Welcome to the Wellesley College Botanic Gardens, a diverse and captivating collection of outdoor gardens, natural habitats, and world-class greenhouses located on the beautiful Wellesley College campus. More than just a scenic landscape, our gardens serve as a living laboratory and a tranquil oasis for students, faculty, and the public. We are dedicated to cultivating and showcasing the vast diversity of the plant kingdom to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
Explore Our Diverse Outdoor Gardens and Natural Areas
The outdoor spaces of the Wellesley College Botanic Gardens are a mosaic of cultivated landscapes and preserved natural habitats, open daily for all to explore from dawn to dusk.
The Alexandra Botanic Garden
Established in 1878, this picturesque landscape is the heart of our outdoor collection. Stroll among mature specimen trees and shrubs sourced from around the globe. A tiny, meandering brook winds its way from a charming waterfall down to Paramecium Pond, creating a serene and timeless atmosphere.
The H. H. Hunnewell Arboretum
Encompassing 22 acres, the Arboretum is a sanctuary for both native and exotic trees and shrubs. It is a place of incredible ecological diversity, featuring several distinct habitats:
- Maple Swamp: A unique wetland ecosystem.
- Meadow: An open, sunny area showcasing grasses and wildflowers.
- Diverse Forest Fragments: Explore sections of coniferous, deciduous, and mixed woodlands, primarily featuring native species.
Specialized Gardens for Inspiration and Education
Beyond our main collections, we have several unique gardens designed to demonstrate specific horticultural concepts and ecological functions.
- Green Roof Garden: Located atop the Parameciuam Pond Pavilion, this garden showcases the beauty and resilience of native species adapted to tough growing conditions.
- Dwarf Conifer Garden: A fascinating collection of miniature and slow-growing conifers, displaying a remarkable variety of forms, textures, and colors in a small space.
- Butterfly Garden: A vibrant garden planted specifically to attract and support butterflies and other essential pollinators.
- Edible Ecosystem Teaching Garden: An innovative and productive garden that mimics the structure of a natural forest, combining perennial vegetables, fruits, and herbs in a sustainable, low-maintenance design.
The Margaret C. Ferguson Greenhouses: A Global Plant Expedition
Step inside our renowned greenhouses to embark on a journey through the world’s diverse climates. The Ferguson Greenhouses contain an extraordinary collection of over 1,000 plant species from around the globe, housed in 14 distinct rooms.
A World of Plants Under Glass
Experience the incredible adaptations of plant life as you travel from the arid deserts of Mexico and Africa to the humid, lush rainforests of Malaysia and Brazil.
- Desert House: Discover a stunning collection of cacti and succulents from arid regions.
- Tropical House: Immerse yourself in the warm, humid environment of a tropical rainforest, complete with epiphytes, carnivorous plants, and economically important species like chocolate and coffee.
- Seasonal Displays: Our permanent collections are enhanced by ever-changing seasonal displays, ensuring there is always something new and beautiful to see, from vibrant spring bulbs to stunning autumn blooms.
Plan Your Visit
The Wellesley College Botanic Gardens are free and open to the public. We invite you to explore our grounds and greenhouses.
Hours of Operation
- Outdoor Gardens and Arboretum: Open daily, from dawn to dusk, year-round.
- Margaret C. Ferguson Greenhouses: Typically open to the public on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Please check the Wellesley College Botanic Gardens website for the most current hours, including any variations for holidays, academic breaks, or special events.
Admission
- There is no charge for entrance to the outdoor gardens or the greenhouses. Admission is free for all visitors.
Directions
Address:
Wellesley College Botanic Gardens
106 Central Street
Wellesley, MA 02481
From the West (via Mass Pike / I-90)
- Take the Mass Pike (I-90) to Exit 13 (Natick/Route 30).
- Follow Route 30 East for 0.2 miles to the first traffic light.
- Turn right onto Speen Street and drive 1.8 miles.
- Turn left onto Route 135 East and continue for 3.6 miles to the main entrance of Wellesley College.
- Turn right into the campus. Follow the main road for about 3/4 mile to the first road on the left (at a black sign for the Science Center).
- Turn left and follow this road to the end, where you will find the Gray Lot parking area on your left. The Visitor Center and Greenhouses are up the hill from the parking lot.
From the East (Boston / I-95/Route 128)
- Take I-95/Route 128 to Exit 21B for Route 16 West.
- Follow Route 16 West for 2.9 miles to the 5-way intersection in Wellesley town center.
- Bear left at the light, proceeding up the hill on Route 135 (Central Street).
- Continue for about 3/4 mile to the next traffic light. Go straight through the light to enter the Route 16 entrance to Wellesley College.
- Take the first road on the right (at a black sign for the Science Center).
- Follow this road to the end to find the Gray Lot parking area on your left. The Visitor Center and Greenhouses are up the hill.