Events

Fall Arboretum Walk

Join us Monday, October 2nd at 5:30 pm for a Fall Arboretum Walk! Dave Hornbaker will lead a stroll through our gardens, pointing out varieties of trees and shrubs that provide late season interest. The trees will be starting to show their fall color and, if we are lucky, we will end the evening by enjoying a gorgeous sunset over the prairie around 6:30 pm. Free Event. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Don’t forget to allow some time to check out our fall plants, décor, and remaining perennials before the arboretum walk begins. We want to share the fall beauty of our gardens before we close on October 10th!

Bob Solberg Hosta Event

Hosta expert Bob Solberg, of Green Hill Farm in North Carolina, will join us again to share his knowledge and experiences. Bob will give his presentation at 1 PM in The Barn. Meet and Greet opportunities will be available before and after his presentation in the Garden Center. The Garden Center will be open this day from 9 AM to 4 PM. More information to come.

Please register so we can know how many people to expect. 

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.

Candle Making with Farm to Wick

 Capture your favorite garden scent in a candle to enjoy all year long. Instructors from Farm to Wick will be here to help you make your own 100% soy candle. Reservations required.

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. 

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.

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

Leaf Casting “Make & Take” with Ella Maxwell

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

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! 

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

Herbal Drink Flights- SOLD OUT

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

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.

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.