Our Story
Pictured, left to right: Dave Hornbaker, Rich Hornbaker, Molly Blogg
1987
1989
1998
2004
2008
2008
2015
2015
1976
The Beginning
Rich and Kathy Hornbaker purchased 14 acres of isolated ground, upon which stood an abandoned homestead. A perfect place to build a house and raise a family. Little did they dream that someday they would be inviting the world to come share this lovely hideaway.
1980’s
Horn's Berry Farm
A small pick-your-own business, known as Horn’s Berry Farm, was started
1984-86
Creating a vision
- Began to experiment with hardy mums
- The berries were plowed under, and plans were laid for the start of a perennial nursery
1987-90
Hornbaker Gardens
- Hornbaker Gardens started as a wholesale-only business
- The first Open House hosted to let the local folks come out and view the operation
- Hornbaker Gardens opens seven days a week as a retail garden center in 1990
- Our signature garden, the hosta ravine, was constructed
1990-1995
Expansion
- A daylily collection was begun and we purchased an iris business.
1996-98
Becoming a Destination
- Gazebo added to the hosta ravine in 1996
- Hosted a garden tour during the America Hosta Society convention in 1998
2001
New additions
- Began selling granite garden art
- Large pond added to sunny display beds
- Our website, hornbakergardens.com, was launched
2004-07
Continuing to expand
- Llama and other artwork of Bob Cumpston arrive in 2004
- Pottery Alley opens at the gardens
- Began selling bedding plants, annuals, and the first greenhouse went up
2008-13
The Shop opens
- In 2008, The Shop opens
- Stamped concrete stairs were installed in the hosta ravine in 2010
- 2nd greenhouse of annuals goes up in 2011
- Iris field eliminated as plans begin for The Barn
2013
Artisan Market
The first Artisan Market is held at Hornbaker Gardens
2014
New Prairie
- 2.5 acre native prairie seeded
2014
Our Family mourns
- Loss of Kathy Hornbaker
2015
The Barn Opens
- First event held at The Barn
- KC, the Catahoula mix, arrives at the farm
2016-17
Children's Garden created
- Sidewalk and patio added to The Barn in 2016
- In 2017, a Children’s Garden was created in memory of Kathy
- Major garden renovations happened in 2017
2019-21
Recent additions
- Purple martin houses are installed
- Annual space expands with addition of a new shade structure
- Mini bar opens at The Shop in 2021