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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.
Designing a garden that could thrive despite some notable challenges was no small feat. The site, with its south-facing slope, full sun exposure, heavy clay soils, and limited access to water, required a resilient and carefully selected plant palette. Jane was up to the task.
Working closely with Dave Hornbaker, Jane began by doubling the size of the garden bed. They removed sod and amended the clay soil with nutrient-rich leaf mulch. Dave artfully placed a fallen cottonwood log and large boulders to set the stage—then Jane brought the space to life with her plant selections and placements.
Every plant was chosen for its ability to thrive under tough conditions: drought tolerance, deer resistance, and low-maintenance needs. With no water source at the end of the lane, we got creative, pumping water from a neighbor’s pond during the initial establishment period. But Jane was planning long-term. Her vision included plants that wouldn’t need ongoing watering, deadheading, or trimming—yet still offered visual impact throughout the seasons.
Since The Barn at Hornbaker Gardens is a year-round event venue, it was important that the Entrance Garden remain beautiful even after the Garden Center closes for the season. Jane selected ornamental grasses that provide height, texture, and winter interest. These include the nativars Panicum ‘Cheyenne Sky’, Panicum ‘Northwind’, Bouteloua ‘Blonde Ambition’, Bouteloua ‘Honeycomb’, Sorghastrum ‘Golden Sunset’ and Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium ‘Blaze’ and ‘Prairie Blue’). Autumn Moor Grass (Sesleria autumnalis and ‘Greenlee’) was also used en masse, bringing continuity throughout the garden.
The garden was also designed to blend seamlessly with our native prairie, just 100 yards away. It’s a living example of how grasses and perennials can be combined in a naturalistic, meadow-style planting that supports pollinators and beneficial insects all year round. Jane planted densely to create a lush, full look while also suppressing weeds—making it easier to maintain and more sustainable over time.
One new standout addition is Aster ‘Raydon’s Favorite’, which quickly became a garden center favorite. This hardy aromatic aster offers late-season color with fragrant, violet-blue blooms that attract pollinators well into the fall. In fact, it was the last plant still blooming at the end of our 2024 season! You can now find ‘Raydon’s Favorite’ at our garden center.
Jane’s commitment to native plants and nativars extended to a surprising and delightful addition: the Prickly Pear cactus (Opuntia humifusa). Native to Bureau County, this hardy cactus thrives in dry, sunny spots, and its yellow blooms are a magnet for pollinators. Plus, it produces edible, pear-shaped fruit that was historically used by Native Americans. Other forbes worked into the design include Achillea (Yarrow), Asclepias (Butterflyweed), Echinacea (Coneflower), Agastache (Hyssop), Calamintha nepeta subsp. nepeta (Calamint), Salvia (Meadow Sage), Baptisia australis (False Indigo), Sedum (Stonecrop), Lavendula (Lavender) and Solidago (Goldenrod).
Jane is the first to admit that no garden design is ever “finished.” Plantings can and should evolve over time. For example, Jane removed some Agastache, as she felt she had included just a few too many. Dave added some perennial lavender to round out the planting along the boulder wall. These small changes reflect the ongoing nature of gardening—observation, adjustment, and appreciation. We invite you to come explore the Entrance Garden on your next visit. Whether you’re arriving for a summer stroll, a fall wedding, or a winter event at The Barn, you’ll find something beautiful and inspiring in every season.