Events

Garden Photography

Can’t seem to capture the beauty of your gardens in pictures? Dave Cook will be here to show you the basics of flower photography. After a quick lesson about framing and angles, participants will try the techniques on an instructor led walk through our grounds. Bring your own camera or phone to take pictures. This workshop is in partnership with The Princeton Public Library.  Pre-registration is not required, but it is appreciated so we 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 a 4-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 1st grade through 4th grade. Adults are welcome to enjoy our gardens during these activities. 

This year we are offering two 1.5 hour session each week to allow for more participants.

Music in the Meadow: The Wildwoods

We are excited to offer music in our “meadow”! On Sunday, June 16th we will welcome The Wildwoods from Lincoln, Nebraska to play near the patio at The Barn. We will have beer and wine and fresh wood-fired pizza available for purchase. Chairs will be provided, but feel free to bring your favorite lawn chair or blanket. Outside alcohol is not permitted. Children under 12 are free with adult ticket purchase.

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. Join us in the morning OR afternoon!

Garden Walk Series: Open House Arboretum/Hosta Walk

Join us for a journey through the seasons! We are excited to offer 4 garden walks to showcase the gardens throughout the year. All Garden Walks are free to attend. Participate in all four walks to be entered to win a $75 gift card to use in 2025!

Check out some of our favorite hostas and unique trees with Dave. Our gardens are exceptionally beautiful this time of year. This garden walk is part of our Open House weekend

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. Join us in the morning OR afternoon!

Mini Hosta Logs “Make & Take”

Make your own mini hosta collection! Pick 3 mini hostas to plant up in a log planter that you can display in a shaded spot all season long. We’ll also give tips for caring for hostas in containers. $10 deposit will be deducted from your purchases the day of the class. Approx. $45-75 depending on hosta varieties used.

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’ Container Garden “Make & Take”

Bring the kids’ to create their own easy care container gardens. We will have various decorations to add a personal touch to each garden. Each garden will get its own mini house that can be decorated any way imaginable.

Sensational Succulent Planters

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 includes a complimentary drink. $10 deposit will be deducted from your purchases the day of the class. Approx. $30-50

Spring Combo Containers “Make & Take”

Postponed from May 13: 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 for your porch or patio. An assortment of containers and plants (including perennials) will be available to pick and purchase to complete your planter. You sip and mingle while playing in the dirt. Reservations are required. $10 deposit will be deducted from your purchases the day of the class. Approx. $40-60

Houseplant Basics

Join us to learn about houseplant basics including understanding soil differences, how to propagate, and helpful technology to assist you in growing healthy houseplants. Bring your houseplant questions and we will send you home with a small cutting to get you growing! Free. Please pre-register.

Terracotta Pot Painting “Make & Take”

Bring the kids to paint a 6-inch terracotta pot, then pick out a plant while it dries. Fun for all ages and perfect for creating a one-of-a-kind gift (Mother’s Day is the next day!)

Tabletop Herb Garden “Make & TASTE”

Create your own herb combo container for a patio table or wide windowsill. Learn growing tips and taste some simple herbal butter blends that you can make with your new herb garden. $10 deposit will be deducted from your purchases the day of the class. Approx. $35-50

New Plants for 2024

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.

Garden Walk Series: Early Spring

Join us for a journey through the seasons! We are excited to offer 4 garden walks to showcase the gardens throughout the year. All Garden Walks are free to attend. Participate in all four walks to be entered to win a $75 gift card to use in 2025!

Kick off spring with Dave Hornbaker as he walks through our gardens pointing out early bloomers, spring cleaning tasks and more!

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