From early in its history, agriculture has been an economic asset in Johnston County.    The success of "bright leaf" tobacco in the early 1890's provided small, family farms a chance for greater economic stability.  Farming has always been a way of life for families in the region and the Smith family is no exception. 
     It was the dream of Mr. Nolan D. Smith to own his own farm after years of helping his family farm rented land in eastern North Carolina.  In 1953 Mr. Smith purchased a section of land that was once part of "The Old Carroll Place" in western Johnston County.  He and his wife Katherine, her mother and their four young sons moved into the existing farmhouse to begin work on the new family farm. All of the family worked the land from planting to harvest.  The Smith boys would sometimes miss half days of schools in order to help plant the crop, but Grandma Floy would always have a fresh meal waiting on the table when the work was done. During tobacco season farming was the priority, but education was always an important aspect of Smith family life.  From the fall of 1968 to the spring of 1981, all four of the Smith boys graduated from North Carolina State University.
     Myron Smith, the second eldest of the four sons, graduated from NC State with a degree in Horticultural Science in 1975.  Upon graduation Myron taught horticulture at a community college and worked as a grower at a wholesale nursery.  Myron had always enjoyed working on the family farm and he took the opportunity to use the land to start a nursery and landscaping business in 1980.  With the help of his wife Sarah, and his family, Myron turned the small family farm into the growing nursery and produce farm that it is today.
     In 1994 Smith's Nursery planted its first rows of strawberries totaling about ¾ of an acre.  People in the community were welcome to come by and pick all the strawberries they wanted.  Myron's mother, Katherine Smith, ran the first "strawberry stand" from a flat bed trailer parked under a shade tree by her house.  A quick honk of the car horn would bring out Mrs. Katherine with an empty bucket and a scale.  From that point Smith's Nursery has expanded to include U-pick blueberries, blackberries, and pumpkins.  The Strawberry Stand is now a Certified Roadside Market and offers a full garden center, fresh produce, homemade jams, and fresh baked breads.  Smith's Nursery also provides seasonal school field trips and other special events at the farm.
     Smith's Nursery is proud to continue its heritage as a family farm in Johnston County.  In 2008 Chris Smith joined the family business, bringing the farm into its third generation.  Each season the entire Smith family works hard to provide the highest quality plants, produce, and service to the community.  Smith's Nursery plans to uphold these values and family traditions for many years to come.