Now sprouting at Houlden Farm: A beer garden

Houlden Farm has already added a food truck, animals, and expanded business space to its Old Westboro Road home. What could possibly make it better?

How about… a beer garden?

The Sunflower Shanty was granted permission by the Select Board Tuesday night for a series of one day wine and beer licenses to open the beer garden at the farm, weekends only, The initial dates are Friday June 4 —Sunday June 6; Friday June 11—Sunday June 13; Friday June 18— Sunday June 20; Friday June 25— Sunday June 27.

The seating area will be enclosed and alcohol can only be consumed within that perimeter, said Chloe King, representing the Sunflower Shanty.

“The hope is that we can open just on the weekends,” King said.

There will also be a pizza oven as well as beer and wine, she said.

Select Board member Ray Mead questioned the use of one day licenses for the business, although such licenses have been used for recurring weekend events in the past. Town Administrator Evan Brassard said an accommodation may be made for the continuation of the beer garden for the remaining summer weekends.

The beer garden joins Seed at the Table, a food truck specializing in farm to table cuisine.