I've been walking around the school house and grave yard for the past hour, I am starting to think I need to start a new game. Are these items hidden or should they be out in the open?

the stuff near the schoolhouse was a bit difficult to find. it looked like normal weeds. once you have seen what it looks like it is easier to spot it again.

Look inbetween the door and the tree stump. Looking towards your left directly next to the stump there are some roots. Try crouching while looking at them. I had the same problem too.

The Broc Flower is a tall plant by the tree to the right of your empty grave. The Xander Root is on the ground near the tree stump guarded by two mantises.

This took me a while too. What's nice is if you follow the quest arrows, it will take you exactly where you should be in relation to your objective. I hope that the quest locations are this spot on specific in the future, as I know that will help out quite a bit.