The Gardens of St. Stephens on the Green

Situated on the Green in Middlebury, St. Stephen’s is at the very heart of our town. Working to build and maintain the gardens has been a ministry of the parish that serves the wider community by creating a place of beauty and peace at the center of the town. Moreover, the gardens serve as an expression of worship and meditative ministry for those who care for them throughout the year.  

The current gardens began to take form in 2011 with the restoration of the memorial  garden and the entry gardens for both the main sanctuary and office entrances. The redevelopment of a garden behind the building followed in 2012. More recently, a  shade garden was installed on the north side of the church. In 2020 the Tunnel project in town disrupted the gardens on the three sides of the church closest to the rail corridor and required the removal, redesign and replanting of all these gardens. In collaboration with the town, a design was created that would integrate with the landscape and hardscape of the new Triangle Park. In 2021 the front entrance garden was also redesigned to harmonize with the railroad side of the building. With all these efforts the Church building is now fully surrounded by newly designed gardens that  include sun and shade perennials as well as woody ornamental plants.  If you are interested in becoming a member of our church garden volunteer team let us know!

The Middlebury Garden Club recognized our efforts in the Fall of 2020 and presented us with an award. Read the Addison Independent article here. We are grateful for this acknowledgment and their understanding that our ministry to “create a welcoming, joyful and reflective space”.