Gateway Nursery was established approximately 30 years ago and has had three owners. The current owners, Paul and Dusty Kornbacher purchased the business in April 1998 after moving from Michigan where they worked as a Finance Manager and Administrative Assistant. Dusty’s roots in Marshall County go back several generations and it was the many trips to visit grandparents and family that established her desire to live in KY. Although neither of the Kornbacher’s had any previous knowledge of horticulture they viewed their purchase of the nursery as a way to work together as they had in their marriage of 30 years as well as a way to meet people and establish friendships in the country. They joined the Perennial Plant Association, Kentucky Nursery and Landscape Association and became Master Gardeners.

Buying a business with no prior knowledge of that business takes guts, skill and MUCH faith in God to get you through the rough spots. In the beginning Dusty used her secretarial skills to alphabetize the annuals so she could find them as she couldn’t tell a Marigold from a Zenia but by alphabetizing she knew which end of the bench to look! By combining their business strengths, the couple has worked to make the business what it is today.

The Florist was established in January 2004 and continues to be a growing part of the business.

In 2004 another prayer was answered when their only son, Alex moved to Kentucky with his family to join his parents in the business.


Gateway Nursery is conveniently located on Hwy 68 just East of the Purchase Parkway in Draffenville.They are part of the Kentucky Proud Program as they grow their own annuals and perennials and carry a wide variety of trees and shrubs. They also offer lawn care and grounds maintenance.

The gift shop is stocked with a numerous fine gifts from manufactures such as Heritage Lace, Toland, NCE and Jefferson Art Studio.

They are proud members of the Kentucky Nursery and Landscape Association and the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce. They are fully licensed and insured.