Hornbaker Highlights
Hosta ‘Halcyon’: 2026 Hosta of the Year
Hosta ‘Halcyon’ has earned its place in the spotlight as the 2026 Hosta of the Year, and it’s easy to see why. This classic blue hosta is prized for its thick, heart-shaped leaves in a rich steel-blue tone that holds its color well throughout the growing season. With a tidy, medium-sized habit and excellent slug resistance, ‘Halcyon’ is both beautiful and reliable in the shade garden.
Equally appealing is how effortless it is to grow. Thriving in part to full shade, Hosta ‘Halcyon’ performs well in borders, woodland gardens, and containers, offering cool contrast among greener foliage. In midsummer, soft lavender flowers rise above the foliage, adding another layer of interest without distracting from its iconic leaves. Whether you’re a longtime hosta collector or just beginning to explore shade gardening, ‘Halcyon’ proves why it continues to be a garden favorite year after year.
The Jane Morris Pollinator Paradise at Hornbaker Gardens
In 2023, we embarked on a mission to reimagine our entrance garden—and the results have been nothing short of transformative. Thanks to the thoughtful design work of Garden Designer Jane Morris, this once-simple space has evolved into a stunning pollinator’s paradise, brimming with color, texture, and life from early spring through winter. To honor Jane’s contributions to Hornbaker Gardens over the years, we have decided to name this work of art after her, The Jane Morris Pollinator Paradise.
Back to Our Roots: New Native Fruit and Nut Trees
Before we were a garden center, a botanic garden, or an event space, we were Horn's Berry Farm—an organic berry farm started by our parents, rooted in strawberries, raspberries, and a deep love for growing good food. Molly and I grew up surrounded by an orchard of...
Hornbaker Gardens Named a Proven Winners Certified Garden Center
Behind the scenes in early 2025, twenty (new and returning) Hornbaker Gardens staff members gathered in The Barn at Hornbaker Gardens for our annual Proven Winners Garden Center training. Hornbaker Gardens has once again been named a 2025 Proven Winners Certified...
‘Skywriter’ Honored as 2025 Hosta of the Year
The American Hosta Growers Association has honored 'Skywriter' as the 2025 Hosta of the Year. This medium-sized hosta, bred by Chicago-area hybridizer Dr. Dan Wols, forms a semi-upright mound approximately 15 inches tall and 30 inches wide. Its deeply corrugated,...
Over 20 New Hostas Arrive for the 2025 Season
We have over 20 new varieties of hostas this season, some in very limited supply. The full collection of New Hostas can be found on our website, but we’ll entice you here with several not-to-miss varieties, starting with a mini and working our way up in size. H....
Hornbaker Gardens Welcomes Over 120 New Perennials in 2025
With the start of a new spring season, we have dozens of new perennials to offer. While this article highlights many of our new selections, you are welcome to browse the full collection of New Plants for 2025 on our website. We’ll start with perennials for the sunny...
Embracing the Beauty and Durability of Osage Orange at Hornbaker Gardens
At Hornbaker Gardens, we’re always looking for ways to work with the natural beauty around us. One of our favorite local resources is Maclura pomifera, commonly known as Osage Orange. This remarkable tree grows in abundance in our area, and its incredible durability...
Clustered Mountain Mint chosen as 2025 Perennial of the Year
The Perennial Plant Association has chosen Pycnanthemum muticum, commonly known as Clustered Mountain Mint, as the 2025 Perennial Plant of the Year. Native to the eastern United States, this herbaceous perennial is celebrated for its ecological value and ornamental...
What’s New in Trees & Shrubs
Pam Horwitz is the Tree and Shrub Sales Manager at Hornbaker Gardens. Pam began as a Landscape Designer in 1995, and worked as...