Meet Shady Lane Gardeners, Growers & Landscape Architect

Open year-round, the Hornung Family has owned Shady Lane Greenhouses since 1973, growing along with Waukesha County. We attribute our continued success to two things: superior quality and some of the best people in the business. For over 30 years, Shady Lane Greenhouses has been managed and staffed by gardeners, expert growers and degreed professionals. We offer an unmatched level of expertise to every customer who visits; no question is too foolish or too challenging for our gardening staff. We invite you to take a few minutes to meet some of the exceptional people who are part of the Shady Lane staff.

Karl Hornung, President
From Germany to Sweden to Switzerland to the United States, Hornung brings a global perspective and a European sensibility to gardening. His career in horticulture began when he started working part-time at a greenhouse as a young boy. After graduating from secondary school, he attended horticulture school for three years in Germany. “I enjoy the outdoors and the challenge and pleasure of growing plants,” says Hornung. “I look forward to the beauty and excitement of spring every year.” Two of Hornung’s favorite gardens in Europe include the Covenant Gardens in London and the Island of Mainau at Lake Constance in Germany. “Both are paradise for gardeners,” he says.

From October through December, be sure to check out Karl’s awesome G-model train display — the largest in the Midwest.

Heidi Hornung, Landscape Architect and Retail Manager
Born into the business, Heidi Hornung’s enthusiasm for gardening dates back to her early years. “I couldn’t wait to begin working at the greenhouse,” she says. “I think I started when I was just ten or eleven years old.” Of course her father, Karl, was a big influence on her career choice, but her grandmother’s garden in Germany was another inspiration. “She had a corner lot,” remembers Heidi, “and Frau Hornung’s garden was well-known in the area.” Heidi attended the University of Wisconsin and received her bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture in 1987. She is licensed as a landscape architect in Wisconsin. I enjoy planning for people,” she says. “I love the challenge of figuring out how to use the space – whether it’s acres or just a small garden patch. As our lives get busier and more hectic, having a balcony, garden or yard to enjoy with family and friends has become more important." With over 20 years of experience, including an internship in the green industry in Germany, Heidi offers both depth and expertise as a landscape architect and garden designer.

Greg Olson, Nursery Manager
Affectionately known to Shady Lane customers as “plant man,” Greg Olson, started out playing in the mud and climbing trees – and never stopped! “I always knew I wanted to work outdoors,” says Olson. “Even as a kid, I was fascinated by growing plants and trees.” Olson has been a resource for Shady Lane customers for eight years. He enjoys using his background and experience to help people find solutions to their gardening challenges. “When you come up with the right combination of plants and trees, everything really thrives. People can work less and enjoy their yards more.” When asked about some of his favorite green spots, Olson mentions the gardens at the Breakers, the Vanderbilt mansion in Newport, Rhode Island – and Heidi’s backyard. “The trees at the Breakers are amazing,” he says. “There are old pin oaks and red maples, Japanese yew, Chinese juniper, and dwarf hemlock, imported trees like a Blue Atlas Cedar, and several other rare varieties, like copper and weeping beeches.”

Shady Lane Super Staff
Warning: the Shady Lane staff is passionate about flowers, plants, and gardening. They love to “talk gardening,” answer questions and help customers! Many of our staff people have been with us for over ten years. Stop by to visit soon!