Elm Bank Reservation

Let me start out by saying that our entire family loves everything about this place. It is a hidden oasis in Metrowest. The gardens are beautiful, the landscaping is meticulous, and there is ample parking. Our children especially adore the children’s garden with the tree house and large nests. It’s one of our favorite things to do with the children to expose them to nature. However, in the past few years the park has become less and less available to the public on weekends as it turned more «commercial». It’s often packed with events or weddings on weekends that we had to turn around and drive back home several times. And that is the only reason why it is not a five-​star rating.

I’ve photographed many weddings at Elm Bank and every time it’s a great experience! The garden grounds are so well kept and always beautiful. The wedding reception space is open and bright and lends itself to many different wedding styles. The only thing I would say is lacking is the road around the perimeter: many potholes and very narrow, dangerous if anyone is also walking or running along at the same time.

I went to a wedding here and was very impressed with the grounds, service, and general ambiance here! I would love to come here in April for just a regular Saturday– so many bulb flowers!!! Gorgeous way to spend an afternoon!

Sooo good.
Trail running, an awesome garden, places to explore and spots to sit and enjoy. This place rules.

For my 100^th review, I want to tell you something special.
I’m in love. Yes, I am. His name is Black Cherry. He’s a member of the Petunia family.
He’s hanging out in the trial garden at Elm Banks. He’s trying out the weather conditions here in Massachusetts, he’ll stick around if he can tolerate and do well in our climate. I want him to do well because I want him in my life.
That is one of the many terrific things happening at Elm Banks, home of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. The trial garden is just that, a garden with new plants to see how they fare in our climate. The trial garden is one of many gardens.
The gardens have a theme to them. There’s the children’s garden, edible garden, daylily garden and more. I’ve listed my favorite ones.
You can volunteer to help out in the garden of your choice. I can’t think of a better way to learn more about gardening. There’s always someone available in the gardens to answer your questions.
The library is also located here. If you’re a member of the MHS you can borrow books for free. There’re books on every topic of gardening and landscaping you can think of.
If you want to see what Black Cherry looks like, I have a picture in my profile photos.

Great place to get lost in the woods and out of the Holiday mayhem. Be sure to get on the wooded trail that borders the Charles. It’s the best of all the trails in my opinion. If you haven’t wandered around the mansion or over the bridge that’s worth a look but they’ve really done a number on the original naturalness of Elm Bank with an overdone garden and new Horticultural Society buildings. The HS has also run a large metal fence across the back of the soccer fields which is sort of disconcerting and ruins the atmosphere.

Great spot for dog walks! Woofie loves it here. Off leash isn’t technically allowed, but if you’re out of the way of the gardens, soccer games, and any events, there is a ton of open space– including a massive hill– where a few four-​legged friends have been known to run free.
Also nice grounds for the humans to enjoy, and there are occasionally flower shows, farmers’ markets, and antique tents.

I love taking pictures. By association, I also love anyplace that has things to take pictures of. Enter Elm Bank.
Great little reservation, open year round to bikers, joggers, hikers, and randoms alike. They have a range of fields, both soccer and miscellaneous, a flower shop, area for events (weddings, parties, etc), and a great little playground for kids. In the spring and fall months, a lot of the local photographers will come to do senior portraits and other shoots here. Dock for kayaking along the river that runs through part of the reservation, and a few bridges to stand on and overlook the water.
If you’re going for photography, surprisingly, I find the winter better then the summer. The snow really glazes the grounds over, adding a nice shimmer to everything. There are a few hidden shacks and abandoned areas that make beautiful shots if you’re willing to trek off the beaten path a bit. You’ll always find some kind of plant or foliage to capture, although due to the sheer volume of it, pictures can easily get cluttered. A good 50 mm and macro will serve you well here, wide angle not so much in my opinion.
Nice place to bring your significant other, dog, or kids to just enjoy a bit of nature and a quiet and safe environment. Usually wind up stopping by a few times a month just for a nice walk and to see if anything new has popped up.

Walking — check
Kayaking — check
Dogs allowed — check
Sunbathing — check
Kind of an interesting place, part of it is the «Elm Bank Reservation» where you can walk about the banks of the Charles River up river as you might never have seen it before, quite wild & natural. There’s even a canoe launch to access the river. The Elm Bank Reservation section is run by the DCR is free to the public.
The other part is the HQ for the Massachusetts Horticulural Society, there’s a fine old mansion & garden which is great for photographers. There’s a section for kids, and I believe the mansion can be rented for adult functions. A recommended entrance fee of $ 5 is requested on the honor system, pay at the iron gate by stuffing the container there, free to Society members.
Between the two areas there are several fields to lay a blanket out for some sun & reading.