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 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.... Read the full article here.
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Weekend Flash Sale!
This weekend, Friday and Saturday August 1st and 2nd, purchase any two allium varieties and get one free! Open Friday and Saturday 8am-5pm. Sale promotion only good in store. Check our live Allium inventory on our website.
| | 12th Annual Artisan Market | | Our 12th annual Artisan Market is rapidly approaching. Please mark your calendars for Saturday, September 20th. Our plans include over 30 fine artists, live music, food trucks, and more. Our 2025 community mural, designed by Karen Kling, is titled “Farm Dog” in memory of our dog K.C. who we lost unexpectedly last season. You can join in this hands-on experience and paint 1 of 200 squares that will bring this mural to life. Follow our Artisan Market Facebook page to see all future updates and details leading up to the big day. | | |
In their second session, our explorers enjoyed a nature hike with their adult partners. After seeking out blooms for their projects, they retreated to the cool interior of the Barn to weave flower wreath crowns. In their third session, our outdoor explorers created nature mandalas. You won't regret taking a moment to watch our Outdoor Expeditions YouTube videos. Their excited faces, joy, and creativity are infectious and sure to brighten your day!
Be sure to view the events section of our website and Facebook page for upcoming event notifications!
| | Hot Bloomers and Grassy Beauties: Why August is Garden-Inspiring | |
The hottest days of summer bring with them some of the season’s most stunning blooms. While it may feel like the peak of heat outside, your garden can still be full of vibrant life—and a quick stop at the garden center in August might be just the inspiration you need.
Late summer is an often-overlooked time of beauty in the landscape. It’s when certain perennials truly come into their own, showing off color, texture, and fullness. At the garden center, you’ll find many of our favorite heat-loving bloomers putting on a show. Some highlights this time of year include:
These perennials don’t just shine now—they’re also great choices to ensure your landscape has something blooming at every stage of the growing season. A lush, full garden comes from planning for early, mid, and late-season color.
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And it’s not just about flowers—our ornamental grasses are really starting to show off, too. Stroll through the display gardens and you’ll see how grasses can bring movement, contrast, and interest to your landscape. Right now is the perfect time to observe their size, texture, and shape—and imagine how they’ll provide visual appeal into fall and even through winter.
This weekend’s forecast looks gorgeous, making it an ideal time to stop by, wander the gardens, and pick out a few additions for your own space. Just remember: new perennials need consistent watering, no matter when they’re planted. A good watering routine will give them a good start even in the summer heat.
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Don’t Miss Our “Hot Bloomers Walk” – August 7 at 8:30am
Join us for a free guided tour of our display gardens, led by one of Hornbaker Gardens owners. They’ll walk you through a handpicked selection of their favorite late-summer bloomers, sharing insights and answering your garden questions along the way. It’s a great opportunity to see mature plants in action and imagine how they could enhance your own space.
Whether you’re looking to add late-season color, explore new perennials, or simply enjoy a peaceful walk through blooming gardens, now is the perfect time to visit the garden center. Let August’s beauty inspire your next planting.
| | On site, our crew installed a new planting to the west of "The Shop." Right across from our retail checkout and along the drive into the garden center, the planting has filled out nicely by the end of July. Look right too see this planting when you drive into the garden center this fall. | | |
The Second Story Teen Center in Princeton has a new building on main street. This June, we completed a landscape install that beautifies the new building the community worked so hard to bring to fruition.
Next time you are in Princeton, take a drive by to see how amazing and welcoming their new location is.
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| | The Hornbaker team broke ground on the Princeton Rail Depot Campus Landscaping Project in July. Walking paths of crushed granite were installed by our crew. Stay tuned as we landscape an aesthetically pleasing and ecologically beneficial mix of native and non-native cultivars of trees, shrubs, grasses, and flowers. This installation will mimic much of the original vegetation and preserve the past. We look forward to integrating the Rail Depot's historic features into the landscape. | | | | | | |
