he Flower Patch was one of the early homes in Arcola, Illinois. It was started in 1864 as a two-room house. Before the turn of the century, a prominent Arcola doctor attached a large Victorian addition to the two rooms. In the early 1900s the house was expanded with a wrap around porch and a small addition on the west side. It served as a family dwelling for three more generations until 1990 when Bill and Lynne Harshbarger opened it as a bed and breakfast.

The Flower Patch is located on Arcola's old fashioned, shady Jefferson street that harkens back to an early time with its brick streets and neatly trimmed boulevards. The Flower Patch takes its name from the lovely patches of flowers which surround the house and lead to a flourishing herb garden which is frequently used to garnish and flavor the breakfast entrees. Along the front sidewalk, salmon colored geraniums bordered by blue ageratum and white alyssum invite guests in.

The house contains a gift shop with a variety of art and craft items many of which reflect the talent of local artists. Lynne, a porcelain artist herself, has placed many of her original paintings in frames around the house. Her painted pitchers and butter dishes compliment the fine china settings used to serve breakfast.

The Flower Patch has five lovely rooms each reflecting Lynn's artistic eye for color and design. Four are on the second floor. The Rose room is on the main floor, next to the sitting area. Two rooms have private baths. Two upstairs rooms share an attractive bath with Victorian touches. In the late afternoon guests are invited to enjoy the downstairs parlor, the shaded porch swing, and the quiet gazebo for complimentary tea or coffee. In the evening they may select a video from the house collection. The Flower Patch has served guests from all over the United States and several foreign countries. Because of its convenient location on the Interstate it is very popular with visitors from Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis.

The Flower Patch serves a full breakfast at 8:00 AM around the elegantly arranged dining table Repeating guests enjoy the variety of recipes, the fresh herbs, and Amish grown produce that makes dining at the Flower Patch a unique and delightful experience. Guests also find pleasure in meeting and talking to other people in such a pleasant setting.

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