Geese in the strawberry field at Horn’s Berry Farm, 1985.
Before we were a garden center, a botanic garden, or an event space, we were Horn’s Berry Farm—an organic berry farm started by our parents, rooted in strawberries, raspberries, and a deep love for growing good food. Molly and I grew up surrounded by an orchard of pears, apples, peaches and apricots, veggies in the backyard, fruit in the fields, and a lifestyle that blended hard work with homesteading values.
While Hornbaker Gardens has grown into something much bigger, my heart has always been in our roots of growing food at home—and this year, we’re going back to our roots in a big way.
In addition to the apple, pear, peach, and cherry trees we have been carrying for years, we are thrilled to offer an expanded selection of fruit and nut trees that feed people, pollinators, and the land itself:
Chestnuts – We’re carrying Castanea dentata (American chestnut), a keystone native tree nearly lost to history, along with two blight-resistant hybrids: ‘Amy’ and ‘Homestead’. These trees offer shade, food, and a chance to be part of something restorative. Check out the history of the American chestnut if you’re interested in learning more about the progress of this native tree.
Pawpaws – The largest native fruit in North America is finally getting its moment! We’re offering grafted nativars like ‘Overleese’, ‘Wells’, ‘Mango’, ‘Prolific’, ‘Rappahannock’, and ‘Pennsylvania Gold’ (which has already sold our for the season)—all selected for their incredible tropical flavor and reliable fruit set.
Hazelnuts – Nutritious for people and wildlife, beautiful, and adaptable—we’ve got straight native Corylus americana, the productive nativar ‘Sun Harvest’, and two vigorous hybrids: ‘The Beast’ and ‘Grand Traverse’.
These trees aren’t just plants—they’re a way to feed your family, support native ecosystems, and invest in long-term abundance. Whether you’re starting a homestead, expanding an orchard, or just planting for future generations, we invite you to grow with us.