Following our mission of developing the public's enjoyment, appreciation and understanding of plants and the environment, we have worked hard to create a number of beautiful and interesting gardens in Boston and at our headquarters in Elm Bank.

We have nearly completed our Gardens on the Greenway, five acres of beautiful horticulture in downtown Boston. The Greenway project offers a unique opportunity to showcase a wide array of new horticultural plants and techniques.

In 1996, the Massachusetts Horticultural Society was authorized by the Metropolitan District Commission to develop a hands-on horticultural education center at Elm Bank Reservation, bordering Wellesley and Dover, MA.

During our time here, we have completed many garden installations, including the All America Selection Trial Gardens, Weezie's Garden, The Bressingham Garden, The Italianate Garden, The Goddess Garden, The James Crockett Memorial Garden, and the Society gardens. The MHS gardens educate both young and old in the science and practice of horticulture, and provide tremendous enjoyment and inspiration.

The portion managed by MHS is a wonderful reflection of Elm Bank’s natural diversity. The site includes open fields and meadows, streams and pools, wooded areas and formal gardens. MHS is uniquely positioned, not only to protect these natural resources, but also to develop spaces that enhance visitors’ appreciation of the landscape and the surrounding Charles River. The grounds and gardens of Elm Bank are handicap-accessible.

More tips for your visit:

The Noanett Garden Club of Dover has planted a lovely daffodil garden featuring historic varieties. This garden can be found in the Teaching Gardens near the Goddess Gardens and across from the Maple Grove.

If you see flashes of blue around our grounds - your eyes are seeing blue birds! Their activity right now is tremendous especially in the Maple Grove and the James Crockett Memorial Garden, across from Weezie's Garden! They live in Weezie's where many blue bird houses have been set up for them. They feed on insects and berries.

Come Visit MassHort soon and enjoy Daffodil Days and the grounds of our many gardens including the Italianate Garden, Bressingham Garden, Weezie's Garden, Goddess Gardens, Trial Gardens, the James Crockett Memorial Garden and the many Society Gardens.

Hours

The MHS gardens are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to dusk and are free to members and the general public. Non-members are encouraged to make a donation or join MHS to help support the maintenance of the MHS Horticulture Center and its beautiful array of gardens.

MassHort’s Gardens at Elm Bank represent a living collection. We ask all visitors to please respect our property and collections so that we may continue to build, preserve, and share the beauty of the Gardens.

The following guidelines apply:

• No plant material will be taken from the MassHort Elm Bank property without written consent from the Society;
• For the health, safety and welfare of all, dogs must be leashed and owners must clean up after them. Dogs are not allowed inside any garden areas;
• No balls, frisbees or Kites allowed in gardens;
• Stay on trails or lawn;
• No alcoholic beverages are allowed;
• No radios are allowed;
• Do not feed or take wildlife from MassHort ponds, gardens or natural areas;
• Bikes, rollerblades, scooters or any wheeled recreational device are only allowed on the main paved pathways and are not allowed in any garden areas.

We thank you for being an active part of the MassHort mission.