Amanda Williams
David Williams brings more than two decades of service-driven leadership to Reems Creek Nursery. With over 20 years in emergency services—including several years as a career firefighter and more than a decade in law enforcement—David offers a disciplined, mission-focused approach to organizational structure and operational management. In addition to his professional career, he travels as an evangelist, serving in missions and outreach through his local church, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.
David joined Reems Creek Nursery in 2018 as a member of the board of directors and transitioned into the business full-time following COVID in 2021. He began by learning the operation hands-on at the farm location before moving into operational leadership at the retail division. Today, he serves as one of the owners, helping guide the company’s growth with a strong emphasis on structure, efficiency, and long-term vision.
Alongside him is his wife, Amanda Williams, a third-generation owner of Reems Creek Nursery. Amanda assists with the business while working part-time as a nurse and pursuing her doctorate in nursing, reflecting her deep commitment to both family and professional excellence.
Together, David and Amanda enjoy traveling, camping, and spending time outdoors. At home, they love life with their two dogs, Beulah and Otis, and value the time they spend together building both their family and the future of the business.
Our Story
A Legacy Rooted in Community and Growth
The story of Reems Creek Nursery begins with the Penland family, whose deep roots in the Weaverville community laid the foundation for what would become a thriving, family-owned business.
1966 – The Seed is Planted
Bill and Wilma Penland, both lifelong residents of Weaverville, built a home to raise their growing family. Recognizing a need for a local plant nursery, they envisioned a business that would provide quality plants to their community.
1979 – A Dream Takes Root
Reems Creek Nursery was born in the front yard of Bill and Wilma’s home in the Beech Community of Reems Creek. Starting as a small retail operation, they offered trees, shrubs, vegetable starts, and annual flowers. Wilma pursued a degree in Horticulture at Haywood Community College while she and Bill spent evenings making house calls, designing landscapes, and eventually expanding into landscape installation.
1985 – Expansion on Monticello Road
With the business steadily growing, the Penlands acquired land on Monticello Road. The Garden Center and Landscaping division flourished, and their children, Susan and Dave, played active roles while still in high school—Dave working primarily with Landscaping and Susan handling bookkeeping. Both later pursued horticulture degrees at NC State University.
2001 – Growing for the Future
As retail sales, landscaping, and plant production expanded, the need for additional space became evident. The Penland’s established a farm production facility on Wilma’s family farm, near the nursery’s original location, to propagate and grow a diverse selection of plants for the Garden Center.
2014 – A New Chapter
Reems Creek Nursery purchased the neighboring “tractor dealership” building, allowing for further expansion. After many years of providing landscape design, installation, and maintenance services, the decision was made to phase out landscaping operations. Dave, having dedicated nearly 30 years to the Landscaping division, transitioned to a new career path. The former tractor dealership now serves as a beautiful and welcoming garden and gift shop.
2019 – Celebrating 40 Years
Reems Creek Nursery proudly marked its 40th anniversary, a milestone celebrating decades of dedication to plants, people, and the community.
2023 – 44 Years and Growing
With 44 years of service, Reems Creek Nursery continues to thrive, honoring its legacy while evolving to meet the needs of gardeners, plant lovers, and the local community.
Our Leadership Today
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Dave Penland, President – A second-generation leader, Dave is our Green Goods Manager, sourcing the highest quality plant material from top growers across the country.
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David Williams, Vice President of Operations – A third-generation family member and grandson-in-law of Bill and Wilma, David brings a strong gift for administrative management and a deep passion for both people and plants.
Together, we continue to cultivate beauty, knowledge, and community—just as we have for over four decades.