A Botanic Garden Like No Other
Discover the beauty of native plants in a naturally dramatic landscape
The Garden is closed for the season. Native Plant Trust members, see information about Winter Walking under Hours, below.
In a garden visitors often describe as magical, you’ll find a naturalistic plant collection that showcases New England native plants with complementary specimens from across the country. Garden in the Woods lies just west of Boston, on 45 acres sculpted by retreating glaciers into eskers, steep-sided valleys, and a kettle pond. Here you’ll find inspiration for your own garden and a new appreciation for the varied plant life of our region.
Location
180 Hemenway Road
Framingham, MA 01701
T 508.877.7630
F 508.877.3658
Get directions from your location via Google maps. Please note: Exits on I-90 (MassPike) have been renumbered. The exit to use for Garden in the Woods, formerly #12 (Framingham), is now #111 (still labeled Framingham). Your mapping software may not yet show the change.
Check our local weather.
Hours
The Garden is closed for the season. Winter Walking, for Native Plant Trust personal members only, has begun. Native Plant Trust personal members, we invite you to enjoy Winter Walking (weekdays only) by reservation.
Winter Walking hours: Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., excluding holidays. Please call ext. 3801 or 3104 to reserve your time slot.
The Garden is closed for Winter Walking on Monday, December 20, through Friday, December 24. Winter Walking resumes on Monday, December 27.
The Garden Shop is open by appointment only. Email nmacon@NativePlantTrust.org to make an appointment or ask how to order a gift card.
Admission (in season)
Tickets are available at the Visitor Center when you arrive or in advance online (use the green button below).
- $14 Adults (18-64)
- $10 Seniors (65+)/Students with ID
- $6 Youth (5-17)
- Free for children under 5
- Active servicemen and women and their spouses admitted free with valid military ID Veterans receive 50 percent discount with proof of service.
- Our members at the Individual with Garden Access level and higher admitted free
- Please leave pets at home. Service dogs are welcome.
For the safety of all visitors and the protection of plant collections and other natural resources, we do not allow bicycles, off-road vehicles, and vehicles or motorized devices used for mobility assistance (with the exception of wheelchairs) on the paths at Garden in the Woods or in our sanctuaries. The terrain is also too steep for most wheelchairs.
Amenities
Feel free to enjoy our outdoor picnic tables, located outside the Education Building. Restrooms are located inside the Visitor Center and also in Education Building, near the picnic tables.
Tours (in season)
We offer guided walking tours of Garden in the Woods at the times listed below, on a drop-in basis. Walking tours last 60-90 minutes and follow the one-mile main path loop. These drop-in tours are complimentary with admission. Guided tours are subject to the availability of volunteer tour guides.
Drop-in tour schedule through the end of August:
- Wednesdays and Fridays at 11 a.m.
- Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Drop-in tour schedule September through closing in mid-October:
- Wednesdays at 11 a.m.
- Saturdays at 2 p.m.
Cart tours and group tours depend on the availability of volunteer garden guides. Our golf cart holds five passengers and is driven by a Garden Guide. Reservation requests for cart tours and group tours must be made at least three weeks in advance of the desired visit, using this form.
Enrich your visit with our free smartphone audio tour app, which guides you through our 45 acres of plant displays. The app is available from Google Play and Apple's App Store. We suggest downloading it before arriving. And for those who cannot visit in person, we invite you to drop in for this virtual visit.
Not a member yet? Join now.
Looking for Nasami Farm, in western Massachusetts? Click here.
Garden Guidelines
Some things to check before you visit
General Rules
Please:
- Leave pets at home. Service dogs are welcome.
- Stay on the paths to preserve our living collections.
- Do not pick flowers, fruits, or plants.
- Do not smoke anywhere on the premises.
- Picnic only on the patio by the Education Building.
- Come back to marvel at the changing seasonal beauty.
For photographers:
- We don't allow any commercial photography or group photo sessions for weddings, family portraits, engagements, celebrations, or similar gatherings. (If you're a member of the press, please call to make advance arrangements: .)
- We know you'll be absorbed in capturing images, but please take care to stay on the paths—and don't even think about disturbing the plants to get a better effect.
- Please don't block the paths or stand in the way of other visitors.
For the safety of all visitors and the protection of plant collections and other natural resources, we do not allow bicycles, off-road vehicles, and vehicles or motorized devices used for mobility assistance (with the exception of wheelchairs) on the paths at Garden in the Woods or in our sanctuaries. The terrain is also too steep for most wheelchairs.
Thank you!
