A refreshing retail experience has blossomed at SCLT’s Good Earth Farm, where Sanctuary Herbs of Providence has established a charming shop offering teas, culinary herbs, and botanical products with an extraordinary claim to freshness: nearly all ingredients are grown, processed, and sold within a one-mile radius. This hyperlocal approach creates an unparalleled connection between consumers and the land where their products originate, reflecting SCLT’s commitment to building sustainable food systems.
Sanctuary Herbs’ retail operation showcases the potential for value-added agricultural enterprises in Rhode Island. Visitors to the shop are treated to tea samples while exploring an array of herbal teas, culinary seasonings, houseplants, and more, all sourced with minimal environmental impact. Throughout the year, the company hosts “Open Doors” events at 1800 Scituate Ave in Hope, RI, featuring tea tastings, farm tours, and opportunities to connect with local farmers who contribute to Sanctuary Herbs’ products. Follow their Instagram page for updates on upcoming events and new product offerings.
Inside the shop at Sanctuary Herbs, 1800 Scituate Ave in Hope, RI
The next community gathering — “Open Doors: Mending Cafe” — takes place Sunday, March 30, from noon to 3pm at The Sanctuary at Good Earth Farm. This unique event combines sustainability with community care by offering garment repair services. Visitors can bring up to three tattered and torn items for mending (no alterations), or simply come to work on their own mending projects while enjoying the company of neighbors and farmers. The afternoon will include a weather-permitting walk around the farm, opportunities to share mending tips and tricks, and complimentary tea and refreshments. The event runs on a first-come, first-served basis with no registration required, though donations for mending services are appreciated. It’s yet another way Sanctuary Herbs embodies its “Health, Comfort, Community” philosophy.
The shop’s establishment at SCLT’s Good Earth Farm represents a successful evolution of the property’s capabilities since it was acquired it in July 2021. The 20-acre historic farm now supports multiple agricultural enterprises, demonstrating how rural farmland can foster diverse business models while maintaining strong environmental stewardship practices. With three heated greenhouses, two high tunnels, and expanding retail operations, the property has become a hub for innovative agricultural ventures that support SCLT’s mission of creating equitable access to land and markets.
For flower enthusiasts, another exciting development has taken root at Good Earth Farm. Blue Skys Blooms is now accepting orders for their 2025 flower subscription service. Subscribers can choose between weekly or bi-weekly deliveries of one small bouquet (15-18 stems) for at least 20 weeks, starting the second week of June and running through the third week of October. Early birds who sign up by April will enjoy bonus bouquets at the end of the season at no additional cost. Pickup options include Good Earth Farm or participating farmers markets, with delivery available to Cranston, Johnston, Scituate, Smithfield, and Providence for an additional $15 per delivery. This service provides yet another way for community members to directly support local agriculture while bringing the beauty of Rhode Island-grown flowers into their homes.
