Historic Chatham Flower Farm
Step into three centuries of beauty and history at Chatham Flower Farm, a hidden gem on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. This 4-acre working flower farm is steeped in heritage - originally part of a larger farm established by Rowland Savage and passed down through the Milby family for generations. The earliest part of the farmhouse dates to around 1690, with additions completed in 1800 and 1820. It offers a rare glimpse into the region’s past. At the heart of the farm is a stunning two-story barn built in 1802, now transformed into a vibrant space for creativity and gathering. Downstairs, you'll find a charming floral studio, walk-in cooler, and rustic event area. Upstairs is the Kate W. Fitzpatrick artist studio and gallery, an environment perfect for workshops. Nearby, a historic tobacco drying shed, dating back to the 1700's, is now used to dry herbs, flowers, and keepsake bridal bouquets. Every structure on the property tells a story and invites you to connect with history and nature. Surrounded by lush flower beds and heritage trees, the farm is proudly no-till and Certified American Grown. Guests will enjoy a living landscape cultivated with care, perennial blooms from the on-site flower stand, and a sense of timeless serenity rarely found elsewhere. Whether you’re interested in historic tours, photography sessions, creative retreats or an intimate gathering, Chatham Flower Farm offers a one-of-a-kind setting where history and horticulture meet.
Details
- Garden SizeGreater than 1 acre
- Garden StyleFarm
- PetsNot allowed on property
- Cancellation PolicyCancel 3+ hours before the booking for a full refund; no refund after
Seasonal Interest
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Winter
Plant Features
- Allium
- Daffodil
- Dahlias
- Foxglove
- Gladiolus
- Hollyhock
- Hosta
- Iris
- Lavender
- Lilies
- Ornamental Grass
- Peony
- Scabiosa
- Strawflower
- Zinnias
Shrub Features
- Azalea
- Boxwood
- Camellia
- Euonymus
- Hydrangea
- Juniper
- Rhododendron
- Rose
- Viburnum
- Yew
Tree Features
- Cherry
- Crepe Myrtle
- Dogwood
- Fig
- Magnolia
- Maple
- Mulberry
- Oak
- Pear
- Pecan
- Persian Silk
- Persimmon
- Sycamore
- Walnut
Other Features
- Art / Sculpture / Statue
- Bench / Chair / Swing
- Barn
- Greenhouse
- Artist Studio
- Scenic Views
- Coop / Pens
Property Access and Rules
All tours are guided and by appointment. Appoints can be made through the app ir by texting the farm phone number below. We are very responsive. Food and drink is allowed but please no trash outside of the trashcan. Enter off of Boggs Road on the farm road and park alongside the property in the farm field. Please check in via text when you arrive and you will be met by a tour guide. (757) 710-3340
Guest Activities
- Photo Session
- Garden / Farm Tour
- Building Tour
- Event
- Plein Air Painting
- Workshop
- Consulting
Activity Details
Several guided tours are available that invite you to walk through centuries of Eastern Shore history, where original woodwork, evolving architecture, and pastoral views offer a unique and intimate look at a property that has stood the test of time. Vegetation Tour: Experience a Kaleidoscope of Color During the growing season, the farm comes alive with over 30 species and hundreds of flower varieties. Walk among 250 varieties of dahlias, 100 types of oriental lilies, vibrant zinnias, peonies, and 150 kinds of gladiolus. Grown using no till, Certified American Grown practices, the farm avoids synthetic chemicals and prioritizes soil health, pollinators, and natural balance. Home Tour: Step Inside a Living Piece of Eastern Shore History Explore a preserved example of Eastern Shore telescoping architecture. The original 1690 wing reveals early colonial life, while additions from 1800 and 1820 reflect the farm’s evolution. Nearby, the 1801 barn, once called Milby Place, remains central to the farm’s daily life and creative use. Outbuilding Tour: Echoes of the Past Discover historic outbuildings that reflect the working life of the farm over generations. Highlights include a repurposed dollhouse now used as a chicken coop, an old garden shed with the same Dutch shiplap as the barn, and a tobacco drying shed dating to the 1700s, still used today for drying flowers and herbs. Studio and Gallery Tour: Kate W. Fitzpatrick Discover a creative space where art and landscape meet. Kate W. Fitzpatrick is a painter whose contemporary abstract oils and watercolors are deeply rooted in the spirit of the Eastern Shore. This working space offers insight into the creative process and the connection between art and nature. Photo Session Capture stunning images among flower fields, historic buildings, and unique farm features including a glass window greenhouse. Professional photographers are welcome at no additional cost. Complimentary Bouquet and Photos Each guest receives a complimentary bridal bouquet or boutonniere. Upgrade to a custom arrangement by selecting flowers as you tour the farm. With over a thousand different varieties of plants on the property there is an untold number of arrangements that can be made. Your guide will handle cutting and arranging while sharing techniques along the way. A variety of vessels are available for purchase, or you may bring your own. Guests may also request photos be taken during their visit by your tour guide and shared afterward at no additional cost. Events Chatham Flower Farm offers a scenic setting for weddings, celebrations, and gatherings. The site fee is $1,870 and a preferred vendor list is available. Past events include weddings, farm to table dinners for up to 250 guests, birthday parties, church picnics, flower arranging workshops, fine art shows, artisan guild holiday tours, and intimate seven-course dinners for two. Private Consulting: In Person (2 hours) Spend two hours on the farm in a one-on-one session tailored to your goals. Walk the grounds, and learn about flower growing for home or market, garden design, soil health, seed starting, cultivation, fertilizing, irrigation, weed control, harvesting, post-harvest handling, and the day to day operations of a working flower farm. The farm is Certified American Grown and Certified Naturally Grown, using no till, sustainable practices across nearly four acres. Private Consulting: Virtual (1 hour) Connect remotely for a one hour session focused on your specific needs. This is a great option if you need guidance on a specific challenge. Get practical guidance on garden planning, plant selection, or sustainable growing methods. Pest and disease consulting is also available. Please note all consulting sessions are for one person. Additional guests will need to purchase their own seat. Availability may vary with the farm’s growing and event schedule, but we can work with you to find a suitable date and time.