Green Oak Florist & Garden Center

Since 1960, Green Oak Nursery has helped Jacksonians decorate their spaces and grow their green thumbs. Almost six decades later, business is still blooming.

“People trust us, and we work hard to earn that trust,” says Maur McKie. “It’s fun continuing to help customers we’ve helped throughout the years.”

Maur and Karen McKie took over Green Oak from Karen’s parents, Billy and Rita Martinson, in 1998. Maur handles the business side of Green Oak, while Karen, a certified horticulturist, oversees the design services. Their son, Eric McKie, also joined the team last year, making Green Oak a third-generation business.

With three greenhouses, a garden center, an outdoor gifts section and a full-service florist, there’s something for every level of plant enthusiast. Green Oak also offers a variety of landscaping, colorscaping, Christmascaping and exterior maintenance services for homes and businesses.

“People want to know they are getting the right plant for their space,” says Maur. “And we are able to suggest what we think will work best for them.”

Green Oak’s knowledgeable staff of certified horticulturists, as well as landscape architects and designers, are able to recommend not only the most suitable products, but also how to care for each plant.

“We’re invested in the industry,” says Maur. “We’ve had some of our staff since 1962, and we try to make sure they have as much education as possible in their field.”

When spring rolls around and the greenhouses fill with color, Green Oak begins prepping for Easter and Mother’s Day. In addition to the beautiful arrangements of roses, tulips, azaleas and other fresh-cut flowers, Maur says gifting a rose bush is also a unique idea.

“We will go out and plant the bush for them,” says Maur. “The thing about flowers is, whether you’re giving or receiving them, they make everyone happy.”

For a more customizable option, landscaping gift certificates are also available. Maur advises calling in early for any holiday orders. He adds that no matter what someone is looking for at Green Oak, they can expect the same great customer service they’ve offered since they first opened.

“You can walk into our building and know you’re getting a good quality product from helpful staff,” says Maur. “And we’ll carry your purchase to your car.”

Written by Abbie Walker and photographed by Joe Ellis for Find It In Fondren © Find It In Fondren