WDF: HISTORY AND LINKS

"We Want to Grow For YOU!"

WINDMILL DUNES FARM

WDF was established in January, 2000 by Doug and Lisa Babbitt on the family farm southwest of Paxton, Nebraska. The farm has been in the family since before World War II, most recently known as the Babbitt Hereford Farm. Following the passing of Doug's father, Merlyn Babbitt, the property was reduced to its current size of 160 acres. Several years following the farm sale with Doug's mother, Alice, still living on the farm and cash renting the remaining land, Doug and Lisa followed the footsteps of Doug's cousin and husband, Janis and Miles Imel of Mitchell, Nebraska, who had opened WDF's sister nursery, "Peaceful Prairie", two years earlier. Doug is a graduate of the University of Nebraska with a BS degree in Agriculture Economics. Lisa is also a graduate of the UNL, and has a BS degree in fashion design. After the birth of their two sons, Jack and Will, they decided they wanted to raise their children in a rural environment and moved to the family farm. With no true direction planned other than the destination to Paxton, they were open to most suggestions. With the farm totaling only 160 acres, traditional farming seemed out of reach. Miles' education in Horticulture from the University of Southern Illinois, with experience in over a dozen years of nursery management and production pointed Doug and Lisa towards WDF's specialty of hanging baskets and containers. With the assistance of Janis and her degree in Agronomy from UNL, the new rural garden center and greenhouse nursery was established.

The first year the business marketed five combination specialty baskets with a quantity of 400 of each one, totaling 2000 10-inch baskets. With a moderately good year and great deal of education, the business was able to sell 65% of its inventory its first year. While doing so, WDF made contacts with many companies wanting the specialized containers that WDF grows for its wholesale clients. Starting in 2001, WDF grew over 2,100 containers and baskets, varying in size from 10- and 12-inch baskets and bowls, to 14- and 20-inch pots. WDF also took on bedding plants, shrubs and trees, ornamental grasses and perennials. In its first year, WDF had 5 major combinations to choose from, while in 2001, the selection reached to over 65 combinations. Over 60% of the 2001 inventory was pre-sold to wholesale clients. As always, WDF offers its local rural and urban customers who drive "to the farm," a great value, selection and service. For more information, please go to "The Garden Center".

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