Use to be an Herb Farm...

Tour the Annisquam Herb Farm
A Fundraiser for Annisquam Village Church

Join us for an opportunity to explore the grounds of the Annisquam Herb Farm, tucked away on the outskirts of the village. 

Link to the Annisquam Village Church Online Auction

Link to the AHF Tour

 

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.

Instructions

The auction is a Buy It Now auction so you can secure your spot on the tour while the online auction is open between Saturday, June 14th, 8 AM - Saturday, June 28th at noon. 

Link to the AHF Tour

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 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 we 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 hole 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.

My 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. I 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

As you explore the gardens and greenhouse, you’ll find a mix of cultivated and wild growth — peach, pear and cherry trees, herbs, vegetables, a scattering of flowers and even fig trees. 

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. 

 

Special Feature: An Edible Landscape

With the expert assistance of Alex Sands and his crew at Annisquam Landcare, the front garden is being 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 plant names 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.

Link to the AHF Tour