(BATESVILLE, Ind.) – A popular Batesville garden center is changing ownership after more than 30 years. 

Matt and Marla Nobbe opened 5 Oaks Garden Center in 1989 as a single greenhouse.

Matt recalls, “When we started 36 years ago in Oldenburg and quickly outgrew that space, we built our new garden center in the middle of a field of weeds. A lot of people told us years later that they thought, ‘What are those kids thinking?” 

The business has grown to include eight greenhouses and a full-service retail operation. 

The Nobbe family is now planning to retire and have announced that 5 Oaks has been acquired by Blake Belter. 

Belter started working at 5 Oaks when he was 15-years-old an Matt once joked with him that he could one day take it over. 

“He probably didn’t think anything of that comment at the time, but it stuck with me. I decided to study Horticulture at Purdue University so I could learn more and keep building on what Matt and Marla have created. There’s a lot to learn, but I’m excited,” Blake said. 

Looking back over the last 36 years, the Nobbes are thankful for all of their customers, employees, suppliers, and friends who have been a part of the 5 Oaks story. They look forward to watching the business thrive in the future.