Has Squire House Gardens changed hands/are you the new owners?
Yes! Squire House Gardens closed in the summer of 2021 and we, Nicholas and Jill Livingston, purchased the property in October of that same year. After a winter of settling in, ordering for the shop and plant yard, and growing in the greenhouse, we reopened as Horta Culture in May of 2022.

Is there a shop?
We do have a shop with a growing selection of garden and home goods. We are committed to sourcing durable, beautiful objects with transparency. Our selection prioritizes handmade objects made from natural and sustainably sourced materials. We source locally as well as from artisans in Europe and Asia. The shop is entered off the plant yard off the south side of the property across from Afton Town Square Park. 

Will you reopen the entire first floor?
Perhaps in time. We don't currently plan to open more store space as our family now occupies the oldest portion of the the Carnithan-Squires House first built in 1876. We have many fond memories of shopping at Squire House Gardens however, when the entire first floor was devoted to retail, design, and gallery space, so who knows what the future may bring? Perhaps the ground floor will one day return to the shop's domain as shop Horta Culture evolves.

Are the gardens still open to the public?
We devote ourselves to the north garden throughout the year, especially during the week when the shop is closed and throughout the off season as the weather permits. Although we keep the garden as a private family garden, it also serves as a showcase of plants throughout their maturity, garden designs, paving and structures. For this reason and our love of sharing our passion for gardening, we open it to the public during shop hours or by appointment. The garden may be rented for photography sessions, private parties, and weddings. Please contact us at [email protected] to inquire about booking the garden. 

Will you honor Squire House Garden's gift certificates?
Unfortunately, we cannot. While we have moved into the historic Carnithan-Squires House and are operating a garden shop and plant yard we are a new and entirely separate business. We have no record of or transferred funds to support Squire House Garden's gift certificates. We apologize for the inconvenience. 

Will you host social events?
With fond memories of garden teas, chamber music, and open houses, coupled with our personal history in hospitality, and music up both sides of the family, we are earnest to host gatherings of all sorts and sizes. While raising young children may take up most hours in the day, as soon as our bandwidth allows, we will gather - soon and often! Sign up for our email newsletter and be the first to know.