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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 
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 The Lone Star Hort Forum brings together leaders, educators, and solution-providers who help move the Texas green industry forward. We’re grateful for the support of industry partners who continue to invest in our community and serve professionals across the state. Here’s a look at a few of the companies supporting the 2026 Lone Star Hort Forum.  John DeereFor more than 185 years, John Deere has helped customers become more productive through innovative, reliable equipment and technology-driven solutions. Known for its commitment to sustainability and long-term value, John Deere develops intelligent, connected machines that deliver real results in the field and on the job site. From equipment performance to parts, service, and lifecycle support, John Deere focuses on helping businesses operate efficiently while unlocking both economic and sustainable value. Learn more HERE  Leaf Landscape SupplyHeritage Landscape Supply Group has acquired Leaf Landscape Supply, marking its first focused expansion into live goods distribution. This addition strengthens Heritage’s presence in Texas and creates a foundation for long-term growth in nursery products alongside its existing landscape supply network. Leaf Landscape Supply continues to serve landscape professionals across the Austin area with a strong focus on nursery products and live goods. The company maintains its local leadership and team while benefiting from additional resources to support continued growth. Learn more HERE
Landmark NurseriesFounded in 1984, Landmark Nurseries is a family-owned wholesale nursery dedicated exclusively to serving landscape contractors throughout Texas. With more than 900 acres of production across multiple growing facilities, Landmark produces a wide range of high-quality plant material, including annuals, perennials, shrubs, groundcovers, and trees. Supported by a statewide network of wholesale distribution centers, Landmark Nurseries helps contractors access consistent inventory, fair pricing, and efficient delivery — reinforcing its role as a reliable plant partner for the Texas green industry. Learn more HERE We appreciate the continued support of these companies and their commitment to serving landscape professionals across Texas. You can meet many of our industry partners in person at the 2026 Lone Star Hort Forum, January 5–7 in Grapevine, Texas.
👉 Learn more about the Lone Star Hort Forum: https://www.tnlaonline.org/lone-star-hort-forum.html |
AuthorTNLA Staff Archives
September 2026
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