massachusetts horticultural society's gardens at elm bank

This is a lovely spot for walking and gawking. There are trails surrounding the Gardens to walk your self and your dog. The gardens themselves are well maintained and varied. They change over the year so make sure to visit regularly!

Wide open spaces well kept, interesting landscape design, great trails, gardens the best - provide great ideas for landscapers

Elm Bank is an incredible property with walking trails along the Charles River in a beautiful spot in Natick. Yes, there are nice events held there, like the Mass. Hort. herb sale in Spring, and there are some cool buildings Mass Hort uses for classrooms/old carriage houses that can be rented out for functions. In summer, the beds with their labeled perennials are fun to get ideas from. But the real treasure here is the woods, the huge white pines, the flow of the beautiful river, the peace walking or snowshoeing the trails. I go often, alone or with friends, in any weather. The walk through the woods is easy and mostly flat, though has roots etc of concern for more unsteady walkers. There is also a one-way paved loop around the property for cars that is great for those wanting a flat, snow free surface for walking. Be in this place. It is a peaceful, enduring pleasure.

Elm Bank includes soccer fields, beautiful gardens and a quiet wooded area that follows the Charles River. I go here to walk my dog in the wooded area, but the soccer fields are often in use and many people stroll the gardens. It is an oasis of nature that can be enjoyed in many ways.

I was here late last year when all the Fall flowers were blooming. Beautiful gardens and if you are a Mass Hort member, entrance is free! I recommend highly!

Beautiful gardens combined with woodsy trails. This is a great site for events such as antique shows. It's a shame that the substantial house is inaccessible and run down.

It is beautiful and unexpected place to stroll, view gardens,visit the bookshop...Not much to dislike.

I go to elm bank primarily to throw in a couple of kayaks and take a short hour trip to the falls in Wellesley. But the park also has several nice trails that follow the river. The gardens are beautiful and well maintained. There are a number events throughout the summer as well

The gardens are beautiful this time of year. The bet for me were the Test Gardens where new seeds are tested as part of a national program. If you have kid or just kids at heart, Wheezies Garden is perfect and safe. There are, in addition, is Bressingham Garden, Azalea Garden, Perennials, Daylily and Vegetable. There more as well.

When I want a quiet walk and a beautiful setting I head to Elm Bank and wander through the paths and gardens. Often times it is a destination with my dog as well. We will first get coffee for me and water for my dog. Then we will walk the loop around Elm Bank and wander back through the gardens. It is a mini paradise practically in my backyard.

Went in June a couple of years in a row. What a beautiful short walk and relaxing place. Highly recommended in the summer.

Adjacent to the formal gardens are a series of level hiking trails that run alongside the Charles River. The loop trail is very popular with dog walkers as it winds through the woods and along the river bank. Many dogs also swim in the river, although they are supposed to be on leashes at all times. Although the trials are not formally marked, they are wide and it would be very difficult to get lost since the area is essentially bounded on three sides by the Charles River. As you enter from Route 16 (Washington Street) in Wellesley, proceed across the one lane bridge, bear right, and follow the one way road to the back area past the soccer fields. There is plenty of free parking, and the trails start along the back opposite from where you entered.

Whether you prefer manicured gardens or unmarked trails you'll find something to enjoy. The wooded trails go by the Charles River; though not well marked, you can generally find your way if you pay attention. Also, it helps if you like dogs since a lot of people take their dogs walking there. The gardens are beautiful...flowers and shrubs are identified so you can learn a lot, and it's a great place to take photos. The kids' garden is a lot of fun, too! Highly recommend this spot for an afternoon outing!

35 acr., including support, parking and everything, I'm underwhelmed. A few nice gardens, some public soccer fields and signs that lead to no-place. Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Garden in the Woods in Framingham or the Tower Hill Botanic Garden much more worth a trip. If your next door and have some time to kill it would be ok, I guess. It is though, next door to nothing, not even a buss. The trial garden seems to be trying to be something, the formal garden, although historic, seems out of place with the remaining gardens a bit amateurish. If your up for a fairly new garden, try the Midcoast Botanical Garden in ME. Every year it's better.

One of my favorite stops in the area. I originally stopped for the hiking but was disappointed by the length of the trails. I accidently found the garden and now stop at least once a monthbduring the season.