Massachusetts Horticultural Society

Massachusetts Horticultural Society seeks to help people change their lives and communities for the better through growing plants together. MHS disseminates information on horticulture and related sciences through its Library, educational programming, exhibitions and community outreach initiatives. Through these, MHS seeks to engage guests with the importance of plants, gardens and natural landscapes in their lives and help them to become active growers and gardeners themselves. As America’s first established horticultural society, MHS has been practicing horticulture ‘for the public good’ since 1829.

Mission
Massachusetts Horticultural Society seeks to help people change their lives and communities for the better through growing plants together. For 194 years, Massachusetts Horticultural Society has had a mission to promote the art and science of horticulture, while staying true to its founding motto, ‘Commune Bonum,’ for the public good.

Massachusetts Horticultural Society, founded in 1829, is the oldest, formally organized horticultural institution in the United States. Providing information on horticulture and related sciences, it has disseminated this information through its Library, educational programming, exhibitions and community outreach initiatives. MHS has successfully championed many important issues throughout its history, such as the introduction of food plants (Concord Grape, 1853), the garden cemetery movement (Mount Auburn Cemetery, 1831), the school garden movement (1880s), the adornment Boston’s back alleys by establishing home gardens (1930s), the victory garden movement (1940s), and the garden history movement (1990).

Since 2001, the headquarters of Massachusetts Horticultural Society has been at Elm Bank, accessed from Wellesley but wholly within the Town of Dover. The Society is supported by revenues generated by membership, garden entrance fees and events, and by generous contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations.

MHS TODAY

In the 21st Century, MHS is focused on its educational mission and creating a spectacular botanic garden, the Garden at Elm Bank. Our 36-acres along the Charles River in Dover, MA provide a wonderful place for people to learn and enjoy nature. We hope to instill the love of horticulture and plants, gardens, and the natural world into the lives of people of all ages. Our youth education programs are focused on hands-on-education and school gardens and all the ways children can learn in the garden. The “Plantmobile” travels to schools and community events throughout the state. Adults also have the opportunity for experiential learning to become more successful in their gardens or with their creative nature in floral design or gardening crafts. Events bring people to the Garden at Elm Bank to enjoy our beautiful gardens, open spaces, and event venue.

In 2017, we began our Bicentenary Master Plan initiative to plan for the future of our gardens and education programs. MHS hired the landscape architecture firm of Kyle Zick for the research, study, and plan. We look forward to publishing the plan in June or July of 2018.

SOCIETY PUBLICATIONS

When the Massachusetts Horticultural Society was founded, its trustees hoped that, “the Society might at some day diffuse horticultural information through a regularly published journal.” In 1923, the Society purchased Horticulture from William J. Stewart, a well-known floral judge and critic from the Boston area who founded the weekly trade journal in 1904. Under Society management, articles were expanded to look at subjects in greater depth, and over time, it became one of the most respected gardening publications in the country. MHS sold the magazine in 1981. A subscription to Fine Gardening magazine, in addition, to their members-only monthly newsletter, Leaflet, is now being provided to MHS members.

In 1990, MHS founded the New England Garden History Society (NEGHS), dedicated to sharing information and research on all aspects of garden history with a concentration on the landscapes of New England. Its internationally respected journal was published between 1991 and 2003. A scholarly, but accessible text, fascinating period photos, illustrations and garden plans made it an ideal publication for both scholars and garden enthusiasts alike. Back issues of the journal are available through the MHS library (617-933-4910).

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES

The Pilot Garden at Erie and Ellington Streets in Dorchester, Massachusetts was the product of a cooperative venture between the Society and the City of Boston. The former vacant lot was turned into a vegetable garden under the Society’s direction. This project spawned the emergence of the Boston urban gardener and also established the first 4-H group within Boston city limits. A lecture in 1971 by Henry Hope Reed, Curator of Central Park (New York), prompted MHS member, Laura Dwight, to form the Friends of the Public Garden to help preserve and oversee the direction of the Garden in Boston. The beginning of the 1970s also saw the emergence of the “VoAg Days”, a program dedicated to helping recent graduates in agricultural and horticultural programs at vocational schools. These workshops and seminars involved hundreds of students and assisted them in job placement.

From 1969-1974, a school program called “Plants go to School” or originally “HUB BOX”, was introduced to fourth and fifth graders in the greater Boston area. Volunteer teachers were trained by the Society to take a kit of growing materials to school classrooms and to perform horticultural demonstrations. Seeds, potting soil, and containers were all provided while the instructor lectured on the significance of nurturing the miracle of growth and production. During that five year period of time, this very popular project was demonstrated in over 200 Boston classrooms and involved 6,250 children. Years later, former participants continued to report the success of the seeds sown and the resulting interest in gardening. The MHS Plantmobile, a hands-on classroom on wheels with two beautifully painted murals covering its sides, eventually replaced this project. Allowing students to learn how their own schoolyard is part of an ecosystem and even how to create a rainforest in a bottle, this popular program served more than 3,500 New England schoolchildren in over 140 classes annually.

Volunteer with Us!
MHS volunteers play a vital role in helping the garden grow. Volunteers contribute their skills, time, and talent to help us to deliver our mission and ensure the success of the garden. We offer a variety of seasonal opportunities to fit your interests, skills, and schedule.

It’s a fun way to learn through service, connect with nature, improve health, and meet new people. You don’t need a green thumb — We strive to provide a meaningful and rewarding experience for each of our volunteers. There are options to volunteer for corporate groups and community groups. Learn about our group volunteer opportunities here.

Volunteer Opportunities:
Horticulture Volunteers
Assist our horticulturists with weeding, raking, dead-heading and watering. Learn more about plants and gardening while helping care for our beautiful gardens!

Youth Education Volunteers
Help cultivate the next generation of gardeners and ecologists MHS Youth volunteers work with kids to help them explore the plant world through activities at The Gardens at Elm Bank, schools, and at community events. No experience necessary – we provide on-site orientation and training.

Office and Administrative Volunteers
Volunteers in our office assist with bulk mailings, filings, data entry, and projects for events, development, membership and accounting.

Event Volunteers
Greet and direct guests, help with orientation. Visit with guests and monitor the event areas.

Adult Docents
Lead guided garden tours, answer general questions. Familiarity with area plantings and upcoming events/exhibits.

Visitor Engagement
Ensure a welcoming and positive atmosphere by providing informative and helpful information to garden visitors, help with wayfinding, recommend things to do and see. Available May – October.

Hands-on Help
Use your skills to help create a beautiful space, Painters, woodworkers, and all craftspeople alike. We’ll be looking for your expertise when projects arise.

Community Outreach
Help to introduce MHS and the garden to the greater community.

Corporate Volunteers
Learn about our nonprofit volunteer opportunities for businesses and groups.

Contact Massachusetts Horticultural Society:

Address:
Massachusetts Horticultural Society
The Garden at Elm Bank
900 Washington Street
Wellesley, MA 02482

Phone:
Main Phone: 617-933-4900
Fax: 617-933-4901
TTY: 781-235-5655

Office Hours:
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday