Plan your Visit
The Garden at Elm Bank
Our 36-acre property features both traditional and modern gardening styles. The Garden at Elm Bank serve as inspiration for your home garden, a place to relax in the natural world, and a backdrop for time spent with family and friends. The display of different plants, flowers and trees provide a beautiful setting for gatherings, walks, picnics, and more. The buildings, grounds and gardens of Elm Bank are accessible with paved and crushed-stone paths.
The Garden at Elm Bank is located on the Elm Bank Reservation at 900 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02482. The public reservation, roads, and trails are managed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Please see their website for more information.
Garden Season
April 1 - November 27, 2024
Current Hours:
7 days/week
10am-5pm, last entry at 4:15pm
The Garden closes early on some days for private events. Please check our website banner and social media for any changes to our hours before planning your visit.
Garden Admission
During 2024 Garden Season
April 1 - November 27, 2024
-
During 2024 Garden Season
April 1 - November 27, 2024
Excludes special events, festivals and ticket add-ons.
Adult Youth (3-17) General Admission $14 $5 MHS Members FREE FREE EBT and WIC Card
Max. 2 guests at discounted rate$5 FREE Kids 2 and under are FREE
-
As a member of the American Horticultural Society, Massachusetts Horticultural Society accepts reciprocal memberships from gardens across the county. Find out if your membership is part of the reciprocal admission program. We do NOT accept reciprocal memberships from the gardens listed below because they are located within 90 miles of the Garden at Elm Bank.*
90-MILE EXCLUSION APPLIES TO THE FOLLOWING GARDENS:
Massachusetts:
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University – Boston, MA
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill (Formerly Tower Hill Botanic Garden) – Boylston, MA
The Wakefield Estate & Arboretum – Milton, MA
Heritage Museums & Gardens – Sandwich, MA
Highfield Hall & Gardens – Falmouth, MA
Native Plant Trust – Framingham, MA
Rhode Island:
Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum – Bristol, RI
Mount Hope Farm – Bristol, RI
Green Animals Topiary Garden – Portsmouth, RI
We welcome visitors to join MHS and enjoy the many benefits of Membership or pay the admission fee and enjoy our gardens.
*From American Horticultural Society’s website: The 90-mile exclusion allows gardens to exclude members of other gardens within 90 miles of them from receiving their reciprocal benefit(s). -
We are proud to participate in the Card to Culture program, a collaboration between Mass Cultural Council and the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Nutrition Program, and the Massachusetts Health Connector, by broadening accessibility to cultural programming.
Card to Culture: EBT Card or WIC Card allows 2 Adults at discounted rate of $5 per person and Children (17 and younger) free during Garden Season (excludes special events, festivals and ticket add-ons). Show your card to our admissions team to receive discounted admission. See the full list of participating organizations offering EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare discounts.
-
For large groups (10+ people) looking to visit the Garden, please follow these guidelines:
-
We invite you to have lunch onsite. We don't have a café, so we suggest bringing bagged or box lunches.
-
The Crockett Garden is a patio space with bistro tables that seats about 20, there are picnic tables and benches throughout the garden as well. All Garden seating spaces and picnic areas are on a first-come, first-served basis.
-
We don't allow folding tables, pop-up tents, or large coolers unless a Garden space is rented. If you'd like to look at renting a space or a classroom, please inquire here.
- We are also pack in/pack out so you should prepare to pack up your trash in your own bag.
Pricing
-
We do offer a group admission discount for 10+ nonmembers, it would be $12 instead of $14 per adult for General Admission. Any add-ons or special event pricing does not apply.
-
Group Admission invoices must be paid 7 days in advance via credit card and are non-refundable or adjustable for missing persons. You can update your headcount until that 7-day mark.
Please email adush@masshort.org to inquire about Group Admission pricing.
-
During 2024 Garden Season
April 1 - November 27, 2024
Excludes special events, festivals and ticket add-ons.
| Adult | Youth (3-17) | |
| General Admission | $14 | $5 |
| MHS Members | FREE | FREE |
|
EBT and WIC Card |
$5 | FREE |
Kids 2 and under are FREE
As a member of the American Horticultural Society, Massachusetts Horticultural Society accepts reciprocal memberships from gardens across the county. Find out if your membership is part of the reciprocal admission program. We do NOT accept reciprocal memberships from the gardens listed below because they are located within 90 miles of the Garden at Elm Bank.*
90-MILE EXCLUSION APPLIES TO THE FOLLOWING GARDENS:
Massachusetts:
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University – Boston, MA
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill (Formerly Tower Hill Botanic Garden) – Boylston, MA
The Wakefield Estate & Arboretum – Milton, MA
Heritage Museums & Gardens – Sandwich, MA
Highfield Hall & Gardens – Falmouth, MA
Native Plant Trust – Framingham, MA
Rhode Island:
Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum – Bristol, RI
Mount Hope Farm – Bristol, RI
Green Animals Topiary Garden – Portsmouth, RI
We welcome visitors to join MHS and enjoy the many benefits of Membership or pay the admission fee and enjoy our gardens.
*From American Horticultural Society’s website: The 90-mile exclusion allows gardens to exclude members of other gardens within 90 miles of them from receiving their reciprocal benefit(s).
We are proud to participate in the Card to Culture program, a collaboration between Mass Cultural Council and the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Nutrition Program, and the Massachusetts Health Connector, by broadening accessibility to cultural programming.
Card to Culture: EBT Card or WIC Card allows 2 Adults at discounted rate of $5 per person and Children (17 and younger) free during Garden Season (excludes special events, festivals and ticket add-ons). Show your card to our admissions team to receive discounted admission. See the full list of participating organizations offering EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare discounts.
For large groups (10+ people) looking to visit the Garden, please follow these guidelines:
-
We invite you to have lunch onsite. We don't have a café, so we suggest bringing bagged or box lunches.
-
The Crockett Garden is a patio space with bistro tables that seats about 20, there are picnic tables and benches throughout the garden as well. All Garden seating spaces and picnic areas are on a first-come, first-served basis.
-
We don't allow folding tables, pop-up tents, or large coolers unless a Garden space is rented. If you'd like to look at renting a space or a classroom, please inquire here.
- We are also pack in/pack out so you should prepare to pack up your trash in your own bag.
Pricing
-
We do offer a group admission discount for 10+ nonmembers, it would be $12 instead of $14 per adult for General Admission. Any add-ons or special event pricing does not apply.
-
Group Admission invoices must be paid 7 days in advance via credit card and are non-refundable or adjustable for missing persons. You can update your headcount until that 7-day mark.
Please email adush@masshort.org to inquire about Group Admission pricing.
Etiquette & Policies
- Refrain from climbing trees, stepping in gardens, or wading in pools.
- No dogs, bikes, scooters or sports equipment are allowed in the Garden at Elm Bank.
- Respect the wildlife.
- Drones or any other form of UAV are not allowed on MHS’s property.
- Small picnics are allowed on site, we offer picnic tables and benches throughout the garden as well as bistro seating in the Jim Crockett Memorial Garden. Please see our Group Admission policy.
- Please help us keep the site clean by disposing of all trash and litter.
- By entering the Garden at Elm Bank, you consent to the taking and publication of your photograph and video for MHS promotional purposes.
- Please be respectful of private events by not interrupting or taking photos.
- Parking lots are available on-site, parking is free for Garden visitors
All who wish to use the Garden at Elm Bank as a backdrop/setting for portrait photography, even if the photographer is NOT a professional, must be pre-arranged with the Guest Experience department.
Getting Here
From Washington Street (Route 16)
Enter the Elm Bank Reservation at 900 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA. After the stop sign, drive over the bridge and turn right (this is a one way road). Follow the road about one-half mile to a stop sign; turn left and park in the lot, approximately 200 feet beyond the stop. The parking lots will be on your left. Enter the Garden via the Gatehouse. PLEASE NOTE: Vehicles over 12 tons, please call 617-933-4921 for delivery directions.
GET DIRECTIONS TO 900 WASHINGTON STREET, WELLESLEY, MA ON GOOGLE MAPS
Directions to Elm Bank Entrance on Washington Street (Route 16)
From the East / Boston
I-90 to Rt. 16
Take the Massachusetts Turnpike (Route 90 West) to Route 16 (West Newton Exit). Follow Route 16 West 4.7 miles to Wellesley Center (5-way intersection with stop light); stay left at the intersection to remain on Route 16 West (Washington Street) for another 1.6 miles to the entrance of Elm Bank Reservation (look for a small green sign on the left).
Rt. 9 to Rt. 16
Take Route 9 to Route 16. Follow Route 16 West for 2.9 miles to Wellesley Center (5-way intersection with stop light); stay left at the intersection to remain on Route 16 West (Washington Street) for another 1.6 miles to the entrance of Elm Bank Reservation (look for a small green sign on the left).
From Points North
Take Interstate 95 South (Route 128 South) to Route 16. Follow left fork of exit ramp onto Route 16 West. Follow Route 16 West for about 2.9 miles to Wellesley Center (5-way intersection with stop light); stay left at the intersection to remain on Route 16 West (Washington Street) for another 1.6 miles to the entrance of Elm Bank Reservation (look for a small green sign on the left).
From Points South
Take Route 3 North to Interstate 95 North (Route 128 North) to Route 16 West. Follow Route 16 West for 2.9 miles to Wellesley Center (5-way intersection with stop light); stay left at the intersection to remain on Route 16 West (Washington Street) for another 1.6 miles to the entrance of Elm Bank Reservation (look for a small green sign on the left).
From Points West
I-90 to I-95 to Rt. 16
Take the Massachusetts Turnpike (Route 90 East) to I-95. Take Interstate 95 South (Route 128 South) for 1/2 mile to Route 16. Follow 21B (left fork of exit ramp) onto Route 16 West. Follow Route 16 West for 2.9 miles to Wellesley Center (5-way intersection with stop light); stay left at the intersection to remain on Route 16 West (Washington Street) for another 1.6 miles to the entrance of Elm Bank Reservation (look for a small green sign on the left).
Rt. 9 to Rt. 16
Take Route 9 to Route 16. Follow Route 16 West for 2.9 miles to Wellesley Center (5-way intersection with stop light); stay left at the intersection to remain on Route 16 West (Washington Street) for another 1.6 miles to the entrance of Elm Bank Reservation (look for a small green sign on the left).
Commuter rail, bus and subway schedules can be accessed by calling the MBTA at 617-222-3200 or by checking their web site. Please call ahead when making travel plans - schedules vary on weekends and holidays.
Framingham/ Worcester Commuter Rail line:
South Station to Worcester: From the Amtrak terminal at South Station or Back Bay Station, Boston; Take the Framingham/ Worcester Commuter Rail train to Wellesley Square station. You may call for a taxi at the station, which is about 5 min. from Elm Bank.
Purchase tickets at the station, where available, or on board. Outbound trip takes approx. 30 min. from South Station and 10 min. from West Newton. Inbound trip takes approx. 45 min. from Worcester and 15 min. from Framingham. Weekday service runs approx. every 30 min. during peak hours, every 1.5–2 hrs. during off peak and every 2 hrs. on weekends.
Needham Commuter Rail line:
South Station to Needham Heights: From the Amtrak terminal at South Station or Back Bay Station, Boston, take the Needham Commuter Rail train to Needham Junction station. Taxi service is available at the station, which is about 15 min. from Elm Bank. Purchase tickets at the station, where available, or on board.
Outbound trip takes approx. 40 min. from South Station, 30 min. from Forest Hills and 20 min. from West Roxbury. Inbound trip takes approx. 10 min. from Needham Heights.
Weekday service runs approx. every 30 min. during peak hours, every 1.5 - 2 hrs. during off peak and every 2 hrs. on Saturday. This route does not offer Sunday service.
MBTA "D" Green Line Trolley:
On the Boston transit system, connections to the Green Line trolleys can be made via the Blue Line at Government Center station, via the Red Line at Park Street, via the Orange Line at Downtown Crossing, Haymarket and North Station. Take the Green Line "D -RIVERSIDE" train to Woodland Station, the second to last stop. You may call for a taxi at the station, which is about 10 min. from Elm Bank.
Outbound trips from underground stations require standard fare of 85c or any MBTA monthly pass, except Bus pass. Purchase Charlie ticket or use exact change at the station. Trip from Kenmore Station to Woodland takes approx. 25 min. Service runs every 5-10 min. daily.
Routes, fares and schedules can be accessed by calling the MBTA at 617-222-3200 or by checking their web site. Please call ahead when making travel plans - schedules vary on weekends and holidays.
MBTA bus route #59:
Watertown Sq. to Needham Junction via Newtonville From the bus station at Watertown Square in Watertown, take bus #59 to the last stop, Needham Junction station. You may call for a taxi at the station, which is about 15 min. from Elm Bank. Requires standard bus fare. Outbound trip takes approx. 40 min. from Watertown Sq., 20 min. from Newtonville and 15 min. from Newton Highlands. Service runs approx. every 30 min. on weekdays and every 45 min. on Saturdays. This route does not offer Sunday service.
Newton Nexus Bus Service:
Nexus North Route 1 & Route 3. This local bus service connects to several mass transit stations in Newton.
Both Nexus 1and Nexus 3 make stops at Newtonville and Auburndale stations connecting to the Framingham/Worcester Commuter Rail Line. Follow the appropriate directions above from these stations. Nexus 1 and 3 also make stops at the Woodland Station, which connects to the MBTA "D" Green Line. Taxi service is available at the station, which is about 10 min. from Elm Bank. One-way bus fare required: For schedules and fares, contact the Newton Nexus Bus Service at 617-552-5500 or visit their website.
Greyhound and Peter Pan Bus Lines:
Most Greyhound and Peter Pan busses departing from the South Station Bus Terminal in Boston, stop at Riverside Station on the "D" Green Line. (Express busses, however, usually DO NOT make this stop. Check schedules before boarding.) For schedules and fares, contact Greyhound at (800) 231-2222 and Peter Pan at (800) 343-9999 or visit their ticket counters at the South Station Bus Terminal.
Wellesley Transportation Service
781-235-2200 between 5 a.m. and midnight.
Veterans Taxi
781-235-1600
Colonial Cab
By reservation only. Provides discounts for advance booking. Call 508-653-5600.
SINCE
1829.
Massachusetts Horticultural Society is dedicated to encouraging the science and practice of horticulture and to developing the public’s enjoyment, appreciation, and understanding of plants and the environment.
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