About Us

Mission
We exist to love and value the connection between nature and those who live in it by leading a movement of sustainable and environmental change in our industry and community.

Purpose
To connect people to sustainable landscape products, services, and knowledge to build a more ecologically sound community for tomorrow.

Core Values
1.We SERVE. We maintain a passion to serve the needs of our team, our customers, and our community by encouraging a more sustainable future.
2.We CONNECT. It is through connections that we grow and spread information to make a positive impact on our environment. 
3.We EMBRACE ACCOUNTABILITY. Through honesty, teamwork and collaboration, we develop a culture that encourages holding each other accountable by building trust, understanding and mutual respect.
4.We LEARN. Through continuous education, we fulfill the curiosity and purpose we naturally find ourselves seeking and wishing to share.

Meet the Management Team

Davis Byrkit: General Manager

Davis Byrkit, General Manager of Wilcox Nursery and Landscape, embarked on his journey in the world of native plants by joining a small gardening company specializing in the maintenance of native yards. During this time, he gained invaluable hands-on experience with a wide array of Florida’s native plant species. Many of the landscapes he maintained were designed by Wilcox Nursery, allowing him an intimate understanding of how native plants can be used in urban landscaping.

Subsequently, Davis transitioned to Wilcox Nursery as a Nursery Specialist, expanding his knowledge and exposure to the rich diversity of plant life that Florida has to offer. Today, he serves as the General Manager, overseeing the nursery’s day-to-day operations and contributing to its continuous growth (no pun intended).

In his pursuit of further expertise, Davis is currently working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with a specific focus on Ecology at the University of South Florida (USF). He also spends time giving presentations to local garden clubs and environmental organizations, and has also served a term as President of the Pinellas chapter Florida Native Plant Society.

Nikki Bales: Retail Manager

Nikki Bales, Retail Manager of Wilcox Nursery and Landscape, became interested in native plants when she moved to Florida in 2016. Her general interest in nature and passion for birding helped introduce her to the ecosystems of Florida. Growing up in Maryland and Georgia, Nikki was often found outdoors exploring nature, catching critters and trying to bring them home. Now she uses her experiences to promote preservation and restoration of our wild areas.

Nikki started working at Wilcox in 2021 as a delivery driver and sales person. She became interested in Wilcox’s mission in connecting people to nature, and her love and knowledge of native plants grew quickly. Her goal is to not only provide an excellent retail experience, but to educate and nourish peoples’ interest in native plants. She enjoys working with the community, including schools, local governments, and nonprofits, in getting native plants into the Tampa Bay area.

Nikki graduated from the University of Tampa with a double major in Marine Science and Biology and a minor in Chemistry. During her time at UT, she worked on a research project documenting changes in plant communities in Central Florida’s wetlands. This work led to the expansion of her understanding of how plants interact with the environment, providing valuable insight when planning native landscapes.

Gabrielle Pitchford: Social Media and Marketing Manager

Gabrielle Pitchford, the Social Media and Marketing Manager at Wilcox Nursery and Landscape, brings a fresh perspective to the nursery and landscaping industry. Since joining Wilcox in 2022, she has enthusiastically embraced the world of native plants and sustainable landscaping.

Gabrielle’s professional journey has been quite eclectic, encompassing roles as a Voice Professional and Digital Marketer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Rollins College in Winter Park, FL, and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. After completing her studies, she returned to Central Florida, where she actively participated in the local arts scene. Her endeavors included performing, teaching Applied Lessons as an Adjunct Professor of voice at Rollins College, and spearheading innovative programs as the Director of Education for a non-profit arts organization. During this time, Gabrielle developed a keen passion for business, gaining expertise in enhancing business growth through quality content development, event/program planning and execution, and community engagement.

In the spring of 2022, Gabrielle relocated to the Tampa Bay area. There, she runs her private studio, teaching voice lessons, and works with Wilcox Nursery and Landscape to advance their mission of raising awareness about the significance of native plants and their pivotal role in landscaping practices.

Zack Pitchford: Owner

Zack Pitchford, Owner of Wilcox Nursery and Landscape, stands at the forefront of a remarkable mission: “Wilcox Nursery exists to love and value the connection between nature and those who live in it by leading a movement of sustainable and environmental change in our industry and community.” His main focus is to continue progressing this mission by promoting native plants through retail and landscape design. 

As a born and raised Floridian, Zack enjoys many activities natural Florida offers including fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and hunting. This is where his passion for real Florida began. He is a firm believer that without protecting natural Florida and bringing native plants to urban landscapes while reducing turf area, some of Florida’s most valued attractions and past times will suffer as a result. This passion brought  Zack to his journey of designing and installing Florida native landscapes in 2012, shortly after completing his studies in the Landscape and Nursery Management program at the University of Florida. Guided by an unwavering commitment to sustainable design practices, Zack’s overarching objective is to infuse the urban landscape with an authentic representation of Florida’s rich natural heritage. His emphasis on native keystone species and dedication to fostering robust ecosystems converge with a resolute aim: to “Let Florida Thrive!”

Outside of Florida, Zack has spent time managing Stephen F. Austin University’s native plant and azalea gardens, assisting arborists in San Antonio, TX in the creation of native tree surveys, and consulting with local businesses in the Caribbean on landscape best management practices.

In addition to his efforts at the nursery, Zack also routinely leads and participates  in presentations and discussions to promote native plant education, awareness, and concepts.

The Wilcox Nursery Crew

The Wilcox Nursery crew is dedicated to bringing you the best information and advice about Florida’s native plants and their place in your landscape. We take pride in the vast knowledge base across our entire staff and the enthusiasm they bring to our nursery each and every day. Whether you’re just getting your feet wet or are a seasoned native gardener, you can trust our team to help make your vision a reality.