Garden Tours

Please join us for group garden tours each Tuesday at 10 a.m. beginning April 30th through October. Members: Free, Nonmembers: $10. The Group meets at the entrance near the Welcome Garden.

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 at the Society's Horticulture Center at Elm Bank.

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:

Hours

The Gardens at Elm Bank are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to dusk and are free to members. There is a $5 suggested donation per adult for the general public. Non-members are encouraged to join MHS to help support the maintenance of the Gardens at Elm Bank.

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.

What's Bloomin' in the Gardens

Noanett Garden Club Historic Daffodil Garden

Garden Etiquette 

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.

Volunteering in the Gardens at Elm Bank

If you would like to volunteer any of our gardens, please see the Gardening Volunteer Schedule