Hornbaker Gardens

Hornbaker Gardens, 22937 1140 N. Ave, Princeton IL 61356 (815-659-3282 http://www.hornbakergardens.com/ If you haven't previously visited Hornbaker Gardens, my advice is to use a GPS or take someone who's been there before.

Hornbaker has an extensive on-line catalog and web site. For those located outside the area, this is a good way to shop. For those of us within driving distance, there's no substitute for wandering their grounds.

Hornbaker's is beautifully situated and landscaped. It's grown (no pun intended) from a little hosta place to "the" place to go for hosta, iris, daylilies, perennials, landscape plants and materials.

Before I wax on as if they're perfect, they do have some things to watch: They're not cheap. Their "clumps" are single and should be considered when price comparing. They are a large business and can be rather impersonal. The worst thing about them is my inability to just get what I came for and not want every beautiful plant I see.

That aside, they have good quality plants that tend to take hold and survive better than most mail order of the same species or variety. The landscaped areas allow those with not so much experience to visualize what could be (given a crew of several hundred and more money than a house payment but still...really outstanding.)

If you want an awe inspiring site, visit their iris or daylily beds (in bloom season). No where can you get a better idea of what your plant will look like than seeing in bloom in a field situation. Stand back and you know what flower stands out from a distance. Walk the rows and you know what flower takes your breath away up close and personal.

As I've said, they only give single fans and it looks really skimpy when you pick them up. I do think this is reflected in the price they charge. I've never had an iris or daylily from Hornbaker fail to set up quickly and be very healthy.

Hornbaker's "open house and hosta walk" is June 10-11-12, 2010. Additionally, peak iris bloom is usually the last two weeks in May. Daylily bloom season starts around July 1. Ornamental grasses plume July through October. As always, weather can effect these dates so you may want to watch the web site or give them a call if these are your passion.

Kramer's Chuck Wagon (yummy good) serves food on certain Saturdays - check if this is important to your plans. Otherwise, they have picnic tables for sack lunches or just sit and rest.

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"Prairie Country Gardens" and "A Few of My Favorite Things" north out of Galva on the Galva/Atkinson Blacktop (309-932-8177) have combined to add fresh flowers along with Diane Nelson's seasonal and decorative things.

This is a great little place to pick up annuals, vegetables, and some different perennials. She doesn't carry a large quantity so timing your visit is key. I see she has pansies right now. She has a sign out front and it states the current "what's new".

Diane also gets in orders of fresh blueberries, peaches, and other fruits direct from the growers. These are usually only by pre-ordering. She carries seasonal plants such as Easter lilies, poinsettias, and other holiday specific varieties.

Nice local person and business to support with your dollars.