
Hilltop Greenhouses
Who We Are
With nearly 25 years of history supplying the Quad Cities area, Hilltop Greenhouses has earned a reputation of having a tradition of unsurpassed quality for local gardeners. Hilltop Greenhouses proudly grows 100% of the plants on-site and always adds the newest of plant varieties each year. We grow our plants cold so they are ready to be planted into the ground with minimal time to acclimate to the cool Midwest spring conditions. In the summer we field grow over 4,000 asters and mums. We offer the highest quality plants and our expert staff is here to answer questions and offer advice on any gardening issue. We are here to help you be a successful gardener!
Our History
Hilltop Greenhouses opened it's doors in 1995 with a single small greenhouse located at the residence of Maria & Chris McCalley. During the next five years, the business evolved from primarily an herb & flower focus to offering an extensive selection of flowers, vegetables, premium baskets, and patio pots. In doing so, it outgrew the residence and needed to move. In 2002, the business was moved to the newly acquired Lyon's Farm located on the outskirts of Illinois City, Illinois. The century farm was homesteaded by the Lyon's family in the late 1800's and still features a beautiful circa 1900 dairy barn surrounded by old style gardens. The last surviving Lyon's family member, Ruth, lived in the small farmhouse with no running water and raised cattle on the farm until her death in 2002 at the age of ninety-six.
Our Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Meet our amazing team! Below you'll be able to see a picture of each staff member as well as their specialty and favorite plant we offer at the greenhouse. You will likely see them running around the greenhouses during your visit, please know they are working dilligently to stock the greenhouses but would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Founder and Master Green Thumb
Maria McCalley
Favorite Annual: Zahara Zinnia
Favorite Perennial: Hydraengae
Favorite Veggie: Kale

Co-Founder & Maintenance
Chris McCalley
Annual: Chennille Plant
Perennial: Lungwort
Veggie: Tomato

Retail
Krista
Favorite Annual: Vinca Flower Tattoo Papaya
Favorite Perennial: Veronia
Favorite Veggie: "What are those?"

Dirt Girl & Production
Lori
Favorite Annual: Moss Rose
Favorite Perennial: Hosta
Favorite Veggie: Tomatoes

Retail
Kim
Favorite Annual: Dreamland Zinnia
Favorite Perennial: Hosta
Favorite Veggie: Orange Wellington Tomatoes

Veggies & Water Enthusiast
Judy
Favorite Annual: Calendulas
Favorite Perennial: Phlox and Poppies
Favorite Veggie: Nope

Mr. Fix It & Class Clown
Rusty
Favorite Annual: Begonia
Favorite Perennial: Tulips
Favorite Veggie: Asparagus

Retail
Susie
Favorite Annual: Lipstick Combo Pot
Favorite Perennial: Bridal Veil
Favorite Veggie: Tomato

Retail
Savannah
Favorite Annual: Snapdragons
Favorite Perennial: Lilac
Favorite Veggie: Green beans

Retail
Kim
Favorite Annual: Lobelia
Favorite Perennial: Clematis
Favorite Veggie: Celebrity Tomato

Production
Angie
Favorite Annual: Zinnias
Favorite Perennial: Tulips
Favorite Veggie: Cherry tomato