About

Our Mission

The mission of the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association is to elevate the business success of our members through dedicated efforts in legislative and regulatory advocacy, comprehensive education, impactful networking, and the steadfast promotion of professionalism.

With a legacy spanning over 80 years, the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) has pioneered the most trusted business practices. Our relentless commitment is to serve as the premier resource, furnishing members with the indispensable framework, essential tools, and visionary guidance for unparalleled success. TNLA stands as the authoritative voice on matters shaping the landscape of the Texas Green Industry today.

TNLA Members represent the breadth of the Green Industry in Texas including

Landscape Professionals- engaged in landscape design, installation, maintenance, landscape architecture, hydromulching, arboriculture, or interiorscaping
Growers/Re-wholesalers- Engaged in growing and/or distributing nursery stock, trees, plants, or turn in field operations, and or interorscaping
Retail Professionals-Engaged in operating a garden center, retail nursery, or florist shop
Irrigation Professionals- Engaged in irrigation system design, irrigation consulting, installation, maintenance, and repairs, or services
Suppliers- Engaged in manufacturing, distributing, or supplying products or professional services to the nursery/landscape industry
Municipalities, and more.

TNLA Membership

Why Statements

Membership

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Through innovative solutions and unwavering dedication, we strive to build a green industry where shared connections drive positive change and elevate the potential of every individual and company we touch.

Workforce Development

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When you choose to participate in TNLA education, you have the confidence you are receiving Texas-specific knowledge from true experts who possess an in-depth understanding of the unique issues, products, and regulations that pertain to the Texas green industry. Our commitment to delivering the most relevant and accurate information ensures you are equipped with the expertise needed to navigate the Texas market successfully.

Expo

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Attending EXPO is an invaluable opportunity for individuals seeking to gain the knowledge necessary to thrive in their respective green industry segment. By participating in EXPO, you not only stay up to date with the latest trends, explore new products, and learn to effectively manage issues, but you also have the chance to connect with the best minds and experts the industry has to offer. In essence, EXPO is where knowledge, innovation, and networking converge, providing an experience for personal and professional growth.

Advocacy

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When it comes to choosing an advocacy organization, people can rely on TNLA for our unwavering commitment to promoting the importance of their business and products within the industry. We stand firmly in the role of safeguarding your company from unnecessary or detrimental regulations and laws, with the aim of preserving not just your business but also the entire industry for the benefit of future generations. TNLA is your trusted partner in securing a sustainable and prosperous future for your company and the broader landscape of your industry.

Committees

TNLA committees spearhead project visions, strategize for TNLA success, offer support and counsel, track progress, manage project/event scope, and mediate conflicts. Their work integrates diverse industry viewpoints into TNLA initiatives, ensuring comprehensive planning and execution.

Education

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The TNLA Education Committee is comprised of TNLA members with diverse expertise across various Texas-based industry segments, such as Nursery Grower, Retail, Supplier, Irrigation, and Landscape. Meeting regularly on an annual basis, this committee oversees the educational offerings, both digital and in-person, for the association. Their responsibilities include keeping the staff updated on the latest trends and topics within the Green Industry and offering insights on expert speakers to enrich the association's members' knowledge base.

Certification

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The TNLA Certification Committee consists of industry experts holding TNLA Certification. Their main duties involve updating examination tests and study resources, enhancing assessment validation, collaborating with staff to manage program administration, and suggesting adjustments to prerequisites and recertification criteria as necessary.

EXPO Gardens

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EXPO Gardens originally Parks and Patios, Tarrant County College offers a way for schools and students to get involved in crafting an enchanting landscape at EXPO, showcasing the harmony between innovation and natures beauty. Exhibitors can contribute product & allows them a way to showcase their products.

A Legacy of Success

Each year, TNLA recognizes outstanding contributions and achievements in the Green Industry with Young Leader Awards, Arp Awards, Honorary Lifetime Memberships and Summit Awards.

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TNLA Arp

Honors an individual professional for their outstanding contributions to the Industry.

1942  J. M. Ramsey
1943  L. M. Riggs
1944  Wilma Gunter
1945  V. E. Martin
1946  Not awarded
1947  S. G. Verhalen
1948  M. P. Ramsey
1949  O. J. Branch
1950  Gene Howard
1951  Don King
1952  John Van Valkenburgh
1953  J. B. Fitzpatrick
1954  S. Clark Kidd
1955  A. F. DeWerth
1956  Ralph Ellis Gunn
1957  Dr. Richard P. White
1958  Frank S. Cornelius
1959  R. C. Aldridge, Sr.
1960  L. C. House
1961 Jack Jones
1962 W. E. Gentry, III
1963 L. A. “Slick” Dean
1964 L. J. Hilscher
1965 Raymond Mosty
1966 Bob Baker, Jr.
1967 Warren Landwermeyer
1968 Sterling Cornelius, TCNP
1969 James H. Walker
1970 Earl Vallot
1971 B. R. Fullingim
1972 Charles Black
1973 Everett Janne
1974 Ray Haynes
1975 Bill Bradshaw, TCNPE
1976 Joe Crank
1977 Winston Jones
1978 Richard C. Aldridge, Jr.
1979 Sterling Cornelius, TCNP
1980 Sidney Meadows
1981 Dr. James A. Foret 1982 George Wechsler, TCNPE
1983 George Pletcher
1985 Richard Hayes
1986 E. Curtis Taber, TMCNP
1987 Dr. William C. Welch
1988 Grady Wadsworth
1989 Otis Hawkins
1990 Harry Cole
1991 Elaine K. Turner, TCNPE
1992 Jesse Grubb
1993 John Bracken, TMCNPE
1994 Joe Tew
1995 James K. Presnal
1996 Anne Muscat
1997 Eddy D. Edmondson
1998 Bill Shaw
1999 Joe Burks
2000 Joanne Harden & James Harden, TMCNP
2001 Jack Davis, TCNP 2002 Tom Mikulastik
2003 Dr. Don Wilkerson
2004 Gary Kinney
2005 Dr. Sam Cotner
2006 Jim Prewitt
2007 Tom Dickerson
2008 Not awarded
2009 Mike Branch
2010 Bill Brown, TCNP
2011 Dr. Charlie Hall
2012 Jim Estill, TMCNP
2013 Dr. Steve George
2014 James Wilhite, TCLP
2015 Sam Weger, TMCNP
2016 Bob Cartwright
2017 Mark Harris, TCLP, CLP
2018 Mark Chamblee, TMCNP
2019 John Peters, TMCNP
2020 Neil Sperry
2021 Johnette Taylor
2023 Bill Carson
2024 Billy Long
2025 Adrian Muehlstein TMCNP

TNLA Young Leader

Given to the person who has made a significant impact on the Texas Nursery & Landscape sector early in their career. Learn More

1996 Mark Baxmann, TMCNP
1997 Weston Pacharzina, TMCNP
1998 Sandy Buell
1999 Michael Payne, TMCNP
2000 Todd Kinney, TMCNP
2001 James Harden, Jr., TMCNP
2002 Steve Taber, TMCNP
2003 Joseph Johnson, TMCNP
2004 Josh Bracken, TMCNP
2005 Adrian Muehlstein, TMCNP & Jackie Smith
2006 April Herring, TCNP
2007 Michael E. Brown, TCLP
2008 Not awarded
2009 Derek Whisenand 2010 Carmelo Orellana, CLT
2011 Jared Pyka
2012 Jason Craven
2013 Clayton Leonard
2014 Jade Hopson
2015 Zac Tolbert
2016 Kyle Cahill, TCLP, TCWSP & Brad Seever
2017 John Leifester, TCLP, CA
2018 Rebecca Dubiski
2019 James Theiss, TCLP, TCWSP, CA
2020 Veronica Seever
2021 Giuseppe Baldi TCLP, TCWSP, TCNP
2023 Rachel Shelton
2024 Brian Gatlin
2025 Lauren Kirchner

TNLA Summit

The highest honor bestowed on a TNLA member firm. Learn More
2012 – Southwest Wholesale Nursery
2013 – Calloway’s Nursery
2014 - KBW Supply
2015 – Living Earth
2016 – Whiz-Q Stone
2017 - Landmark Nurseries, Inc.
2018 - Mortellaro's Nursery, Ltd
2019 - Hotchkiss Insurance Agency, LLC
2020 - Everde Growers
2021 - Billy Long Enterprises, Inc.
2023 - Creekside Nursery
2024 - Leaf Landscape
2025 - Alldredge Gardens

TNLA Honorary Lifetime Membership Award

Awarded to a career filled with honor dedication, hard work and valiant service to TNLA and the Green Industry.
Anne Muscat
B.R. Fullingim
Bart Blaydes
Bill Brown
Bill Shaw
Billy Powell
Bonnie Trammel
C. Sterling Cornelius
Carroll Wilson
Charles Black, Sr.
Charles Britton
Charles Sudduth
Dr. Charles Hall
Dr. Cynthia McKenney
Dr. Dan Lineberger
Dr. David Creech
Dr. Don Wilkerson
Dr. Doug Welsh
Dr. Edward Hiller
Dr. George Tereshkovich
Dr. Jerry Parsons
Dr. Larry Barnes
Dr. Sam Cotner
Dr. William Welch
E. Curtice Taber
Eddy D. Edmondson
Elaine K. Turner
Everett Janne
Floyd Ireland
Frank Millsap
Gary Kinney
George Pletcher
George Wechsler
James Dacus
James K. Presnal
James Walker
Jim Estill
Jim Prewitt
Joe Skinner
John Bracken
John L. Botter
Leonard M. Riggs, Sr.
Linda Bracken
Marilyn Good
Neil SperryR.C. Aldridge, Jr.
Ralph Pinkus
Ray Haynes
Richard Hayes
Richard Mosty
Rick Agee
Scott Mosty
Shirley Staples
Steve Verhalen, Sr.
Ted Turner, Sr.
Todd Staples
Tom Dickerson
Warren Landwermeyer
Wiston Jones
Dr. Jerry Parsons
Mark Chamblee, TMCNP
Paul Wright
Mark Rose
Dr. Michael Ward
Mike Yelverton
Sam Weger, TMCNP
Greg Grant, TMCNP
Jack Davis, TCNP
James Wilhite, TCLP
Bob Cartwright
Mark Harris, TCLP
Joanne and James Harden TMNCP
Dr. Kevin L. Ong
Kevin Grossberndt & Herman Vess

TNLA Staff Award

The Staff Team Award is presented to an individual who has been of outstanding service to the Association in an administrative capacity during the past year. The Staff Team Award was initiated in 1975 to recognize those unsung heroes who labor behind the scenes. (*Deceased)
1975 Sterling Cornelius*
1976 Bob “Top Cat” Scarborough
1977 Winston and Patti Jones
1978 Dr. William C. Welch
1979 Richard C. Aldridge, Jr.*
1980 Richard Hayes
1981 R. H. “Bud” McNew
1982 Harry and Marcell Cole*
1983 E. Curtis Taber
1984 Neal Schirato
1985 George Wechsler*
1986 Floyd Ireland*
1987 Michael Bardis
1988 Winston Jones
1989 John* & Linda Bracken
1990 Joe Tew
1991 Dr. Don Wilkerson
1992 Jack Davis
1993 Anne Muscat
1994 Dr. Charles Hall
1995 Ben Baisdon*
1996 Valerie Nelson
1997 Joseph Johnson
1998 David Kercheval
1999 Sam Weger
2000 James Wilhite
2001 Robert K "Ken" Morrow
2002 Glenn Bonick
2003 James Wilhite
2004 No award given
2017 Cynthia McKenney
2024 Kirt Faulkner
2025 Cheryl Staritz

TNLA County Agent Award

This award is bestowed on individuals in recognition of their outstanding leadership in the nursery and landscape industry and also AgriLife Extension.
2021 Paul Winski
2023 Robert "Skip" Richter
2023 Greg Grant