GARDEN CENTER • ARBORETUM • BOTANIC GARDENS

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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.

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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.

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The Barn

The secluded beauty of the botanical gardens and arboretum at Hornbaker Gardens is the perfect choice for your special day. Say “I do” on the manicured meadow, overlooking the pond, surrounded by nature’s beauty. Then walk to “The Barn” and start the party!

VISIT THE BARN SITE

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We drive to Princeton from Chicago just to buy some new unusual hostas. We always find an awesome selection! Also we love to walk thru the beautiful gardens to give us ideas for our yard. We have many friends take the trip after seeing our yard & wanting hostas for their yard. Nowhere in Chicago has such an awesome selection!

Linda, 2020

We just received our shipment of Hostas! Thank you for an amazing selection of quality and size! They arrived healthy and beautiful, and we are so excited about adding them to our garden! We have purchased hostas in the mail from other sources and been so disappointed. Your plants, however, were amazing! We will order again soon!

Meg - Travelers Rest, SC

This is a must see stop, (and of course Shop)! They have Amazing gardens to stroll through, with a nice addition, they now offer wine, beer drinks and snacks for purchase. They carry hundreds of varieties of hosta, unusual plants, succulents, herbs and perennials. A huge selection of beautiful pots, fountains and great additions for your gardens. We make a day out of it and usually drive up at least once or twice a year. We love this place!

Sonya, 2021

Got my two Krossa Regal hostas today! Wanted to complement you on the quick delivery and the excellent condition of the plants! They were much larger than I had expected…such a good value. I will be most happy to keep ordering from you! Best wishes!

Sue - Bartlett, IL

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‘Neptune’ is the 2023 Hosta of the Year

The American Hosta Growers Association has picked a unique hosta as the 2023 Hosta of the Year. ‘Neptune’ has arching, wedge-shaped leaves that hold their powdery blue color well into summer.