Saturday, May 10th Open Day at The Chocolate Factory

This streamside house and surrounding gardens were built on the stone and brick ruins of saw, grist, and chocolate mills that operated here from the 1790s through 1905. The site slopes steeply down to a dramatic waterfall on the rushing Sawkill Creek. To reach it, a curving brick path leads to two garden courtyards where raised perennial beds complement the restored architecture. Past these, one last turn reveals the waterfall, whose split-level garden in May features a display of spring favorites including tulips and dafodils, primula, trillium, Dicentra, anemone, bergenia, Phlox divaricata, Lunaria, Pulmonaria, astilbe, hosta, shrubs, and ferns. Away from the house and courtyards, a path of pine needles winds its way through a planted woodland. Over 300 varieties of bulbs, perennials, shrubs, and trees provide an ever-changing succession of bloom, scent, and wildlife sustenance from April to October. This is a densely-planted organic garden in the picturesque style, living in harmony with its natural and historic surroundings.

This garden’s estimated size is 2 acres.

2025 Open Day:  Saturday, May 10 

Hours:10-4