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The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) is proud to recognize the retirement of longtime industry leader John Peters following an extraordinary 40-year career with Calloway's Nursery. Throughout his career, John has been more than a respected garden center professional; he has been a dedicated advocate for the Texas green industry and a passionate supporter of TNLA and its members.  Many members know John through his years of service and leadership within the association. He served as TNLA Chairman during 1992–1993 and remained actively engaged long after his term concluded. Over the years, he contributed his time and expertise to numerous committees and initiatives, including the Research Committee, Retention Task Force, and Editorial Task Force. John's commitment to professional excellence was reflected in his achievement of both Texas Master Certified Nursery Professional (TMCNP) and Texas Master Certified Nursery Professional Executive (TMCNPE) certifications. His dedication to advancing the industry and supporting fellow professionals earned him TNLA's prestigious Award of Recognition Program (ARP) Award in 2019. For four decades at Calloway's Nursery, John helped shape one of Texas' most recognized and respected garden center brands. His influence extended far beyond the walls of any single business, impacting industry professionals, customers, and communities throughout the state. Those who have worked alongside John know him not only for his knowledge and leadership, but also for his willingness to mentor others, build relationships, and strengthen the industry he cared deeply about. As he begins this next chapter, TNLA extends its sincere gratitude for John's decades of service, leadership, and commitment to the Texas nursery and landscape industry. On behalf of the TNLA Board of Directors, staff, and members, thank you, John, for the lasting impact you have made on our association and our industry. Congratulations on your retirement and best wishes in the years ahead.
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Each year, the Lone Star Hort Forum brings together leaders from across the Texas green industry to step away from day-to-day demands and focus on what matters most: people, leadership, and the future of our businesses. This year’s Forum did exactly that — through honest conversations, practical learning, and moments that reminded us why this community matters. Day One: Grounded Perspectives and Practical TakeawaysDay One focused on real-world challenges and tools leaders can take back to their teams right away  We kicked off Day One with a familiar and trusted voice. Charlie Hall, a long-time Lone Star Hort Forum contributor, returned with his annual economic forecast — helping attendees better understand where the industry stands and how to plan for the year ahead with clarity and realism. From there, the day moved into sessions that resonated deeply with attendees because they addressed real challenges leaders are navigating right now:
A Special Highlight: Women in Horticulture One of the most impactful conversations of Day One took place during the Women in Horticulture session, which focused on how internal triggers affect leadership, communication, and workplace dynamics. The session explored a simple but powerful concept: our thoughts influence our feelings, which influence our actions — and ultimately our results. Attendees walked away with practical strategies to:
It was a thoughtful conversation that extended well beyond the room and reinforced the importance of self-awareness in leadership at every level. Live Podcast Recordings — Now Available Throughout the day, several live podcast conversations were recorded on-site and are now available to listen to at no cost:
Day Two: Celebrating Excellence and Learning From Each OtherDay Two began with the TNLA Awards Festival, where the community came together to recognize peers, celebrate excellence, and honor those who have helped move the industry forward. Honorary Lifetime Membership Award Winners: This year’s Festival carried special meaning as we honored Jim Reaves, a former TNLA staff member who passed away in August. Jim was posthumously awarded an Honorary Lifetime Membership, recognizing his lasting contributions and the impact he made on the Association and the people within it. Young Leader Award Winner- Dylan Cantu, TMCNP of Calloway's Nursery What Was New This Year Several award programs introduced meaningful updates in 2026: Texas Garden Retailers Awards (TGRA)This year marked the introduction of a secret shopper component, adding a new layer of insight and accountability to the judging process and reinforcing the importance of customer experience at every touchpoint. View all TGRA award winners HERE Texas Excellence in Landscaping Awards (TEIL) The TEIL program continued to evolve, with judges noting a strong field of submissions that showcased:
View all TEIL award winners HERE Summit Award Winner- Austin Wood Recycling / Texas Native ARP Award Winner- C. Scott Evans TMCNP, TCLP of Rancho Encino, FEWA & Native Jump Start Industry & Emerge Tours In the afternoon, attendees headed out on the Industry Tour and the Emerge Tours. These tours offered behind-the-scenes looks at real operations and real conversations, the kind that don’t happen in a classroom. Discussions on the bus, on-site, and face-to-face allowed participants to learn directly from peers about how they’re solving challenges and running successful businesses. A sincere thank you to our tour stop hosts for opening your doors and sharing your time and insight with our members. Day Three: Investing in Leadership and the Future The Forum concluded with the graduation of TNLA Leadership Bootcamp Class V, a milestone that represents months of learning, reflection, and personal growth.  Leadership Bootcamp is about more than professional development, it’s about building self-aware, confident leaders who are prepared to guide teams, navigate change, and contribute meaningfully to the industry. We are proud of this class and grateful for the perspective and energy they bring to the Texas green industry. The Forum closed with a forward-looking keynote, “Smarter, Faster, Stronger: How AI Can Future-Proof Your Nursery & Landscape Business,” reinforcing the importance of adaptability, curiosity, and thoughtful adoption of new tools. Why Lone Star Hort Forum Still Matters Lone Star Hort Forum isn’t about checking a box or attending another event. It’s about creating space — space to listen, reflect, learn from peers, and reconnect with why we do this work. Seeing the community show up for one another — in conversations, in recognition, and in shared experiences — is always why we do what we do. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make Lone Star Hort Forum 2026 meaningful. Special thanks to all our wonderful sponsors   We congratulate Calloway's Nursery on receiving the coveted Texas Treasure Business Award from the Texas Historical Commission. This prestigious award recognizes Texas businesses that have been operating for over 50 years and have made exceptional historical contributions to the state's economic growth and prosperity. Founded Frank Cornelius Sr. in 1938, Cornelius Nursery has a storied legacy. As one of the pioneers in selling container plants, the family-owned and -operated nursery began as a supplier to landscapers and retail nurseries. In 1986, Sterling Cornelius played a pivotal role in assisting the founders of Calloway's Nursery with their business plan and store model. Upon his retirement, Calloway's Nursery acquired Cornelius Nursery in 1999.  Words from CEO "This award pays tribute to the incredible legacy built by the Cornelius family that carries on to this day, and we are honored to be recognized by the State of Texas," said Marce Ward, CEO of Calloway's Nursery. "From annual Christmas tree selections to assisting former First Lady Barbara Bush in her garden, our team cherishes the countless memories made here in Houston and beyond. We're committed to preserving and creating more treasured moments for years to come."  Did You Know? Calloway's Nursery has also been honored with several prestigious awards from the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA):
 Cornelius Nursery’s rich history of innovation and excellence continues to set a high standard in our industry. We proudly celebrate their achievements and look forward to their continued success and contributions. Congratulations, Cornelius Nursery, on this well-deserved recognition!
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AuthorKim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager Archives
July 2026
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