Events
We are always excited to learn and grow together. We host hands-on workshops for all ages, educational presentations, kids’ discovery workshops, our annual open house and more. Many events are free and some have a fee for materials or a guest presenter. You won’t want to miss our annual Artisan Market that happens each year in September.
2023 EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS
Saturday,
April 22, 2023
Time
10:00 a.m.
Cost
FREE
Earth Day
This Saturday is Earth Day! Celebrate with us while we demonstrate a tree planting in our gardens. This won’t be just any tree planting. Dave Hornbaker will be discussing the importance of properly planting a tree, as well as how to care for a newly planted tree to get you growing in the right direction. Free demonstration.
Saturday,
April 29 2023
Time
10:00 a.m.
Cost
FREE
New Plants for 2023
Join us in the garden center to learn about some exciting new plant varieties including hostas, perennials, trees and shrubs. Molly Hornbaker Blogg will share some growing tips and specifics of where you can utilize these beauties in your own space. Free.
Monday,
May 1, 2023
Time
6:30 p.m.
Cost
$20
Herbal Drink Flights
Mix up some simple drinks using herbs you can grow yourself! We are going to show you how to make simple, herb-infused lemonade, as well as have a few other non-alcoholic drink options for you to try. On the menu: Rosemary Citrus Spritzer, Cucumber & Mint Limeade, Lavender Lemonade, and Watermelon + Basil + Lime Iced Tea. We will give you recipes, a free herb plant, and growing tips to take home. This workshop with take place on the patio at The Barn. Reservations required. Fee: $20
Saturday,
May 6, 2023
Time
9:30 a.m.
Cost
$55 per pair
Mother/Daughter Theorem Painting
Here is a special gift idea to give to your loved one! Mother and daughter can share time together and create beautiful botanical paintings or greeting cards together, or you can surprise someone with one of your own to give as gift. We will be using the Theorem Painting Technique, an early 19th century technique of painting, utilizing templates and patterns designed by our instructor. All materials are included. $55 for two
Saturday,
May 6, 2023
Time
10:00 a.m.
Cost
FREE
Growing Heirloom Tomatoes
What is the difference between an Heirloom tomato and a Hybrid? We’ll teach you in this informative beginner’s class discussing everything from soil preparation to growing practices. Heirloom tomatoes are indeterminate plants that continue to grow upward for up to 9 months and need supported and pruned differently than a hybrid. We will discuss the stringing method along with the staking method. Come learn with us! Free.
Monday,
May 8, 2023
Time
6:30 p.m.
Cost
$40
Spring Containers
May has arrived and it’s time to pot up a beautiful container for your porch or patio. Learn what plants work best as thrillers, spillers, and fillers to create a simple, stunning container. We’ll supply a 12 inch container, potting soil, fertilizer, plants and step by step instructions. You sip and mingle while playing in the dirt. This workshop will take place near our annual greenhouses. Includes a complementary drink. Reservations are required. Fee: $40
Saturday,
May 13, 2023
Time
10:00 a.m.
Cost
$15
Kids’ Containers for Mother’s Day
Here’s a chance for the kids to come get their hands dirty and create something pretty for Mother’s Day. We will have small pots and plant stakes for kids to decorate. They can then plant a flower and have a complete, unique gift to take home. Fee: $15
Monday,
May 15, 2023
Time
6:30 p.m.
Cost
$35
Sensational Succulents
Wooden planters are a popular, versatile vessel for low maintenance plants, like succulents. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll be using one to create your own mini succulent garden. We will have rectangular barnwood planters and numerous succulents to choose from. Dave Hornbaker will provide expert guidance on planting and caring for your new plants. This workshop will take place near our annual greenhouses. Includes a complementary drink. Reservations required. Fee: $35.
Saturday,
May 20, 2023
Time
10:00 a.m.
Cost
$40
Annual Spring Containers
Learn how to design and plant a beautiful combination of annuals for your porch or patio. We’ll supply a 12 inch container, potting soil, fertilizer, plants and step by step instructions. Reservations are required. Fee: $40
Monday,
May 22, 2023
Time
6:30 p.m.
Cost
$20
Wild about Willow
Weave and wow your way to wonderful willow knowledge with Dave Hornbaker. It’s no secret that Dave is wild about willow. Join us for a complementary drink on the patio as he discusses how to grow willow and unique uses for the plants and branches. You’ll even have the opportunity to try your hand at creating a miniature version of our giant woven willow heart or other small project. He’ll send you home with a willow cutting to grow yourself. Fee: $20
Saturday,
May 27, 2023
Time
10:00 a.m.
Cost
$25
Kids’ Beautiful Bug Garden
Succulents are easy to care for and, with the addition of some rocks and twigs, they make a great habitat for (plastic) bugs and butterflies! We will assist your budding entomologist with planting, and have supplies for them to decorate a bug hut to finish their miniature garden. Fee: $25
Wednesdays,
June 7 – July 26, 2023
Time
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 am
Cost
$5 per week
Nature Rangers Exploration
If you have a kid that is ready to get outside, get dirty, and do some hands-on exploring after sitting in a classroom all school year, we have just the program for them! Our Nature Rangers series is back with an 8-week exploration that is sure to awaken all your child’s senses. They will have the chance to breathe in the fresh air, observe insects, and listen to the sounds of nature.
Nature Rangers Explorations will meet rain or shine. Recommended for kids going into Kindergarten through 4th grade. Adults are welcome to enjoy our gardens during these activities.
June 9-11
Time
Daily
Cost
FREE
Open House and Hosta Walk
This annual 3-day event offers many items with special pricing including a long list of hostas. There will also be refreshments, door prizes, and we will have the gardens looking exceptionally beautiful!
Saturday,
June 10, 2023
Time
10:00 a.m.
Cost
$30
Leaf Casting “Make & Take” with Ella Maxwell- SOLD OUT
Leaf sculptures can add beauty to any garden or indoor environment. Completed samples will be shown for inspiration. There will be an opportunity to cast several leaves. You may bring your own leaves, but all materials will be provided. Wear old clothes and bring rubber/disposable gloves and a cookie sheet to transport your leaves home. Your leaf castings can be used as ornaments, birdbaths, wall
hangings, etc. Information will be given about painting or embellishing your finished leaves at home after fully dried.
Fee: $30
Saturday,
June 10, 2023
Time
1:00 p.m.
Cost
$30
Stepping Stone “Make & Take” with Ella Maxwell
Design your own uniquely personalized stepping stone. You can decorate with leaf imprints or bring in your own beads, stones, or shells. Make a one of a kind decoration for the garden or give as a gift. You could also add hand prints or names to commemorate a birthday. Samples will be shown for inspiration. You may bring your own elements but all materials will be provided. Wear old clothes and bring rubber/disposable gloves and a cookie sheet to transport your stepping stone home. Information will be given about painting or embellishing your finished stepping stone at home after fully dried.Fee: $30
Tuesday,
June 20, 2023
Time
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Cost
$35
Floral Watercolor Greeting Cards with Melody Best
Gorgeous floral greeting cards will be created using 5 different techniques and mediums. Try them all, and choose your favorite. No painting experience needed. All materials will be provided.
Sunday,
June 11, 2023
Time
2:00 p.m.
Cost
FREE
Arboretum Walk
The Hornbakers have been planting trees and shrubs on their 40 acres for over 40 years. Join Rich and Dave for an afternoon stroll around the grounds. Several varieties of Beech trees will be featured, along with many other unusual and standard plants, including conifers. Free.
Saturday,
September 16
Time
10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Cost
FREE
10th 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. Mark your calendars now and plan to spend a beautiful, fall day in the country. Stay up to date by following the Artisan Market Facebook page here.
Previously Offered Events
Saturday,
September 17
Time
10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Cost
FREE
9th 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. Mark your calendars now and plan to spend a beautiful, fall day in the country. Stay up to date by following the Artisan Market Facebook page here.
Saturday, April 23
Time
10:00 a.m.
Cost
FREE
New Plants For 2022
Join us in the garden center to learn about some exciting new plant varieties including hostas, perennials, trees and shrubs. Molly Hornbaker Blogg will share some growing tips and specifics of where you can utilize these beauties in your own space.
Saturday, April 30
Time
10:00 a.m.
Cost
FREE
Gardening With Perennials
As we start our 36th year in business, we’ll talk about our “Tested Hardy at Hornbaker Gardens” feature, along with general tips on growing and cutting back perennials. We’ll demonstrate how to divide a variety of perennials, including hostas, of course.
Monday, May 2
Time
6:30 p.m.
Cost
$40.00
Spring Annual Container
Monday evenings on The Barn patio are back. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful surroundings, and a complimentary beer or wine. May has arrived and it’s time to pot up a beautiful container for your porch or patio. We’ll supply a 12-inch container, potting, soil, fertilizer, plants and step by step instructions. You sip and mingle while playing in the dirt. Reservations are required.
Saturdays
May 7, 14, and 21
Time
8:30 a.m.
Cost
DONATION
Yoga in the Gardens
Certified yoga instructors from our local Arukah Institute of Healing will lead a one-hour basic yoga flow with the peaceful backdrop of our gardens. No experience necessary. Please bring a mat if possible, a limited number will be provided. Donations to Arukah are encouraged.
Saturday, May 7
Time
10:00 a.m.
Cost
$15.00
Kid’s Containers for Mother’s Day
Here’s a chance for the kids to come get their hands dirty and create something pretty for Mother’s Day. We will have small pots and plant stakes for kids to decorate. They can then plant a flower, succulent or hosueplant and have a complete, unique gift to take home.
Monday, May 9
Time
6:30 p.m.
Cost
$15.00
Cultivating and Cooking Herbs
Monday evenings on The Barn patio are back. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful surroundings, and a complimentary beer or wine. Join local chef Monika Sudakov, from the Chestnut Street Inn in Sheffield, to learn about tips for growing and using fresh herbs. After learning the basics, watch Chef Monika make a simple dish using fresh herbs to sample. Everyone goes home with an herb plant to add to their garden. Reservations required.
Monday, May 16
Time
6:30 p.m.
Cost
$35.00
Sensational Succulents
Monday evenings on The Barn patio are back. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful surroundings, and a complimentary beer or wine. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll be creating your own mini succulent garden. David Hornbaker will provide expert guidance and a variety of unique upcycled containers for you to choose from, along with some more traditional containers. Reservations required.
Saturday, May 21
Time
10:00 a.m.
Cost
$25.00-60.00
Terrarium “Make & Take” Workshop
Terrariums are a popular way to add a little green to an indoor space. While we assist participants in building their own glass terrarium, we will outline the basics of design, planting and care. We have various sizes of vessels to choose from, and all materials and plants are included. Fee depends on the container you choose. Reservations required.
Monday, May 23
Time
6:30 p.m.
Cost
$15.00
Mason Jar Flower Arranging “Make & Take” Workshop
Monday evenings on The Barn patio are back. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful surroundings, and a complimentary beer or wine. Lindsay Funderberg is the manager of The Barn here at the Gardens and an incredible florist. Lindsay will be offering tips and guidance as you use foliage and flowers from our gardens to create your own arrangement in a mason jar. Reservations required.
Saturday, May 28
Time
10:00 a.m.
Cost
$10.00
Macrame Plant Hanger Workshop
This popular way to display houseplants is simple to make. Participants will be instructed how to tie their way to a new house plant hanger. We will have a nice selection of houseplants that can be purchased, or bring along one you already own.
Saturday, June 4
Time
10:00 a.m.
Cost
$20.00
Kid’s Dragon/Fairy Garden “Make & Take” Workshop
If your littles love dragons or fairies or both, they’ll have fun creating a succulent habitat for their creatures. We will assist with planting and also have supplies for them to decorate a small dragon cave to accesorize their container.
HG Nature Rangers!
After the enthusiasm we saw for the Priaire and Pond Discovery workshops that we held last year, we decided to expand our offerings for our youngest gardeners. We ask that an adult buddy stay with their kids to join them on these adventures.
Monday, June 6
Time
8:00 p.m.
Cost
FREE
Night Hike
Have you ever wondered what happens in the gardens after dark? Night time is just as important to the success of a garden as what happens during the day. Join our staff for a walk around the grounds at dusk as they point out beneficial insects or just watch in amazement at the show the lightening bugs are sure to put on in our prairie this time of the year. Come as a family and enjoy a sunset over our prairie before setting out on this short hike.
Thursday, June 30
Time
3:00-5:00 p.m.
Cost
FREE
Pond Discovery
Ponds are more than just water, they are an entire aquatic ecosystem! Staff member Carol will point out all of the fascinating water plants and insects that are found in a healthy pond. Participants are sure to spot some fish and frogs as well. Dress to get wet.
Thursday, July 21
Time
9:00-11:00 a.m.
Cost
FREE
Prairie Discovery
Joins us for a morning adventure in our prairie. We will have bug nets and magnifying glasses for kids to do their very own prairie sweep. Once they catch some insects, our staff member Carol will help them identify what makes each insect unique and how they benefit the prairie and the ecosystem.
June 10-12
Time
Daily
Cost
FREE
Open House and Hosta Walk
This annual 3-day event offers many items with special pricing including a long list of hostas. There will also be refreshments, door prizes, and we will have the gardens looking exceptionally beautiful!
Friday, June 10
Time
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Cost
FREE
Friday Night Sip & Stroll
Plan a date night or girls’ night out or bring your family! Friday Night Sip and Stroll: food, beer & wine in the gardens. The garden center will be open until 7:00 pm. Come check out the Open House specials and stroll the beautiful display gardens.
Saturday, June 11
Time
10:00 a.m.
Cost
FREE
Plant Anatomy Workshop
Join our staff member Carol as she gives an introduction to plant biology. Learn the anatomy of a plant in a hands-on dissection and see how all plants have the same basic parts that come togehter to create each unique plant.
Saturday, June 11
Time
1:00 p.m.
Cost
$20.00
Hypertufa “Make & Take” Workshop
Peoria-area horticulturist Ella Maxwell will be here to help you create a rustic garden container for your patio, deck, or garden. We will have the materials on hand for you to make a small planter using a mixutre of materials called hypertufa, which looks like stone after it cures. Please wear old clothes and shoes. Reservations are required.
Saturday, June 12
Time
2:00 p.m.
Cost
FREE
Arboretum Walk
The Hornbakers have been planting trees and shrubs on their 40 acres for over 40 years. Join Rich and Dave for an afternoon stroll around the grounds. Several varieties of beech trees will be featured, along with many other unusual and standard plants, including conifers.
Saturday, June 25
Time
10:00 a.m.
Cost
FREE
Pollination Workshop
Come celebrate National Pollinator Week with us. Staff member Carol will be hosting an open discussion about all things pollinators. Learn about native plants that provide food to these beneficial insects and what you can do in your gardens to welcome and support butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Tuesdays
July 5, 12, 19 and 26
Time
9:00 a.m.
Cost
$20.00
Nature Journaling (4-Week Series)
Kids aged 7 to 10 can explore their senses in this 4-week series. Every Tuesday morning in July, kids that sign up for this 1-hour group will gather in the gardens to find their own journaling spot. Once they are settled, they will observe the space around them and write or draw what they see, hear, and feel. Reservations required. Limit 20 participants.
Sunday, July 24
Time
TBA
Cost
FREE
Solberg Hosta Event
Nationally known hosta expert Bob Solberg will be back to share is wit and wisdom. More details to come!