At Hillsdale Lily Garden, the landscape tells a family story that stretches back generations. Set on an 80 acre family farm in southwest Iowa, the garden reflects a deep appreciation for agriculture and beauty.
The farm has been in Lu’s family since 1940, when her grandparents first purchased the land. Over time, that history took on new life through flowers. Today, the garden spans one and one quarter acres and features more than 280 varieties of daylilies, creating a space that feels both carefully cultivated and deeply personal.
Flowers have always been part of Lu’s family story. The women in her family always had yards full of flowers. What started as a shared love for growing and tending plants slowly evolved into something more. With encouragement from a daylily grower in upstate New York who had ties to southwest Iowa and recognized the potential of the Omaha metro market, the idea of turning that passion into a business began to take shape.
Hillsdale Lily Garden officially opened nearly a decade ago, and 2026 will mark its tenth anniversary. Since those early days, the business has continued to grow steadily. Each year has brought new gardens, new varieties, and new visitors discovering the diversity of daylilies for the first time.
For Lu and Todd, being owner operators means being closely connected to every part of the business. Both have deep agricultural roots in Iowa, having grown up around farming through parents and grandparents. That shared background gives them a strong understanding of the land and the work it takes to care for it.
What they enjoy most, though, is the people. Meeting fellow flower lovers has become one of the most rewarding parts of running the garden. Visitors come from across Iowa and beyond, drawn by the beauty of the space and often leaving with a new appreciation for how approachable daylilies really are.
One thing many people do not realize is just how hardy daylilies can be. They grow well in almost any soil as long as they receive at least four hours of direct sunlight. Many visitors are also surprised by the sheer variety available, with a wide range of colors, patterns and price points. From well loved classics to newly registered varieties, there is something for every type of gardener.
Choosing where to start can feel overwhelming for first time visitors, but that is part of the experience. With so many options, customers are encouraged to walk the garden and find the flowers that speak to them.
Looking ahead, growth for Hillsdale Lily Garden is not about rushing or expanding for the sake of size. It is about continuing to add unique varieties and offering something new each season. The garden has grown every year since opening, and that steady, intentional approach continues to guide the business.
Supporting Iowa agriculture remains at the heart of what they do. Their flowers are proven to grow well in Iowa’s climate, which gives customers confidence in planting and long term success.
Being part of Choose Iowa is one more way Hillsdale Lily Garden shares that pride. Flowers are shipped across the country, and each package includes a postcard promoting Iowa and the people who work hard every day to produce quality products.
Hillsdale Lily Garden is built on patience, tradition, and a genuine love for what they grow. It is a place where family history, agriculture, and beauty come together, one daylily at a time.
