Built on Convenience, Relationships, and Growth When you walk into Southwest Wholesale Nursery in Dallas, one thing becomes clear right away, this business is built around the customer. Or better yet… the customer never has to “walk in” at all. A Simpler Way to Serve Landscape Professionals At Southwest Wholesale Nursery, landscape contractors pull up, are greeted by name, and get exactly what they need—loaded right into their truck. No lines. No confusion. No wasted time. Owner, Steven Taber TMCNP, explained it best: “You could go to the grocery store and cook… but sometimes you just want the convenience of a restaurant.” That mindset has shaped their entire operation.  🌿 What Makes Southwest Different Southwest Wholesale Nursery has grown into a trusted resource for professionals across Texas by focusing on a few key things: ✔ Variety that contractors need They source plant material from across the country—including Texas, Oklahoma, California, North Carolina, and Oregon—so customers have more options in one place. ✔ Built for real-world workflows Everything is designed around how landscape professionals actually work—fast, efficient, and relationship-driven. ✔ Strong team and culture With around 100 employees, their team builds real relationships with customers. Many regulars even have a “go-to” staff member. 📈 Evolving with the Industry Southwest Wholesale Nursery isn’t just growing plants, they’re improving how they operate. In 2023, they made a simple but powerful shift: ➡️ Moving from paper tracking to a shared digital system employees can access from their phones. This allows their team to quickly see:
🌎 Growing the Next Generation Many new graduates say they want to work for growers but not all growing operations offer broad experience. Southwest Wholesale Nursery stands out because employees get exposure to a wide variety of plant material, helping them build real, practical knowledge. 🚜 Looking Ahead Currently operating on 30 of their 60 acres, Southwest Wholesale Nursery is already thinking about the future. With potential expansion opportunities nearby, they’re planning ahead, not just for growth, but also to address challenges like on-site flooding. 🤝 A True TNLA Partner Southwest Wholesale Nursery isn’t just a member, they’re a Strategic Partner, contributing over $30,000 in 2025 alone to support TNLA programs and events. That investment helps strengthen the entire industry.  💬 Join the Conversation Have you worked with Southwest Wholesale Nursery? 👉 Share your experience in the comments or connect with other professionals inside TNLA Hive.
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 After 25 years of service to the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association, Amy Graham, President/CEO, has announced her retirement, effective at the end of November 2026. Amy has served as President for the past 15 years, following 10 years as Vice President, providing steady leadership, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to advancing the green industry in Texas. Her impact on the association and its members will be felt for years to come. The Board of Directors has appointed a member-led Search Committee and will partner with Sterling Martin Associates, based in Washington, DC, to conduct a national search for TNLA’s next President/CEO. We thank Amy for her service and wish her all the best in her well-earned retirement. Sterling MartinTNLA has retained Sterling Martin in our search for the next President & CEO. Learn more about this wonderful opportunity here: https://lnkd.in/eqNymdFv
Sterling Martin is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, religion, color, age, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, political affiliation, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. Congress is currently working on the next Farm Bill, and decisions being made right now will directly impact Texas nursery and landscape businesses. TNLA members are encouraged to take five minutes to contact their Members of Congress and urge support for the Farm Bill and its specialty crop provisions. Just last month, TNLA provided a full breakdown of the Farm Bill and what it means for horticulture and specialty crops. Now, as the bill moves forward in Congress, it’s time to take action. Lawmakers need to hear directly from the businesses affected by these policies. Your voice helps ensure the green industry is represented as this legislation moves forward. The Background: Why the Farm Bill Matters The Farm Bill is the primary piece of legislation that shapes federal agricultural policy in the United States. While it is often associated with traditional row crops, the Farm Bill has become increasingly important for specialty crops, including nursery and greenhouse production, as well as the broader green industry. It has been nearly a decade since Congress passed a full Farm Bill. During that time, the industry has operated under short-term extensions while facing historic challenges, including freezes, drought, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and rising input costs. The current proposal, known as the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, represents the first major opportunity in years to update policies that directly affect our industry. How It Affects the Green Industry The Farm Bill includes several provisions that impact the green industry supply chain: from growers to landscapers to suppliers. Stronger Risk Management Tools Improvements to specialty crop insurance help address long-standing gaps compared to traditional agriculture, providing better protection against weather-related losses. Improved Disaster Assistance Updates to programs like the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) improve how quickly and effectively growers can recover from losses, with added flexibility for replanting. A Permanent Emergency Assistance Framework The bill establishes a standing framework for specialty crop disaster assistance, providing more predictability instead of relying on ad hoc relief. Water & Conservation Programs Expanded conservation programs support irrigation efficiency and water stewardship, helping offset costs for implementing water-saving practices. Research, Grants & Innovation Farm Bill funding supports research, extension services, and grant programs that improve pest management, develop resilient plant varieties, advance automation, and expand market opportunities. In Texas, many of these programs are delivered through university and extension partnerships that directly impact day-to-day operations for green industry businesses. Why This Matters Now The green industry plays a significant role in Texas’s economy, but it faces unique challenges that require policies tailored to specialty crops. This Farm Bill represents meaningful progress in addressing those needs: strengthening risk management, improving disaster response, supporting water efficiency, and investing in long-term innovation. As Congress continues to debate the legislation, it is important that policymakers understand the role and needs of our industry. TNLA Working for You The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association is actively engaged in monitoring the Farm Bill and advocating for policies that support specialty crops and the green industry. Through coordination with national partners and direct engagement with policymakers, TNLA is working to ensure our industry’s voice is heard. Bottom Line The Farm Bill is a critical opportunity to strengthen the long-term stability and competitiveness of the green industry. But advocacy matters. Your participation helps ensure the green industry is represented in federal policy decisions that affect our future.
 🌱 Introduction Over the past few months, we asked a simple question: What do women in the green industry need to feel supported, confident, and successful? Through our Women in Horticulture survey, members across Texas shared their experiences, challenges, and ideas for the future. While each response was unique, several clear themes emerged—giving us valuable insight into how we can better support and grow this community. 📊 Who We Heard From We received responses from professionals across the industry, representing a range of roles and experience levels. One thing was clear from the start: 👉 There is a strong interest in continuing and growing Women in Horticulture initiatives. 🤝 Connection Is a Priority When asked what topics they want to see at future gatherings, the top responses focused on:
 This tells us something important: Women in Hort isn’t just about events—it’s about creating space for real connection and shared experiences 💪 Empowerment Is There But Not Universal A majority of respondents said they do feel empowered in their current role (13 out of 17), but not everyone shared that experience. This highlights an opportunity: Even when empowerment exists, there is still room to:
 🗣️ Speaking Up at Work: What We Learned One of the most valuable insights came from questions around workplace communication. What impacts the ability to speak up?
 How comfortable are women speaking up?
 Perception matters When asked how women are perceived when being direct:
 👉 This tells us that even when women do speak up, how they are received can still be a barrier. 🧠 What Women Need to Feel More Confident The top responses were clear:
 ⚠️ Ongoing Challenges When asked about workplace challenges, responses highlighted:
📍 What This Means for TNLA This feedback directly shapes how we move forward. Here’s what we’re taking from this:
1. More opportunities for connection Members want intentional networking—not just attendance. 2. Real conversations, not surface-level topics From leadership challenges to workplace dynamics. 3. Regional accessibility matters 100% of respondents said they are interested in region-specific events 4. Continued engagement The majority of respondents are open to participating in future surveys and conversations 🌿 What’s Next This is just the beginning. We’ll be using these insights to:
🤝 Final Thought At its core, this survey reinforced something simple: People want to feel heard, supported, and connected. And when that happens, it doesn’t just benefit individuals, it strengthens the entire industry. 📣 Call to Action Want to be part of what’s next? Join our online community to stay up to date on upcoming events, webinars, and more for our EXPO Women in Horticulture Get Together event and Nightcap. Click here to get started  Rafia Khan, Ph. D. Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center Overton, TX. Recent military conflict involving Iran, the resulting closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and volatility in global energy markets could have ripple effects for the green industry in Texas. While these events are unfolding thousands of miles away, they influence several commodities that directly affect the cost of running nurseries, landscape businesses, and distribution operations. ⛽ Energy Markets Are Already RespondingThe conflict has triggered significant volatility in global energy markets. The average price of regular gasoline in Texas reached $3.40 per gallon this week, up from $2.55 just a month ago, according to AAA. While this remains below the current national average of $3.71, prices have moved quickly as markets react to supply uncertainty. Texas’ position as the nation’s leading oil and gas producer helps buffer some price increases. However, analysts say Texans should expect higher fuel prices if instability continues, particularly as the summer travel season increases fuel demand. For the green industry, higher energy prices affect several areas at once:
🌱 Fertilizer Supply Could Be AffectedBeyond fuel prices, the Middle East plays a significant role in the global fertilizer supply chain. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has the potential to disrupt exports of several key agricultural inputs. Natural GasNatural gas is the primary feedstock used to produce ammonia, which is the foundation of many nitrogen fertilizers. When natural gas prices rise, fertilizer production costs typically increase as well. UreaApproximately 50% of the world’s urea supply comes from the Middle East. Iran alone is one of the largest global suppliers, meaning disruptions in the region can quickly tighten global supply. Nitrogen and Phosphate FertilizersMajor producers in Qatar and Saudi Arabia export large quantities of nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers through the Strait of Hormuz. Any interruption to shipping routes could affect availability worldwide. SulfurNearly half of the world’s sulfur exports pass through the strait. Sulfur is used in certain fertilizer products and agricultural inputs. While markets are still adjusting, disruptions in any of these areas could lead to higher input costs for growers and landscape companies. 🔩 Aluminum Costs May Also Rise The conflict could also affect the cost of aluminum, a material widely used in irrigation components, landscape lighting fixtures, greenhouse systems, trailers, and equipment. Producing aluminum requires extremely large amounts of electricity, and energy prices are a major driver of aluminum costs worldwide. When oil and natural gas prices rise, aluminum production often becomes more expensive. In addition, several aluminum shipments from the Middle East pass through shipping routes affected by instability in the region. If supply tightens or transportation becomes more expensive, aluminum prices could increase. For the green industry, this could affect the cost of:
🚛 What This Means for the Green Industry For many green industry businesses, fuel and fertilizer are among the most significant variable costs. When energy markets tighten, businesses may see impacts such as:
💳 Managing Fuel Costs with TNLA’s Endorsed Provider Fuel costs are one area where businesses may have tools to manage expenses. TNLA members have access to the Coast Pay Fuel Card, an endorsed service provider that helps businesses track and reduce fleet fuel costs. Members can earn up to a $2,000 sign-up bonus, and many companies report meaningful savings through fuel management tools, spending controls, and fuel discounts. Learn more here: https://coastpay.com/lp/tnla-member-offer/  Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center Overton, TX Spring represents a critical period for greenhouse crop production because increasing temperatures and the availability of tender plant growth create favorable conditions for the development of several insect pests. Among these, aphids are one of the most common and economically important pests encountered during this time. Aphids are small, soft-bodied, winged or wingless, phloem-feeding insects. Aphids feed by piercing plant tissues and sucking plant sap. Their feeding can cause a variety of symptoms, including curled or distorted leaves, stunted plant growth, and reduced plant vigor. In addition to direct feeding damage, aphids excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew. Honeydew can accumulate on leaves and stems, leading to the growth of sooty mold fungi that reduce the aesthetic quality and market value of ornamental plants. Some aphid species can also transmit plant viruses, making early management even more important. Many aphid species reproduce through parthenogenesis and give birth to live nymphs, allowing populations to increase exponentially within a short period. As a result, even low initial infestations can quickly develop into significant pest outbreaks if not detected and managed early through regular monitoring and timely intervention. Early detection is the key to effective aphid management. Growers should inspect plants frequently, especially new growth and the undersides of leaves, where aphids often congregate. Yellow sticky cards can only help to monitor the winged aphids, but not the wingless adults. An integrated pest management (IPM) approach is the most effective strategy for managing aphids. Cultural practices, such as removing heavily infested plant material and managing weeds inside and around the greenhouse, can help reduce aphid populations. Maintaining good sanitation practices and carefully inspecting incoming plant material can also prevent new infestations. Biological control can be an effective tool in greenhouse systems. Natural enemies such as lady beetles, lacewings, and parasitic wasps can help suppress aphid populations when released at appropriate times. High pressure wash water spray can reduce the population of aphids. When aphid populations reach damaging levels, insecticides may be necessary. Growers should select products carefully and rotate insecticides with different modes of action to reduce the risk of resistance development. By combining monitoring, cultural practices, biological control, and responsible pesticide use, greenhouse growers can successfully manage aphids and protect the quality and productivity of their crops during the spring season.
Figure: Bean aphid (A), Crape myrtle aphid (B), and Green peach aphid (C). Photo courtesy: Rafia Khan
If your inbox has been feeling a little busy lately, you’re not alone. Some TNLA members have reached out saying they’re receiving more emails than expected from TNLA Hive and other TNLA communications. We completely understand — and the good news is you’re in control of what you receive. There are two simple ways to reduce emails:
Below is how to do both Option 1: Adjust Your TNLA Hive Notification SettingsTNLA Hive allows you to customize what notifications you receive and how often you receive them. For example, you can choose whether you receive emails about:
Members can also choose to receive a summary digest instead of individual emails, which reduces the number of messages in your inbox. Hive digests combine recent activity into one email so you can stay informed without multiple alerts. How to Update Your Settings Follow these quick steps: Step 1 Go to thehive.tnlaonline.org and log in. Step 2 Click your profile picture in the top right corner. Step 3 Select My Settings. Step 4 Click the Notifications tab. From there, you can choose exactly which alerts you want to receive. 📺 Watch our quick tutorial here: https://youtube.com/shorts/84TkgJtf19M?si=nn0h-zkVWs_Wzm8O Option 2: Unsubscribe from Certain TNLA Email ListsSome emails you receive may not come directly from TNLA Hive. TNLA also sends communications about education programs, events, and industry updates. If you would like to unsubscribe from specific TNLA email lists, we can update your preferences for you. Simply email: [email protected] Let us know which emails you would like to stop receiving, such as:
We’re happy to adjust your preferences so you receive only the information that matters most to you. Why TNLA Created TNLA Hive One of the main reasons TNLA launched TNLA Hive was to make communication simpler for members. Many members told us they didn’t always know everything TNLA was doing. TNLA Hive was created as a central place where members can easily see news, resources, opportunities, and conversations happening across the industry. Instead of updates coming from multiple places, TNLA Hive brings them together in one convenient hub, including:
Need Help? We’re Here.If you need help adjusting your notification settings or updating your email preferences, we’re happy to assist. Just email: [email protected] We can walk you through it in just a few minutes. Stay Connected — Your WayTNLA Hive was designed to help you:
Spring is one of the busiest seasons for the green industry. As work ramps up across Texas nurseries, landscape companies, and garden centers, it’s also a good time to take a fresh look at the resources available through your TNLA membership. Many members know TNLA for its events, advocacy, and education—but another important benefit is access to exclusive savings and vetted service providers designed to help your business operate more efficiently. Over the years, TNLA has partnered with companies that provide services our members rely on every day. These Member-Endorsed Service Providers and Benefit Partners offer tools, discounts, and services that support your business operations while helping reduce costs. Thanks to the collective buying power of TNLA members, we’re able to negotiate competitive pricing and programs on your behalf. So this spring, here’s a quick refresher on what’s blooming in TNLA member benefits. TNLA Endorsed Service Providers |
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 | Texas Green Industry (TGI) Safety Group Workers compensation insurance designed specifically for the Texas green industry. |
  | Merchant Owl Special member discounts on credit card processing services. Rich Kling, 407-883-2246 | [email protected]. Spectrum VoIP Cloud-based VoIP phone systems designed to support growing businesses. Contact Justice Hill 469-384-2402 |
| endorsed_services_-_member_benefit_partner_flier_3-3-2026.pdf |
Kim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager
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