in the 1950’s, Robert E. “Red” Furches was farming vegetables along with brokering produce. Red bought and resold green beans at the Ashe Bean Market Auction.

Ken partnered with his Dad in the early 70’s as they continued to grow vegetables and broker produce. A few years later, Ken’s younger brother Dwight joined the family business.

In the spring of 1978, they became interested in growing Fraser Fir Christmas trees. One early spring morning, Ken ventured out to pull Fraser Fir seedlings at Roan Mountain, Tennessee where a stand of native Fraser Fir were growing. They also began growing shrubbery and nursery stock at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Wilkes County, NC. They made wreaths and roping to coincide with the Christmas trees. When the trees and nursery stock grew to marketable size (seven-eight years), they transitioned from produce to an evergreen business known as Furches Evergreens, Inc. The business thrived and years later in 2014, Ken retired. Since that time, Ken has continued to grow Fraser Fir Christmas trees on a much smaller scale, as well as making quality wreaths and roping. Ken also grows different varieties of pumpkins which has become a mainstay in the Ashe County area. Ken continues to operate Oakwood Farm with the same integrity that his Dad instilled in him many years ago. Recently, Ken's son Brian has come alongside his Dad to continue what Red began two generations ago.