In 1989, David Gilson worked as a school administrator, but longed for a more fulfilling career. He decided to trade in his suit for a flannel shirt, and started growing potted herbs in six small greenhouses in Groton, MA. The business quickly evolved into a family affair and The Herb Lyceum at Gilson's became the 2nd largest potted herb grower in the US. Since that initial boom in business, the Gilsons have scaled back on herb growth, and currently maintain 300,000 plants per year. As well, the Gilsons converted the property's barn into a restaurant that specializes in herbal cuisine, offering hands-on and demonstrative cooking classes and providing space for business meetings, private functions, bridal showers and small weddings in this unique country retreat.