Established in 1987, Hornbaker Gardens originated as a wholesale nursery owned and operated by Rich and Kathy Hornbaker. However, after their first annual open house event, it became apparent the Hornbakers should go into the retail business. Both love to garden, and they more than welcome visitors to their extensive gardens, replete with benches, ponds, bridges, gazebos, etc. Over the years, the Hornbakers have trialed hundreds of plants in their own gardens. Today, their primary retail focus is on perennials, hostas, daylilies, aquatic plants, and grasses, along with traditional Illinois trees and shrubs, and some of the finest locally-produced garden sculpture in the country.