GARDEN CENTER • ARBORETUM • BOTANIC GARDENS
Holiday Hours : July 3 open 8-5, July 4th CLOSED, July 5th noon-5
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.
Hornbaker Highlights
2026: Our Most Exciting Tree & Shrub Year Yet
We’ll be honest — we say this every year. But 2026 really is different. This is the largest and most diverse tree and shrub selection we’ve ever offered, and putting it together has been genuinely exciting for our whole team. Whether you’re planting a single specimen tree or building a serious collection, there has never been a better time to see what we have growing.
One of the biggest stories this year is our expanded native selection. We’re offering more native trees and shrubs than ever before — plants that support pollinators and wildlife while being perfectly at home in our Midwestern climate. We’ve devoted a separate article entirely to natives, so if that’s your passion, make sure you read that one too.
2026 New Hostas & Perennials
Every year, as we pore over plant catalogs and study offerings from our trusted growers, we find ourselves imagining what will feel fresh and exciting in your gardens for the year ahead. We want our selections to provide plants that not only have a strong garden performance, but that also have that collector-worthy detail or extra little spark that makes you say, “I have to find a place for this.”
In the Shade Garden
There’s something especially satisfying about a shade garden that feels layered and textural—where blues sit next to golds, smooth leaves contrast with corrugated ones, and every turn offers a subtle surprise. This year’s new hostas help create exactly that feeling.
A Season of Hostas: Our 10 Bestsellers for 2025
Each year, a few hostas rise to the top as clear favorites among gardeners, and 2025 was no exception. Our best selling hostas of 2025 reflect what growers value most: dependable performance, standout foliage, and varieties that thrive in real gardens. From bold blues and vibrant golds to classic greens with striking texture, these hostas earned their popularity through season-long beauty.
Whether you’re designing a new shade garden or adding to an established planting, these top-selling selections have proven themselves time and again. Chosen by both seasoned hosta enthusiasts and first-time gardeners, they offer a balance of visual impact and easy care—making them trusted staples for shade landscapes everywhere.
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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 19, 2026! 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
