Massachusetts Horticultural Society - Garden at Elm Bank — Attraction in Dover

Elm Bank had everything we could have dreamed of for our Aug. 2018 wedding -- beautiful outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour locations in various gardens, so many options for taking amazing photos, air conditioned indoor reception area, and friendly, helpful staff (thanks to Kayleigh and Mary Kate). There are liquor laws and noise requirements in various MA counties, and Elm Bank allowed us the most flexibility so we could have the ceremony at 5pm and dance till 11pm. They book up a year in advance, so we chose a Friday evening, which saved us money over a weekend. They were very informative and flexible to tour from the beginning, and responsiveness picked up as we got closer to the date (I'm a project manager by trade, so I like to do everything early and have lots of questions -- a year out sometimes communication could lag, but a month or two before the event they were super quick to respond and full focus was on us!). They were very flexible whenever we needed to check on things for staging tables/chairs, lighting, music, photos, etc. and recommended vendors as well as coordinated directly with them for several requests; they even put us in touch with the other couples having Saturday and Sunday events to coordinate with their vendors for discounts (so they didn't have to take down/set up different things) -- since they had a relationship with our caterer, Tastings, who also did decor, this was clutch! They were accommodating for special requests and were very visible the day of so we could easily find them if we needed anything. In particular, they helped keep our secret reveal during the reception that I was 10 weeks pregnant! They helped conceal with sparkling cider instead of champagne for me, etc. They didn't rush us out at the end of the evening and conveniently pre-packed up decorations, gifts, etc. so there was minimal work to be done when we finally cut the music. The only snafu we had was the chair arrangement for the ceremony wasn't exactly how we requested it, which the groom noticed and helped rearrange before many guests had arrived (such a small thing though in comparison to all of the amazing things this venue has going for it). I'd definitely recommend and would love to use them again for...

Update 5/21/24: Updating to a one-star since no one ever got back to my email about this and no one has reached out to me at all about the below issue. This speaks volumes to their professionalism and their care of customers or visitors. I won’t be returning and I’ll be telling my friends to not return as well. The flowers and trees besides Tulip Mania are mainly dead or dying anyway. I can find other botanical gardens in the area that are better taken care of and that are free to visit as well.

Original review 4/26/24: Three stars. To whom it may concern,

I went to the Tulip Mania event at Garden at Elm Bank on Friday night, and though it was beautiful, I was wondering if I could give a suggestion. Unfortunately, due to Friday rush hour traffic, my friend and I were 20 minutes late. I understand that it's nobody's fault. However, we noticed everyone walking around with cheese and fruit and whatnot. When we asked if there was any more, we were told no. I feel like if you know how many people bought tickets, you should have enough food to accommodate that amount. I personally think that running out of food within the first few minutes of an event is poorly planned. Even if someone wanted seconds, they wouldn't be able to. For $40, I got a glass of wine and some tulips, but I was really hoping to enjoy some of the snacks while walking around. I'm not sure if $40 is a fair price for having such a limited number of refreshments. I thought the tulips were absolutely beautiful, and while I did enjoy myself, I just thought you guys might want some feedback for future events to come. With all that said, I'm hoping to come back next year because it was a very cute location with beautiful flowers and pathways to wander on. Again, this is just constructive feedback, so please don't think I thought it wasn't lovely. Thank you so much for your time, and enjoy the rest of the beautiful...

A Truly Enchanting Experience at the Massachusetts Horticultural Society

Visiting the Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s Garden at Elm Bank in Wellesley was nothing short of magical. From the moment I stepped onto the 36-acre property, I was transported into a world of breathtaking beauty and horticultural excellence.

Every corner of this garden is meticulously curated, offering a stunning display of seasonal blooms, unique plant collections, and thoughtfully designed spaces. The Bressingham Garden is a masterpiece of color and texture, while the Italianate Garden feels like stepping into a European estate with its elegant symmetry and classic charm.

Weezie’s Garden for Children is an absolute gem! Watching children explore the interactive features, splash in the water elements, and learn about plants in such an engaging way was heartwarming. It’s clear that this space was designed with families in mind, and it brings a joyful energy to the entire experience.

What truly sets Elm Bank apart is the sense of peace and connection to nature it fosters. Whether strolling along the shaded paths, admiring the whimsical Fairy Garden, or sitting by the serene Charles River, I felt a deep sense of calm and inspiration.

The staff and volunteers deserve special mention for their dedication and knowledge. Every interaction was warm and welcoming, and I left with a newfound appreciation for the role horticulture plays in our lives.

For anyone looking for a place to relax, learn, and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, the Massachusetts Horticultural Society is a must-visit. It’s not just a garden—it’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave. I can’t...