About TLC Garden Centers
Growing With Oklahoma Since 1980
TLC Garden Centers was originally founded in 1980 by Charles and Linda Shackelford. In the decades since, TLC has grown into one of the most comprehensive nursery, greenhouse and landscape retailers in the country. Our goal has always been to offer the highest quality plants and supplies at reasonable prices, backed by knowledgeable experts to create a unique shopping adventure.
That foundational drive still rings true today – and it’s the driving force behind everything we do.
Founders Charles and Linda Shackelford
Our flagship store on Memorial Road began as a humble plant shop and greenhouse. Today, it has blossomed into a massive 20 acre operation including expansive retail nursery and greenhouses, as well as a large climate controlled plant growing facility. Since we grow many of our own plants right here, we know which varieties not only survive, but thrive in Oklahoma’s challenging climate.
Our Mission
Bringing People & Plants Together
Harmonizing plants and people in an environment where both can be happy and successful is what we’re all about. We feel this is how we do our part in creating a more beautiful and pleasant world.
Recognition Grows
Each year, TLC Garden Centers receives accolades from industry associations and consumers alike – such as our “Top 100 Garden Center” distinction from Nursery Retailer Magazine.
This national listing recognizes independent garden centers for their excellence in product selection, gross sales and overall quality. TLC has also repeatedly been named a winner or finalist in consumer choice listings, including the OKC Gazette’s “Best of OKC” and The Oklahoman’s “Reader Choice Awards.”
Top 100 Independent Garden Center
Best of OKC - Best Garden Shop
The Oklahoman - Reader's Choice Award & Community's Choice Award
405 Magazine - Best Plant Store
A Change in Ownership
Charles and Linda Shackelford retired in 2012, entrusting their legacy to TLC’s new, plant-loving owners, Bob Gerdes and Frank McDonald.
Bob
Owner
Bob has worked with plants his entire life, growing up in his family’s company, Gerdes Nursery in Shawnee & Edmond. He was honored as the Oklahoma Nurseryman of the Year in 2008 and has served as President of the Oklahoma Nursery & Landscape Association. When his family sold their nursery locations, Bob spent a few years in the wholesale nursery and landscape business before joining Frank McDonald as an owner of TLC Garden Centers.
Frank
Owner
Frank has owned numerous retail companies in the Southwest and has an extensive background in commercial real estate development. He has served on the board of many non-profits as well as acting as a trustee of his church. He and his wife Tricia have two sons and three beautiful grandchildren.
TLC’s Plant Professionals
An important part of TLC’s commitment to our customers has always been to provide dependable advice from a knowledgeable and friendly team of horticulture professionals. That’s why TLC places great emphasis on the experience and training of our team members. Consistent TLC training, local continuing education courses and an ongoing search for the best people available are trademarks of TLC. You can see the evidence of it in every Plant Professional you meet in our stores.
Amanda
Retail Manager
Amanda has been with TLC Garden Centers since the very beginning – 1980. She was born and raised in Tecumseh, OK and graduated from OSU-OKC with a Horticulture degree in 2005.
Brandi
Greenhouse Manager
Brandi has been with TLC Garden Centers since 2009, and also worked with us from 1997 to 2000. Born and raised in Moore, OK, Brandi graduated from Oklahoma State with a degree in Horticulture in 2000. She was an herb grower in Dallas for five years and worked in Interiorscaping for three years in Fort Worth.
Darrell
Nursery Manager
Darrell has been with TLC since 2015. Before joining TLC, he worked at a local Oklahoma tree farm and has extensive knowledge in all things trees. Darrell has a strong background in retail, having co-owned his own business in Oklahoma City for many years.
Sue
NW Store Manager
Sue has worked for TLC Garden Centers since 1993, having managed two of its stores in her time here. She was born and raised in Oklahoma City and attended Oklahoma State University. Prior to joining TLC Garden Centers, she worked in the landscaping industry for several years.
Cultivating Our Community
As a longstanding local business, caring for our community is important to all of us at TLC Garden Centers. That’s why we’re involved with numerous organizations and do all we can to make central Oklahoma a beautiful place to live.
Plant it Pink
$177,000+ Donated to Stephenson Cancer Center For Breast Cancer Research
Other Community Partners TLC Proudly Supports
OKC Beautiful
Myriad Gardens
Allied Arts
Veterans Memorial at Honor Park, Guthrie
Downtown Edmond Arts Festival
American Heart Association
Jesus House
Project 31 Breast Cancer Community
Hearts for Hearing
A Chance to Change
Will Rogers Gardens
Boy Scout Troop 21
Nichols Hills Elementary School
Edmond Kiwanis Club
Edmond Neighborhood Alliance
Trinity School
John Rex Elementary School
Norman North Band Booster
Edmond Public Schools
Deer Creek Schools
Edmond North Band Booster
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