Weezie’s Garden for Children

Recently renovated, Weezie’s whimsical children’s garden is home to countless cocktail receptions. With unique features such as rustic towers and our signature oversized Adirondack chair, this phenomenal space allows guests to mingle and explore as they enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails in this unrivaled space! 

Other Areas at the Gardens at Elm Bank

Beyond the Italianate Garden and Weezie’s Garden for Children are many other spaces for photographs as well as your guests to roam freely and enjoy. The Bressingham Garden and Trial Garden are often incorporated into events as welcoming spaces for your guests as they arrive at The Gardens at Elm Bank. All of our gardens offer unlimited photo possibilities for groups of any size! To learn more about our other gardens, please visit the link, here.

Reception Spaces

The Hunnewell Building

Our largest, indoor reception location is the Hunnewell Building, our historic and stately carriage house. The great hall of the Hunnewell Building boasts nearly 3,000 square feet of event space and is capped with a magnificent vaulted and trussed ceiling. The interior of this building is equipped with heating and air conditioning for optimal comfort at any time of year.  

The building alone can accommodate up to 150 guests for a seated reception with dancing or 200 guests for a seated reception without the dance floor. It can also accommodate cocktail style receptions up to 300. For theater –style or lecture seating, the Hunnewell building can accommodate up to 225 guests. Set classroom style, this space can accommodate up to 100 guests. 

From April 19 through November 11, the rental of the Hunnewell Building also includes our attached three-season tent which comes in great use for inclement weather, presentations, or extra seating. Utilizing the three-season tent, this indoor venue can accommodate a maximum of 250 guests for a seated reception, and 400 for a cocktail reception. 

Below you will find inclusions and benefits of the Hunnewell Building and seasonal three-season tent: 

• Beautiful fruitwood chiavari chairs with removable chocolate cushions for up to 250 guests 
• 60” round banquet tables that seat 8-10 guests each 
• Six and eight foot rectangular tables for catering and vendor needs 
• Ample electrical access for both bands and DJs 
• 10 Foot projector screen, mounted on the wall of the Hunnewell Building  
• Catering prep kitchen 
• Seasonal coat room 
• Restrooms facilities 
• Heating and Air Conditioning (in the Hunnewell Building) 
• Handicap accessibility  

THE MAPLE GROVE 

Centrally located amongst the gardens and surrounded by towering maple trees is our spacious Maple Grove. With nearly 17,000 square feet of grassy lawn, this outdoor area can accommodate tented receptions of virtually any size! This outdoor venue allows for the most customization possible. From the tent itself to flooring, tables, chairs, lighting, and so much more, the possibilities are limitless. 

We work with four incredibly knowledgeable tent companies that offer modern, beautiful rentals. Please note that special coordination is required for all events in the Maple Grove due to high level of detail and wear on the property. To learn more about our tent and rental companies, please visit our Vendor Collection.  

The Cheney Room

On the first level of the Education Center, the headquarters of Massachusetts Horticultural Society, is the Cheney Room. This space is named after the original resident of Elm Bank in the late 19th century, Benjamin Cheney. This space overlooks the beautiful Trial Garden and Hartley Botanic Victorian Lodge. Below you will find a list of what is included in the rental of the Cheney Room. 

• Upholstered chairs up to 50 guests (additional chairs can be added if necessary) 
• Restrooms facilities within the Education Center 
• Heating and Air Conditioning throughout the building 
• Handicap accessibility  
• Ample electrical access and space for small audio visual setup
• 10 foot ceiling mounted projector screen 

The Putnam Building

Located on the exterior of the property, the Putnam Building is a standalone building located near the greenhouses of Massachusetts Horticultural Society. This space is best used for workshops, break-out sessions and any events that may involve planting materials. The Putnam Room can comfortably accommodate up to 40 when set classroom style and 80 for a lecture-style setup. Complimentary, private parking is included in the rental and this space overlooks to dense foliage and greenhouses.  

Below you will find a list of what is included in the rental of the Putnam Building. 

• Upholstered chairs up to 60 guests (additional chairs can be added if necessary) 
• Six and eight foot rectangular tables  
• Large, tile demonstration table 
• 6 foot in-room sink 
• Restrooms facilities within the Building 
• Heating and Air Conditioning throughout the building 
• Handicap accessibility  
• Ample electrical access and space for small audio visual setup or performer 
• 8 foot ceiling mounted projector screen