 TNLA is now accepting applications for 1–2 Student Social Media Ambassadors to help capture the experience at Nursery/Landscape EXPO 2026. What Is EXPO? Nursery/Landscape EXPO is one of the largest events in the country for professionals in landscaping, plant production, garden centers, and outdoor spaces. It brings together businesses from across the industry to connect, learn, and grow. About the Opportunity This role is designed for students who are interested in marketing, communications, or content creation and want real-world experience in a live event setting. Selected students will help capture EXPO in real time through:
Why Apply? This is more than just a volunteer opportunity, it’s a chance to:
Who Should Apply This opportunity is a great fit for students who are:
Event Details📍 San Antonio, Texas 📅 August 11–13, 2026 nurserylandscapeexpo.org How to Apply Applications are now open. 👉 Apply here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=dfuMZY3U6Ei5zBYgTvHoXzQYAbjbsBpCqTURSaWKJoRUM1lOTlVRNzRLVDYxR0ZLV0NRSU9JSlJJNy4u Know Someone Who Would Be a Good Fit? We encourage members, employers, and educators to share this opportunity with students who may be interested. Questions?
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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.
 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 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:
My journey into the green industry and TNLA was shaped less by a master plan than by people, opportunity, and timing. Like many in this profession, I started by focusing on the work in front of me: learning the craft, showing up consistently, and doing my best to build something meaningful. Over time, that work evolved into a deeper sense of purpose not just building landscapes, but helping build an industry rooted in respect, relationships, and long‑term stewardship  I became involved with TNLA because I saw the value of connection. This industry is built on experience passed from one person to another, and I quickly learned that being part of a professional community matters. TNLA offered a place to learn from others, to contribute ideas, and to grow alongside people who care deeply about raising the standard of our work. It wasn’t just about resources it was about belonging to something bigger than myself. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to learn from mentors, colleagues, and peers who took the time to invest in me. Some offered guidance during pivotal moments, others led simply by example. Their influence reminded me that leadership is not about having all the answers—it’s about being willing to listen, learn, and step forward when needed. Those lessons continue to shape how I approach leadership today.  For me, leadership is rooted in service. It’s about showing up with integrity, being accountable to others, and making space for different perspectives. Belonging means knowing that your presence matters and that your voice has value. As we recognize Black History Month, I’m especially mindful of that truth. Being the first African American Chair of TNLA is an honor I carry with humility and gratitude. It represents progress, but it also reflects the many individuals—past and present—whose perseverance, contributions, and leadership helped make that moment possible. Black history is not separate from our industry’s story; it is part of it. It reminds us of the importance of access, opportunity, and representation, and of the responsibility we have to ensure that leadership reflects the diversity of talent within our profession. I hope my role encourages others to see themselves as leaders and contributors, regardless of background or starting point. TNLA has played an important role in my professional growth, and membership has been key to that experience. The relationships formed through this organization have strengthened my perspective and reinforced the value of collaboration. When we invest in one another—through mentorship, education, and shared accountability—we strengthen the future of the industry as a whole. Looking ahead, I believe our greatest strength lies in our people. By honoring the foundation that built this industry while welcoming new voices and ideas, we create space for innovation and continuity. My goal as Chair is to help foster an environment where professionalism, respect, and belonging are not just ideals, but everyday practice. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve TNLA, thankful for those who came before me, and hopeful for what we can continue to build together—grounded in history, strengthened by community, and focused on a future that includes us all.  Devin D. Guinn
Chairman Texas Nursery Landscape & Association MEMBER ALERT Today, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) published a new emergency quarantine order replacing the emergency quarantine that was issued last fall regarding the two-spotted cotton leafhopper (also known as the cotton jassid). The newly published quarantine is substantially similar to the prior emergency order.
Current Quarantined Texas Counties (per TDA website as of 2-20-26)
Reminder for Members
Resources TNLA will continue monitoring enforcement trends and regulatory updates and will notify members of any changes impacting nursery operations or plant movement. If you have questions about compliance or shipment requirements, please contact TNLA Legislative & Regulatory Affairs: Curtis Smith – Director – [email protected] Karan Mehta – Manager – [email protected]  (Brandan pictured in the center)
We’re proud to shine this month’s Member Spotlight on someone making waves in the green industry--Brandon Kirby of Rainbow Gardens in San Antonio, Texas, who was recently named the 2025 Young Retailer Award Winner at AmericanHort’s Cultivate show. This prestigious national award recognizes rising stars in horticultural retail who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to growing the industry. Among a competitive group of finalists, Brandon stood out for his forward-thinking approach, strong work ethic, and dedication to cultivating both plants and people. As the leader of Rainbow Gardens, a beloved San Antonio staple, Brandon has brought fresh ideas and energy to the business—helping it thrive while continuing to serve the local community with excellence. His win is not only a personal achievement but also a proud moment for the Texas horticulture community. TNLA congratulates Brandon on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to watching his continued impact on the future of horticulture. Way to go, Brandon!  Honoring Women’s History Month In the horticulture industry, true leadership is defined by the ability to cultivate growth—not just in plants, but in people. Kylie Diaz, M.S., at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU), exemplifies this vision by spearheading the creation and growth of a dynamic new Horticulture Program. As a dedicated program leader, Ph.D. student, and mother, Kylie masterfully balances multiple responsibilities to shape the industry's future leaders. Under her leadership, the Horticulture Program at WTAMU is already making strides. From an initial group of eight students, enrollment is expected to double by next fall. Kylie’s approach combines classroom education, practical experience, and strategic partnerships, ensuring students are well-prepared to meet industry demands. Forging Industry Connections Kylie understands the importance of connecting students directly with the horticulture industry. She has actively developed partnerships with key organizations such as the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) and industry sponsors, including the TNLA Region VI Board & TNLA Members, Wolfe Nursery Direct. These partnerships have enabled students to access valuable certifications like the Texas Certified Landscape Associate (TCLA), enhancing their career opportunities and competitiveness. Kylie emphasizes the importance of these partnerships, stating, “Students aren’t just learning horticulture; they're actively shaping its future. The connections they build today will sustain their careers tomorrow.” Hands-On Learning for Real-World Impact Kylie has implemented several practical learning opportunities:
Leadership and Advocacy Kylie’s leadership goes beyond her professional roles; she is a strong advocate for women in agriculture and horticulture. As a mother and Ph.D. student, her personal journey illustrates resilience and dedication. Balancing family life, rigorous academics, teaching responsibilities, and program leadership, she remains committed to paving the way for future generations. “Balancing everything isn’t easy,” Kylie reflects, “but witnessing students succeed and grow makes all the effort worthwhile. We're building something meaningful and lasting.” Looking Ahead The WTAMU Horticulture Program, under Kylie’s guidance and with TNLA’s continued support, is set for ongoing growth and industry impact. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we proudly recognize Kylie Diaz for her remarkable contributions to horticulture education and her inspiring role in shaping the future of our industry. Want to Support the Future of Horticulture? Connect with Kylie Diaz at [email protected] to learn how your business can help support and nurture tomorrow’s horticulture leaders.  |
AuthorKim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager Archives
April 2026
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