After  years of renovating the barn and houses, it was time to tackle the outdoors.

After being inspired by going on a garden tour sponsored by the Memorial Hall Center for the Arts in 2004, one year later Diane was proud to be a part of the annual MHCA Garden Tour.  This is how the farm is described in the 2005 Garden tour program:

Paradise Found

Diane has always enjoyed gardening but never took it seriously until last summer when she and her two neighbors, Jen and JoAnn, went on the MHCA Garden Tour.  They all were inspired and agreed that their goal would be to be on the tour this summer.  After a trip to a local nursery and some donations from neighbors, Diane and Len were on their way.  A unique garden by the brook created by Stacey Skwirut leads to the bridge and up to a treehouse built in 1997 by Len’s son, Michael.  An open field with horses borders a vegetable garden with tomatoes growing upside down.  Eighteen chickens rule the roost near the lily garden.  Chapman’s Antique Barn (perhaps the largest in Vermont) beckons the bargain hunter to explore.  Less than a year old, this garden is an example of what can be accomplished in a short span of time.

   

Photo Left: Our Concord grapes make their first appearance    Photo Right: The Garden by the Brook "Paradise Found"
   

Photo Left: Michael's Treehouse    Photo Right: A window box on our entrance deck

   

Photos Below:  The beginning of the gardens
    

Copyright © 2000-2006 Chapman’s Antique Barn

Chapman's Antique Barn
38 New England Power Road
Wilmington, Vermont  05363

Website written by Diane and Len Chapman
Historical information derived from local archives

  medbury@hotmail.com