GARDEN CENTER • ARBORETUM • BOTANIC GARDENS
Holiday Hours : July 3 open 8-5, July 4th CLOSED, July 5th noon-5
Welcome!
Hornbaker Gardens, Inc. is a family owned and operated nursery located five miles southeast of Princeton, Illinois. Our large collections of hostas, daylilies, trees and shrubs, grasses, aquatics, annuals, and other perennials draw plant enthusiasts from not only the Midwest, but from all across the country.
WE DELIVER AND PLANT
Children's Garden
The children’s garden area was created in memory of our beloved Kathy Hornbaker. It consists of a large, sloped, grassy play area where kids can be kids.
Garden Tours
Every year we host many garden clubs and tour groups. We are happy to greet your group upon arrival and provide a history and overview of Hornbaker Gardens.
Hornbaker Highlights
What to Plant in August and Why
Soil temperature is the key factor most people overlook. By August, the ground has been warming all summer and holds onto that heat well into fall, even after air temperatures start to cool. Warm soil keeps roots actively growing, and root development, not top growth, is what determines how well a newly planted tree or shrub survives its first winter. A tree planted now has roughly two and a half months of strong root-building weather before the ground starts to cool in earnest, which gives it a real head start over something planted next spring.
Daylilies Are Having a Moment
Part of what makes daylilies such a forgiving plant for new gardeners is how little they ask for. They tolerate a wide range of soil types, shrug off heat that would stress out more delicate perennials, and come back reliably year after year without much fuss. If you have a spot in full sun that has been hard to fill with anything else, there is a good chance a daylily would be perfectly happy there.
How to Choose the Right Hosta for Your Shade Garden
If you have a shady spot in your yard that has stumped you for years, hostas are probably the answer you have been overlooking for your garden. They are one of the most reliable, low maintenance perennials for shade, and once you understand the basic categories, picking the right one for your space gets a lot easier.
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Annual Artisan Market
Join us in our beautiful country setting for a day filled with 30+ fine artists, craft beer, delicious home baked items, live music, wine tasting, fresh-picked local produce, local lunch fare, ice cream and more. Saturday, September 19, 2026! Mark your calendars now and plan to spend a beautiful, fall day in the country. Free Admission.
Gift Certificates Available
The perfect gift for any gardener
