The Gardens at Elm Bank opened on May 1st with a focus on kids and families this season, announced Katherine Macdonald, President of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society.
The beautiful garden destination, located in Metro West and fifteen miles from downtown Boston, offers more than 16 acres of gardens and historic landscapes.
The Gardens are open from May 1 through Columbus Day, Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am-4pm. Admission is free for Mass Hort members. For visitors, admission is $8 for adults, and children under 12 are free accompanied by an adult.
John Forti, Mass Hort Director of Education and Horticulture, noted: “I am excited to explore new ways by which we can engage all of our visitors with hands-on outdoor education that can inspire a sense of place shared by the generations. Each year we will be planting the seeds of our intention with an annual theme, beginning with our 2015 theme, “Youth and Family Engagement.”
He continued: “This will be evident in our public programs, educational outreach, and most importantly throughout the landscapes and gardens of Elm Bank. When you visit Elm Bank in the coming season, you can explore inspiring, new pathways to learning, including daily garden tours of the site, family discovery guides, and hands-on garden programs in our children’s garden.”
The Gardens at Elm Bank are a wonderful natural resource for people of all ages to enjoy, whether you are interested in plants or gardening or just relaxing in the beautiful landscape.
Located at 900 Washington Street in Wellesley (Route 16), on the 36-acre former Cheney estate in the Elm Bank Reservation, the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The estate includes twelve display gardens. Some highlights include the Italianate Garden designed by the Olmsted Brothers; The Bressingham Garden, a magnificent four-season perennial garden displaying mixtures of perennials, trees, and shrubs; the magical Weezie’s Children’s garden; and the Garden to Table display vegetable garden.
Yet to be restored is an Asian Garden with an old boat house and bridge designed by the Olmsted Brothers in an area called “the canal.” The 36-acres is adjacent to the Elm Bank Reservation’s woodland trails that follow along the Charles River.
Founded in 1829, The Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s mission is to develop the public’s enjoyment, appreciation and understanding of plants, gardens, design, and the environment.
Be sure to check out Mass Hort’s web site, www.masshort.org, for membership information as well as educational activities and events offered.
There is something for everyone!
Thank you to Katherine Macdonald for the Mass Hort press release, some of which we have used in this posting.