Farmer Feature — Mena’s Garden

By Sarah Layton, CT RC&D Agricultural Programs Coordinator

When Dr. Philomena Asante (Dr. Mena) stumbled upon an open house for an old farm in North Guilford, she fell in love with its potential. Built in 1840 and owned by the Bartlett family until 1990, the property has deep agricultural roots. The farm was called the “Insulting Manor” by its previous owner, and Mena has embraced this bit of classic New England farm humor.

By the time Mena found the 5.3-acre property, it had been neglected for eight years, with no useable kitchen or bathroom. But it did have a new electrical system, a solid metal roof, several outbuildings, and fields that Mena dreamed of planting.

There were several offers, but Mena had an advantage: she’d shared her goal of restoring the historic farmhouse and creating a flower farm. Her offer was accepted, and she got to work.

Mena says: “I love doing something that is physical but also mentally allows you to think and reflect. My favorite aspect of farming is watching the miracle of it all. The cycle of life. How plants go dormant, appear almost dead in the winter only to return in full glory in the spring. How a seed turns into a flower. Gardening keeps me grounded by reminding me there is a season for everything; a time to grow and a time to rest.”

Mena sells bouquets, event florals, and hosts pick-your-own events. She is beginning to grow a limited number of vegetables, some of which she plans to donate to food banks. Eventually, she’d love to offer farm-to-table meals with produce grown on the property and other items sourced from local farms.

As a pediatrician, Dr. Mena heals the body. As a flower farmer, she believes she helps to heal the soul: “When someone receives one of my bouquets of flowers, they feel special and it instantly makes their day. My bouquets bring joy and that has healing qualities.”

Mena’s Garden is about more than flowers. It’s about restoring an important part of Guilford’s agricultural history and revitalizing a farm where people can slow down and enjoy nature.

Follow @menasgarden on Instagram and visit Menasgarden.com to connect!