Pensacola, Fla. – Emerald Coast Growers founders and longtime industry members Dave and Wyona Babikow have officially retired from the business as of December 2013.
“My father had a strong vision for the potential of ornamental grasses,” says son Paul D. Babikow, President of Emerald Coast Growers. “He turned his passion into a thriving business of grasses and perennials.”
Dave’s horticultural roots run deep, back to the time when his grandfather William E. Babikow emigrated from Russia and began growing produce and eventually cut flowers for the Baltimore market in 1875. Dave grew up on the family flower farm with his brothers: Oliver (Buzz), founder of Green Leaf Enterprises; and Paul Wesley, co-owner of Babikow Greenhouses.
Dave and Buzz would marry sisters, Wyona and Lee Moxley respectively, and Dave and Wyona later joined Buzz at Green Leaf, helping to grow the company into a leading perennial supplier.
In the early ’80s, Dave became interested in growing ornamental grasses. In 1991, Dave and Wyona, along with sons Paul and Mark, established an ornamental grass nursery in Pensacola, Florida. The newly formed company, Emerald Coast Growers, quickly expanded to become a leader in ornamental grass starter plants and eventually include a line of perennial starters.
As the company grew, additional family members joined and brought their strengths to the table. Emerald Coast Growers now employs more than 125 workers, including 12 family members.
“It’s been a privilege to be part of this industry.” says Dave. “Wyona and I have enjoyed watching the exciting direction our children have taken the company.”
With their retirement, Dave and Wyona leave the company fully in the hands of its current owners: son Paul & daughter-in-law Maureen Babikow, son Mark Babikow, daughter Cheri Markowitz, daughter Bonnie Mietling and brother-in-law Albert Mueller.
For more information or to order any of Emerald Coast Growers’ products, call 877-804-7277 or visit www.ecgrowers.com.
Emerald Coast Growers is proud to celebrate 23 years of success in the horticulture business. Known for their wide variety of perennial starter plants and specialty plants, Emerald Coast Growers still maintains the distinction of being one of the industry's largest suppliers of ornamental grass liners to North American growers and retailers. With more than 450,000 sq. ft. of greenhouse space, over 100 acres of farmland and growing locations in both the northeast and southeast, Emerald Coast Growers consistently supplies top quality starter plants to growers throughout North America. ECG starters are available by common carrier, grower truck or customer pickup in Florida or Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.ecgrowers.com.
Source: Emerald Coast Growers
