It all started with two plants from Grandma’s farm.
As the great-great-grandkids of farmers, working the land we live on has always been in our roots. Both of our families have spent more than a century in Southern Illinois. So when we purchased our home nestled away in a quiet neighborhood on a bluff with a view of the St. Louis skyline, we knew we wanted to turn it into something creative to carry on our family’s tradition of farming. Our home’s historic proximity to the Mississippi River not only deepened our connection to this place, but also left a legacy of rich soil.
It all started with two hostas from Honey, Brian’s grandmother. Over the years, plants were split from those hostas and shared amongst aunts, uncles, and cousins until a few landed in our backyard. It was Honey’s love for hostas, and a chance introduction to a Wisconsin hosta farmer who shared his knowledge and passion for the vast world of hosta varieties that hooked us. It wasn’t too long before we, too, became hosta-holics, and realized these beautiful, leafy, easy-to-maintain plants could become our connection to the land and the community. And with that, Hostas on the Bluff was born.
Today, those few humble plants have turned into one of the largest selections of hostas in Missouri and Southern Illinois, with more than 500 unique varieties growing on our hillside farm, and over 20,000 plants that are potted and ready for purchase. It has been a labor of love—led by Erica, with the hands and heart of the entire family behind them.
Our home is still our home, but we also welcome people from near and far to pack a lunch, enjoy the views, build out their dream shade gardens, and visit our unofficial animal farm of four goats, Nugget, Hops, June, and Louie…three cats, Lynx, Samson, and Spots…two kids, Emma and Andrew…and one very special Border Collie named Sophie.
Whether you’re an expert green thumb, just starting out, or even looking for a venue to host your next garden club meeting, yoga class, or wedding, Hostas on the Bluff promises a uniquely personal experience and peaceful environment no matter the season.
We sell locally late April to September, we also have special open garden events and ship anywhere in the lower 48.We usually host 3 open garden events each season starting in late April.