About us

A message from Karl Hornung

Welcome to our newly redisigned website, willkommen to Shady Lane Greenhouses. We’re so pleased that you decided to visit and hope that what you see and read on these pages is informative, interesting and, sometimes, a bit playful. We love what we do here and are pleased when that’s communicated in our website.

My family has owned Shady Lane Greenhouses since 1973. We attribute our continued success to two things: stock that is of superior quality and some of the best people in the business. We offer an unmatched level of expertise to every customer who visits. No question is too foolish or too challenging for our gardening staff; as a matter of fact, with every challenge you present to us, we learn a bit more ourselves.

So, take a few minutes to meet some of the exceptional people who are part of Shady Lane, get familiar with all of the gardening and landscaping services we provide, take part in some of the events and seminars we host. Most importantly, bring to us your garden fantasies and backyard dreams. With 50 years’ experience, our family-owned business of expert growers will help you create a garden that’s a natural-born beauty.

— Karl F. Hornung

Our mission is to exceed our customers’ expectations by offering quality plant material, providing expert gardening and landscaping services, and ensuring a customer-friendly environment.

Karl Hornung

President

From Germany to Sweden to Switzerland to the United States, Karl Hornung brings a global perspective and a European sensibility to his garden center. His passion for horticulture began when, as a young boy, he started working part-time at a greenhouse.  From there, he attended horticulture school for three years in Germany, moved to America and worked in the industry gaining knowledge, experience and partnerships.  His dream of starting a greenhouse of this own came true in 1973.  “I enjoy the outdoors and the challenge and pleasure of growing plants,” says Karl. “I look forward to the beauty and excitement of spring every year.” Karl shares this passion with his community by supporting many local fundraisers, donating to charities of his choice and servicing surrounding churches for ceremony beautification.  Karl loves to engage with his customers!

— Karl F. Hornung

-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 10 or 11 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 received her bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  Heidi brings unique layers of service to Shady Lane with garden & landscape design, classes & workshops for customers to learn and enjoy, expertise in mixing older well-known varieties of annuals with the new ones, and re-introducing the passion for gardening to up and coming gardeners.  She welcomes you in for questions and conversation any time.  

Paul Hornung

Paul Hornung, General Manager of Operations

As the youngest of the Karl Hornung family, Paul also helped out in the greenhouse in his earlier years, learning from his dad and Heidi. After working in the corporate world of McDonalds for several decades, managing stores and operations, Paul made the decision to join the family business full time.  Now he continues to learn the ins and outs of plant & flower production, and work closely with the greenhouse team to manage the operations of the Shady Lane facility. Paul has the same passion for producing high quality plants and delivering first rate customer service for retail customers, fundraisers and wholesale partners. Just like his dad! He is delighted to offer a great selection of annuals, perennials, vegetables & herbs that work well for every level of gardener. Paul invites you to come in and be wowed by the assortment, the quality and the expertise of Shady Lane Greenhouse.