GARDEN CENTER • ARBORETUM • BOTANIC GARDENS
Register Now for our upcoming Bob Solberg Hosta Event!
Reminder that we are closed on Sundays for the remainder of our season.
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.
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.
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!
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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. Saturday, September 20, 2025! Mark your calendars now and plan to spend a beautiful, fall day in the country. Free Admission.
Gift Certificates Available
The perfect gift for any gardener
What is your plant guarantee?
We guarantee our plants to be true to name and in good health at the time of purchase. We guarantee trees & shrubs, hostas and daylilies through the first winter.
If your plant dies within that time frame, bring in a picture of that plant and your receipt. We are happy to give you a store credit equal to the amount of your purchase price.
Can I take photos at Hornbaker Gardens?
Yes, we welcome photo sessions for families, senior pictures, engagements. We ask that you call our office to get on the calendar. There is no charge if photo sessions are scheduled during our open hours. If you schedule after hours, there is a $25 fee. Any wedding or special event happening at our event center takes priority. Please be courteous.
Is your property wheelchair accessible/friendly?
Most surfaces are mulch, grass or gravel and accessible. The hosta ravine has many stairs that aren’t accessible, however it can be viewed from the upper gardens as well.
Where can we get something to eat?
Our local town, Princeton, has some great dining options (and fun shopping, too). Visit our Resources page to get all those details.
Do you ship plants?
We ship only hostas and daylilies throughout the continental U.S. using USPS Priority Mail. We ship only on Mondays allowing plants to arrive before the weekend. We take orders all year and ship from mid-April through October 10th. Shipping costs are $15 for the first 5 plants and 50 cents more for each additional plant.
What is the hosta shipping process?
We take orders all year for hostas, and ship from mid-April through October 10th. When you order by phone or online you receive the same one gallon hosta that customers shopping here at the nursery pick up. We take them out of their one gallon pot, shake off as much soil as possible, wrap the roots in plastic wrap, and ship them bareroot.
What is the daylily shipping process?
We take orders all year for daylilies, and ship from mid-April through October 10th. You may place orders online or by phone. When you order one plant, you will receive at least a double fan with a robust root system. We ship daylilies bareroot, with the roots moist and wrapped in newspaper. We also offer a wide selection of potted daylilies that can be purchased at our nursery and planted at any time during the growing season.
Can I bring my dog to the Garden Center?
Yes! We welcome four-legged friends that are on a leash.
