When Susan Carpenter first saw the beautiful old farm on Snake Hill Road in North Scituate back in 1977, it was love at first sight!

Despite the protests of her husband Brian, a real estate agent who was showing the house and barn to other prospective buyers, Susan insisted that this would be a great place for their own family to live and work. She envisioned a shop within the old barn, the exterior painted the traditional red, and a "Cherry Valley Herb Farm" sign over the door. In seconds she had formulated the shop layout in her mind, and quickly added an attached greenhouse for growing her own herbs. She pictured a gorgeous herb garden just outside the shop, with a dozen or so cows contentedly grazing in the pasture just beyond. Naturally, with all of Susan's enthusiasm coming into play, Brian relented!

Brian and Susan - along with Brian's parents, Ed (who taught Susan much about gardening) and Ellen Carpenter - bought the farm and set to work. In no time the place began approaching Susan's dream. The barn was soon sporting a new red coat, the gardens were carefully planted, and her first little shop (at the back of the house for the time being) was open for business!

Over the next ten years, as Susan built up her stock and her clientele, the interior of the barn was renovated and that longed-for greenhouse was added to the south side. In November of 1987, Susan happily moved her shop and its treasures to a new home in the barn!

Like the plants in the greenhouse and the gardens, business bloomed at Cherry Valley Herb Farm. Susan's boundless energy and attention to detail ensured that customers were delighted at every turn. She stocked hundreds of culinary and decorative herbs, including many hard-to-find varieties; she sought out local artisans and special suppliers to adorn her shelves with beautiful and unusual gift items; and she and her talented staff made countless wreaths and swags and centerpieces which sold as fast as they could produce them.

In addition to all this, she and her staff held classes and workshops to teach the Farm's patrons how to enjoy the many and varied uses of herbs ... aromatherapy, dish gardens, vinegars and jellies, dried arrangements, perfumes, teas and hors d'oeuvres ... Susan's ideas were endless!

While Susan operated Cherry Valley Herb Farm, she managed to raise two fine boys, Scott and Peter, and take part in the many activities associated with being a parent. She was a willing volunteer in such organizations as the Boy Scouts and the Ponaganset Band Parents Association. She was also an active member of her church and her community, always ready to volunteer her time and talents to the congregation and the town. She served two terms as President of the Glocester Business Association (January 1999 through December 2000), and was awarded the Joan M. Scorpio Award by the GBA for all her efforts on behalf of the town and the community.

In September 2004, after some "intense experiences" in France at the monastic community of Taize, Susan entered the discernment process of the Episcopal Diocese in Rhode Island. Several months later, she received a letter from Bishop Wolf conferring on her the status of "Postulant for Holy Orders." In September 0f 2005, Susan went to New York to study for the priesthood and has been happily studying and enjoying life ever since (see Susan's Page for more info).

Since that first day in 1977, Susan Carpenter had seen her gardens and her dreams bloom. Because of her expertise, enthusiasm, and generous spirit, Cherry Valley Herb Farm became a very special place for many people across New England to discover the many joys of herbs.

In the fall of 2005 Susan's son, Peter, and his wife, Bethany, decided to take over the business and steer it in a new direction. Although the gift shop remains closed, Peter & Bethany now sell the Farm's products online. Of course, they continue the tradition of having a booth at the famous Scituate Art Festival every October (Columbus Day weekend), too!