Tour the Annisquam Herb Farm June 29th "Buy It Now Auction" for up to 30 people

Join us for a rare opportunity to explore the grounds of the Annisquam Herb Farm, tucked away on the outskirts of the village. Once part of the historic Norton Farm, which stretched all the way to Ipswich Bay, the property now spans three-quarters of an acre and retains its rich natural heritage.

Much of this enchanting landscape has been left in its natural state, allowing native and wild plants to thrive—many brought in by the animals that now call this land home. As you tour the grounds, you may catch a glimpse of foxes, coyotes, rabbits, gray and red squirrels, groundhogs, chipmunks, ducks, and a wide variety of birds.

Come experience the quiet magic of this land, learn about its history and ecology, and support the Annisquam Village Church in the process.

**How It All Began**

I stumbled upon the property by chance—no intention to buy, just curiosity. The listing read: *“Used to be an herb farm.”* When I pulled up at the end of Dennis Court, I spotted the wooden frame of a greenhouse below. A greenhouse! What a delightful and unexpected surprise.

The days that followed were a blur—calculating costs, making an offer, and, to my amazement, having it accepted. Once the purchase was finalized, the focus turned to planning. We set out to enlarge the main building, connecting it to the potting shed and greenhouse. We added a new kitchen, another bedroom and bath, and those long-missing closets—always with the goal of making the addition look as though it had always been there.

**Shaping the Land**

Outside, boulders dug from the foundation were repurposed to create terraces and a driveway along the sloping landscape. Beyond the greenhouse, we added a workshop and storage area to support the growing work ahead.

Our first attempt at growing food in the greenhouse was a total failure—every plant devoured by insects and slugs. The soil was too poor to sustain anything. That’s when composting began in earnest. We dug kitchen scraps directly into the beds, and a compost bin was added out back.

Outdoors, the challenge continued: every time I pushed a shovel into the ground, I hit stone. The soil was compacted, yellow, and unyielding—but even then, the land’s potential could be felt.

Today, compost piles are found behind most garden beds, quietly transforming waste into fertile soil. At the start of each gardening season, decomposed material is added to the areas that need it most—continuing the slow, steady process of healing and renewal.

**What You’ll See Today**

As you explore the gardens, you’ll find a harmonious mix of cultivated and wild growth—fruit trees, herbs, vegetables, and a scattering of flowers. Many of the thriving plants were introduced by our native “helpers”—wildlife that have carried seeds in over time. Keep an eye out for stinging nettle, echinacea, Solomon’s seal, poppies, knotweed, and yes—even poison ivy. And in the greenhouse - figs!

**Special Feature: An Edible Landscape**

With the expert assistance of Alex Sands and his crew at Annisquam Landcare, the front garden has been transformed into an edible landscape. It's now home to many plants that provide nourishment—ideally for us, but often shared with our wild “helpers.”

**Make It a Game**

To add a bit of fun to your visit, pick up a card at the entrance with a list of plant names. As you stroll through the gardens, look for numbered markers and try to match them to the plants on your card. Curious about what you're seeing? Reference binders will be available with more detailed information on many of the plants growing here.AVC Auction - AHF -

Parking is available on Leonard St., not on Dennis Court. (Dennis Court is shared with our neighbors.) Please walk to the end of Dennis Court. Enter the Annisquam Herb Farm at the granite post with the number 10 on it. Pick up your Game Card, if you wish to participate. The first person to identify all the plants with the correct numbers on the Game Card will receive a gift.