Texas Nursery & Landscape

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    • TNLA Job Opportunities
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  • Membership
    • Join Today >
      • Membership Types & Rates
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  • TNLA Foundation
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    • Scholarships
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    • (New) Certification
    • TEIL
    • Education Online & Webinars
    • (New) Workforce Toolbox
    • TNLA Leadership Bootcamp
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  • About
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TNLA is thrilled to introduce our new "Working for You" Blog!
Stay updated on member events and news that impact the TNLA community. In addition, check out our ​Green Matters Weekly Newsletter for industry news
In Remembrance

Upcoming Events

Who Is Helping Shape the Future of the Texas Green Industry?

9/3/2026

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Leadership doesn’t always come with a certain title or number of years in the business.

Sometimes, it’s the person who steps forward with a new idea. The one who brings others along, gives back to the industry or community, mentors the next generation or takes on greater responsibility when there is work to be done.
Those are the leaders TNLA wants to recognize through the TNLA Young Leader Award.

Established in 1996, the award recognizes young professionals for outstanding achievement and service to the Texas Green Industry, with special consideration given to involvement in TNLA and the community.

And if you’re wondering what that kind of leadership can look like, our 2025 recipients offer two very different examples.

​Leadership That Creates Opportunities for Others

Lauren Kirchner, President of Spring Creek Growers, has spent years growing within her family’s Waller, Texas, business  from Sales and Marketing Director to President.
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Her leadership, however, extends well beyond the company.

Lauren served TNLA Region II as Grower Director, Vice Chair and Chair, helped lead the region’s annual Winter Workshop, has shared her knowledge at industry events and has contributed articles to GrowerTalks magazine.

She has also taken her passion for horticulture into local schools, sponsoring and leading garden clubs that grew to involve more than 150 students.

For Lauren, receiving the Young Leader Award represented something larger than individual recognition.
“Winning the Young Leader Award as a woman in horticulture is an incredible honor. It reflects not only my own journey, but also the growing recognition of the vital role women play in shaping the future of this field.”
She hopes that recognition encourages other women to pursue careers and leadership opportunities in horticulture with confidence. And her focus reaches even further ahead.
​“For me, it’s also about inspiring the next generation, teaching children the value of horticulture and showing them that their ideas and passion can help shape a more beautiful future.”

Leadership That Builds Momentum

​Our other 2025 recipient, Matthew Hogue, President & CEO of Hogue Landscape Services, demonstrates another side of young leadership.
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After years of involvement with TNLA while working in the industry, Matt launched his own company and made TNLA the first organization he joined.
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Since then, he has continued to serve the industry through TNLA committees, events and programs while encouraging employees to get involved as well. At the time he received the award, Hogue Landscape had grown to nearly 150 full-time employees.

For Matt, the Young Leader Award wasn't an endpoint. It was motivation to keep going.
“For me, winning the Young Leader Award was more than an honor — it was a spark. It reminded me that our industry thrives when we’re willing to innovate, mentor, and set bold goals.”
He also pointed to something important about leadership: its impact extends beyond the individual.
“The recognition gave me fresh energy to keep building teams, serving clients, and giving back through TNLA programs and in my local community.”

​Young Leadership Doesn't Look Just One Way

Lauren and Matt have different stories. And that's the point. A Young Leader nominee doesn't need to follow one particular career path or hold one particular job title.

Look around your company, your TNLA Region and the professionals you work alongside.
  • Who is taking initiative?
  • Who is developing their team or helping others succeed?
  • Who brings new ideas to the business?
  • Who gives their time to TNLA, the industry or their community?
  • Who is mentoring others or helping bring the next generation into horticulture?
  • Whose leadership are you already noticing?

That may be the person TNLA should recognize next.

​Help Us Recognize the Next Young Leader

Nominees must be under age 41 at the time of nomination and must own or be employed by a TNLA Member firm, or be a TNLA Member. Nominees should demonstrate outstanding leadership in the Texas Green Industry.

Any owner or employee of a TNLA Member firm, or a TNLA Member, is encouraged to submit a nomination.

The nomination gives you an opportunity to tell us about the individual's contributions to TNLA, their business and their community  and why you believe their leadership deserves to be recognized.

Nominations close October 31, 2026.

Nominate a TNLA Young Leader Here
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Born to Win: The Texas Green Industry Came Together at EXPO 2026

8/20/2026

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Education, innovation, leadership and connection filled three days in San Antonio and set the stage for a new chapter in Houston. View all photos here: https://ismaelphoto.pixieset.com/tnla8128132026/ 
August 11–13, 2026 • Henry B. González Convention Center • San Antonio, Texas
From the first education sessions on Tuesday morning to the final conversations on the trade show floor Thursday afternoon, Nursery/Landscape EXPO 2026 showed what it means to be Born to Win. Landscapers, irrigators, retail garden centers, suppliers, growers, designers, educators and emerging professionals came together to sharpen their skills, discover new solutions and strengthen the relationships that move Texas’ green industry forward.
The three-day event paired practical learning with hands-on demonstrations, a busy exhibit floor, leadership and professional recognition, advocacy support and the kind of informal conversation that often becomes the beginning of the next partnership, purchase or big idea.

Education set the pace

Tuesday Education Day opened EXPO with a full slate of continuing education and business training. Sessions met professionals where they work, with content for irrigation, landscape operations, nursery production, retail, design, arboriculture, workforce development and company leadership.

Attendees explored irrigation flow monitoring, drought planning and drainage; standard operating procedures, employment branding and leadership accountability; Texas plants, pest management, soil genomics and tree health; and practical business topics such as hardscape profitability and new service-line growth. A full-day design graphics workshop gave participants hands-on practice communicating ideas, while other sessions connected growers and designers, translated campus-scale vision into built landscapes and examined the details that carry a project from concept through construction.
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The learning continued on the show floor Wednesday and Thursday. Demonstrations and short-form sessions covered AI-powered takeoffs, customer service that supports sales, irrigation technology, tree injection, propagation of adaptable Texas plants, CAD planning, biophilic design and workforce development. Together, the classroom and demonstration formats gave attendees multiple ways to learn, earn CEUs and bring practical ideas back to their teams.

A first look for first-time attendees

Before the trade show floor opened Wednesday, 60 first-time attendees joined the Newcomers Tour more than double the 28 participants who joined the previous year. The guided preview helped newcomers get oriented, understand the show’s layout and identify the exhibitors, education areas and gathering spaces most relevant to their goals.

That early access mattered. Once the opening ceremonies concluded and the exhibit halls came to life, attendees had two days to compare products, talk directly with suppliers, watch live demonstrations and reconnect with colleagues from across the state. 

​Connections that go beyond the show floor

EXPO has always been about more than products and presentations. Tuesday evening’s Women in Horticulture Nightcap created an informal place to connect after Education Day, and Wednesday’s Women in Horticulture Get Together welcomed 300 attendees.

Stephanie Hertzog, President, West Region, at SiteOne Landscape Supply, joined the gathering as featured speaker. Attendees heard from an industry leader, made new connections and supported TNLA PAC through the raffle of a Jon Hart 360 Carry-On Bag. The event reflected the energy of a growing network that is creating more opportunities for women to lead, learn and support one another across the green industry.
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At the close of Wednesday’s show hours, the Welcome to San Antonio Party gave attendees and exhibitors a chance to relax and socialize after a full day of conversations, demonstrations and business on the floor. The Certified Professionals’ Reception followed, recognizing the credentialed professionals whose ongoing education and expertise strengthen the standards of the industry.

Recognizing creativity on the trade show floor

Continuing a long-standing EXPO tradition, the Best Booth Awards, selected by the EXPO Chair, recognized exhibitors whose displays stood out for presentation, creativity and attendee experience. Congratulations to the 2026 honorees:
  • Big Bend Stone
  • Everde Growers
  • Landscapers Pride
  • Dewar Nurseries
  • COLMET

A new year of TNLA leadership

Thursday morning’s Annual Business Meeting gave members a chance to look back, recognize service and begin the Association’s new fiscal year with purpose. Sponsored by Abbott-IPCO, the meeting featured TNLA’s Year in Review video and highlighted the collective work of members whose businesses contribute to a Texas green industry with a $40 billion economic impact.


TNLA thanked departing board members Jackie Smith, Absolute Accents, Inc.; Gerry Bower, TLC Total Lawn Care; Ben Collinsworth, Yellowstone Landscape; Mark Manny, EverGro Organic Recycling; Robbie Aballama, ICL Growing Solutions; and Bobby Eichholz, Rialto Studio, for the time, perspective and leadership they contributed to the Association.
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The gavel then passed from Immediate Past Chair Devin Guinn to 2026–2027 Chair Kyle Cahill. Cahill challenged members to stay involved through their regions, education, advocacy and the conversations that shape the industry’s future. The message was clear: a strong, unified industry voice depends on professionals who continue to show up and lead.

2026–2027 TNLA Board of Directors

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Advocacy in action

TNLA PAC support was visible throughout EXPO from the PAC Lounge and Women in Horticulture raffle to Thursday’s PAC drawing. These contributions help the Texas green industry maintain a strong voice and build the relationships needed to engage on the policies that affect member businesses, their employees and their customers.

Diamond Members — $2,000+

Diamond members are also Platinum members by default.
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Additional Platinum Members — $500+

Listed in addition to the Diamond members recognized above.
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Gold Star Companies

Four participating individuals from one company; minimum $50 each.
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Silver Star Companies

Three participating individuals from one company; minimum $50 each.
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Bronze Star Companies

Two participating individuals from one company; minimum $50 each.
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Thank you to the sponsors who made EXPO possible

EXPO’s education, attendee services, special events, professional recognition and show-floor experiences are strengthened by companies and partners willing to invest in the industry. TNLA extends its appreciation to the 2026 sponsors and in-kind contributors listed below.

2026 EXPO sponsors and in-kind contributors

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Next stop: Houston

The next Nursery/Landscape EXPO will bring the industry back to Houston, August 18–20, 2027, at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The 2027 theme, Where Vision Meets Magic, celebrates the extraordinary community that makes the green industry unlike any other.

​Landscapers, irrigators, retail garden centers, suppliers and growers share a remarkable ability to transform vision into living, working and gathering spaces that are both functional and breathtaking. When the right people come together, EXPO becomes more than a trade show. It becomes a place where ideas take root, relationships grow and possibilities become real.

Save the date: August 18–20, 2027 • Houston, Texas
Watch for updates at
NurseryLandscapeEXPO.org.
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The Power of Getting Involved: Rachel Shelton’s TNLA Journey

8/6/2026

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From student volunteer to business owner and Region V State Director, Rachel Shelton’s story shows how getting involved can shape a career, strengthen a community and open the door to new possibilities.
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From her earliest TNLA experiences as a student to her new role on the TNLA Board of Directors, Rachel Shelton’s career has been shaped by one important choice: getting involved.

Today, Rachel is the owner of 573 Flower Farm and the 2026–2027 TNLA Region V State Director. Long before becoming a business owner or board leader, however, she was building relationships through TNLA, volunteering at Nursery/Landscape EXPO and learning from people across the green industry.

Over the years, Rachel has participated in TNLA’s Leadership Boot Camp, supported Women in Horticulture and received the 2023 Young Leader Award. Each experience has given her opportunities to learn, serve and grow, both personally and professionally.

Her story reflects what it means to be rooted in something bigger: belonging to an industry community where people share knowledge, encourage one another and help create opportunities for the next generation.

You participated in TNLA’s Leadership Boot Camp early in your career. Are there any lessons you still carry with you today?

The development I gained through Leadership Boot Camp still resonates with me today. You aren’t only learning how to grow your business, you’re learning how to grow yourself and the people around you.

After years with a longtime TNLA member company, you recently took the exciting step of launching your own business. What inspired you to take that leap?

My husband’s unwavering support and willingness to be up for anything helped bring this dream to life and grow 573 Flower Farm. Working for Jackie Smith (owner of Absolute Equipment Sales) also gave me the courage to start my own business. I was given so many opportunities while working for him that, eventually, I thought, “Why not me?”

Congratulations on being elected as Region V State Director. What does serving on the TNLA Board of Directors mean to you, and what are you most looking forward to?

​Serving on the Board means a great deal to me. Once I became involved at the Region level, I knew I wanted to pour myself into TNLA in a deeper way. What I’m looking forward to most is growth, helping TNLA grow while continuing to grow personally and professionally.

What advice would you give to students and young professionals who are just beginning their careers in the green industry?

Get involved and ask questions. There are opportunities waiting for you to reach out and grab them. So many people in this industry and association want to help you, so be willing to show up and do the work.

In one sentence, what does being part of the TNLA community mean to you?

It means belonging to a place where people support you, knowledge never ends, advice is freely shared, although you may want to take some of it with a grain of salt, and growth is possible when you’re willing to put in the work.
​Rachel’s journey, from student participation and volunteer service to entrepreneurship and board leadership, shows what can happen when someone finds their community, gets involved and keeps showing up.

Whether you are a student, an emerging professional, a business owner or a longtime industry leader, there is a place for you in the TNLA community. Learn more about TNLA membership and ways to get involved be clicking the button below!
Join TNLA Today
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Celebrating the Career and Legacy of John Peters

6/12/2026

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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.
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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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Why We Invest in TNLA PAC: Building a Stronger Voice for Texas' Green Industry

6/12/2026

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Protecting Our Industry Starts Before Decisions Are Made
  • Water policy.
  • Workforce shortages.
  • Regulations that impact how businesses operate.
The issues affecting Texas' green industry don't begin when legislation is filed or a policy is proposed. By that point, the conversation is already underway. The strongest advocacy happens long before a vote is taken.

It happens through relationships, education, and ongoing conversations with the leaders making decisions that impact our businesses, employees, and communities.
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That's why TNLA PAC exists.

Why Advocacy Matters

Every day, decisions are being made at the state and local levels that affect the future of our industry. Some involve water infrastructure and conservation policies. Others impact workforce development, business regulations, transportation, land use, or the tools and resources our members rely on to operate successfully.

​The reality is simple:
If our industry isn't part of those conversations, someone else will be.

TNLA PAC helps ensure the green industry has a voice in those discussions and the opportunity to build relationships with decision-makers before important decisions are made.

Our Industry Has a Story Worth Telling

Texas' nursery and landscape industry contributes far more than beautiful landscapes. Our members create jobs, support local economies, improve communities, conserve natural resources, and help make Texas a better place to live and work.

But many policymakers have never operated a nursery, managed a landscape company, installed irrigation systems, or experienced the challenges of running a green industry business.

They don't automatically understand:
  • The workforce challenges employers face
  • The importance of water to our industry
  • The investments required to operate and grow a business
  • The value our industry provides to communities across Texas

That understanding happens through education and relationships. And those relationships don't happen overnight.

Building Relationships Before They're Needed

One of the biggest misconceptions about advocacy is that it only happens when there's a problem. In reality, the most effective advocacy often happens before members ever hear about an issue.
  • Before water policies are finalized, industry leaders are helping policymakers understand the role landscapes play in Texas communities.
  • Before regulations increase costs or create new challenges, conversations are taking place to ensure decision-makers understand the impact on businesses.
  • Before local ordinances affect how companies operate, industry representatives are already engaging with leaders and sharing real-world perspectives.

These conversations happen because our industry invests in building relationships before they're needed.

Advocacy Creates Real Results

Strong advocacy doesn't happen by accident. It happens because industry professionals choose to invest their time, energy, and resources in ensuring the green industry has a seat at the table.

Those efforts have helped TNLA:
  • Protect access to important tools, equipment, and resources used throughout the industry.
  • Participate in critical conversations shaping the future of Texas water policy and infrastructure investments.
  • Advocate for workforce policies that recognize the realities facing employers across the green industry.
  • Prevent costly regulations and unnecessary burdens before they impact businesses.
  • Many of advocacy's biggest wins never make headlines because problems are often addressed before they become larger challenges.

That's the value of being proactive.

Investing in the Future

As we look toward the 2027 legislative session, the need for strong advocacy remains as important as ever.
Water availability, workforce development, regulatory pressures, and industry education will continue to shape the future of Texas' green industry. The relationships we build today help shape the conversations we'll have tomorrow.
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That's why TNLA PAC matters. It's not simply about supporting a political action committee. It's about helping ensure our industry has a voice, a seat at the table, and an opportunity to help shape decisions that affect our future.

Help Strengthen Our Voice

If your business has benefited from a stronger voice for the green industry, consider supporting TNLA PAC.
Your investment helps build relationships, strengthen advocacy efforts, and ensure our industry remains engaged in the conversations that matter most.
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Together, we can continue building a stronger future for Texas' green industry.

Support TNLA PAC Today

TNLA PAC supports state candidates who understand and advocate for Texas' green industry. Political contributions to TNLA PAC must be made from personal funds
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The Value of One Conversation

6/11/2026

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How the Right Connection Can Help You Solve Problems Faster
When people think about attending a tradeshow, they often focus on the education sessions, exhibits, or products on the show floor. Those things matter.
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But ask long-time industry professionals why they keep coming back to Nursery/Landscape EXPO, and you’ll often hear a different answer:

The people

For Billy Long, Past TNLA Chair and longtime industry leader, the value of EXPO comes down to relationships.
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"Something that would normally take you five years to achieve, with TNLA you could probably do it in two or two-and-a-half years. Because you got the right connections"
In an industry where businesses are working through labor challenges, supplier changes, rising costs, and day-to-day problem-solving, having the right people to call can make a real difference.

Sometimes the answer isn’t found online.
Sometimes it’s found in a conversation.

Why It Matters

The right connection can help you:
  • Find a new supplier
  • Solve a business challenge
  • Learn from someone who has already been there
  • Discover new opportunities
  • Avoid costly mistakes
  • See a problem from a different perspective​
As Billy puts it:
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​"Everyone wants to share their knowledge and learn from others"
That is one of the reasons EXPO continues to matter.

More Than Information. It’s Access.

Information is easy to find. What is harder to find is context.
  • What works?
  • What doesn’t?
  • Who do you trust?
  • How did someone else solve the same problem?
Those answers often come from relationships.
"The value isn’t just attending. The value is knowing who to call when you need help"
The relationships built at EXPO often continue long after the show ends.

Why Industry Professionals Keep Coming Back

  • For some attendees, EXPO is where they discover a new supplier.
  • For others, it’s where they learn about emerging trends, technologies, or business strategies.
  • For many, it’s where they reconnect with colleagues, mentors, customers, and friends who understand the unique challenges of the green industry.


For Fanick’s Garden Center owner Mark Fanick, those connections have become even more important as the industry changes.

As more growers focus on serving large retailers and national accounts, independent businesses often have to work harder to find unique products, new suppliers, and trusted partners.
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That’s one reason Mark continues to invest in EXPO.
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"We have probably increased our business with new growers, liner companies, and suppliers by about 80%"
And while products and trends may change over time, one thing has not.
As Mark puts it:
“I go there to meet my people.”
Simple. But powerful. Because business is still built on relationships.

Join the Conversation

The education, exhibits, and events are important parts of EXPO. But some of the most valuable takeaways may come from a conversation you didn’t expect to have.
  • One introduction.
  • One new connection.
  • One idea.
  • One solution.
Sometimes that is all it takes to change the trajectory of a business.
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Join us August 11–13 in San Antonio and discover the value of one conversation.

Register today at NurseryLandscapeExpo.org
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See What TNLA Accomplished This Year + Meet Your New State Board – Aug. 13

6/10/2026

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Make plans to join us for the TNLA Annual Business Meeting during EXPO!

At this important gathering, you’ll:
  • Be the first to view our Year in Review video, celebrating all that TNLA has accomplished on your behalf over the past year
  • Meet the newly elected 2026–2027 State Board of Directors
  • Reconnect with fellow members and leaders from across the industry

​Can't make it?

We'll be LIVE STREAMING the event on our Nursery/Landscape EXPO Facebook page. Make sure you follow us for live updates on the tradeshow floor!

Need to register for Expo?

For Exhibitor questions, please contact [email protected] or call 512-579-3864.
For Registration questions, please call 512-280-5182 ext 3876 or email [email protected].
Register Here
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Former TNLA Board Chair Bobby Eichholz Elevated to ASLA Fellow

6/10/2026

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The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) is proud to congratulate former TNLA State Board Chair Bobby Eichholz, ASLA, on being elevated to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Council of Fellows as part of the 2026 Class of Fellows.

Election to the ASLA Council of Fellows is among the highest honors bestowed by the organization and recognizes individuals whose careers have made exceptional contributions to the landscape architecture profession and society.

Eichholz, principal of Rialto Studio in San Antonio, joins a distinguished group of landscape architects from across North America who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, service, and professional achievement throughout their careers.

For many within the Texas green industry, Bobby is known not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his commitment to advancing the profession and supporting the broader horticulture and landscape community. His leadership as a past TNLA State Board Chair helped strengthen connections between landscape architects, landscape professionals, growers, and other green industry stakeholders across Texas.

"The 2026 Class of ASLA Fellows represents the very best of our profession, leaders whose work has strengthened communities, advanced environmental stewardship, and expanded what landscape architecture can do for people and places," said ASLA President Brad McCauley, FASLA.

ASLA Fellows will be formally elevated during a special investiture ceremony at the 2026 Conference on Landscape Architecture in Los Angeles, California, September 16–18, 2026.

On behalf of the TNLA Board of Directors, staff, and members, we extend our congratulations to Bobby on this well-deserved recognition and thank him for his continued contributions to the landscape profession and the Texas green industry.
​
Congratulations, Bobby!
 

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TNLA H-2B Workforce Advocacy in D.C.

5/13/2026

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Last week, TNLA traveled to Washington, D.C. alongside members of Texas’ green industry for the annual H-2B Fly-In. During the trip, TNLA members met directly with Congressional offices to discuss workforce challenges impacting green industry businesses across Texas. 

The conversations focused heavily on the seasonal H-2B VISA program. For many green industry businesses, these workers help keep projects on schedule during peak seasons while also supporting year-round American jobs within their companies. 

Why This Matters to Texas’ Green Industry ​

Texas’ green industry continues to face significant workforce shortages, particularly during high-demand periods in the spring and summer. During our meetings in Washington, TNLA members had the opportunity to speak directly with Congressional staff about how these workforce challenges affect their businesses on a day-to-day basis. 
Members shared personal stories about trying to keep crews staffed during peak project seasons, balancing growing customer demand, and managing the uncertainty that comes with not knowing whether seasonal workers will arrive on time. Some discussed the pressure of meeting timelines for government and commercial contracts, while others explained how workforce shortages impact long-term business planning and growth. 
Several members also highlighted that dependable seasonal labor helps create opportunities for year-round American employees by allowing businesses to expand operations, invest in training, and move workers into higher-skilled positions over time.
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One of the most impactful aspects of the trip was ensuring policymakers heard directly from employers experiencing these challenges firsthand.

What Was Discussed in Washington ​

A major focus of this year’s advocacy effort was support for the proposed “Certified Seasonal Employer” language currently being discussed in federal appropriations negotiations. 

The Certified Seasonal Employer proposal is designed to reward businesses that have consistently followed the rules and responsibly used the H-2B program over multiple years. Under the proposal, employers that have received H-2B labor certifications for the past five years would be allowed to maintain access to the highest number of seasonal workers they were previously certified for without those workers counting against the annual H-2B cap. 

One way to think about it is this: businesses that have proven year after year they are compliant, dependable, and operating legally would no longer have to “re-enter the lottery” every season just to maintain the same workforce levels they have historically relied upon. 

Currently, the H-2B program has an annual visa cap of 66,000 per fiscal year that has not been updated in decades despite major economic growth and increased workforce demand. The proposed language would reward long-time, compliant employers (certified for the last five years) instead of forcing them to compete under the same uncertainty each season. These workers would not be included in the cap. 
​

Where the Language Stands

The Certified Seasonal Employer language is currently being discussed as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations process in Congress. 

Rather than moving as a standalone immigration bill, the proposal is being pursued through the federal appropriations process because Congress frequently uses annual funding legislation to address operational H-2B issues and cap relief measures. In this case, industry groups are advocating for the language to be included in the baseline DHS Appropriations bill because DHS oversees key parts of the H-2B program, including visa allocation and administration. 

The proposal has already gained significant attention in Washington. According to industry briefings shared during the fly-in, the White House previously supported inclusion of the Certified Seasonal Employer language during earlier federal funding negotiations, and advocates are continuing to push for its inclusion in the final FY27 DHS funding package. 

This means the current focus is on educating Congressional offices, appropriations staff, and committee leadership about why workforce certainty is critical for seasonal employers and why long-time, compliant businesses should receive more predictability within the H-2B process. 
​

For TNLA members, the issue is not simply about increasing workforce numbers; it is about creating a more stable and predictable system that allows responsible employers to better plan projects, retain year-round employees, and continue supporting Texas’ growing economy. 
​

What Success Looks Like ​

For TNLA members, success would mean: 
  • More workforce certainty for seasonal employers 
  • Better project planning and scheduling 
  • Reduced operational disruptions during peak seasons 
  • Greater ability to retain and hire year-round American workers 
  • Continued support for Texas’ growing economy and infrastructure needs 
Most importantly, members wanted policymakers to hear directly from businesses experiencing these workforce challenges every day. 

​TNLA appreciates the members who traveled to Washington
to ensure the voice of Texas’ green industry was represented on Capitol Hill.
 
​

Contact TNLA’s Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Team ​

Curtis Smith – Director – [email protected]  
Karan Mehta – Manager – [email protected]  
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Water Conservation Advisory Council (WCAC) Legislative Priorities

4/30/2026

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The Water Conservation Advisory Council (WCAC) is a state advisory body created by the 80th Texas Legislature in 2007 and operates under the Texas Water Development Board. One of their duties is to provide legislative recommendations to the Texas Legislature and state agencies on water conservation strategies and policies. 
 
The Council recently met to review and advance draft legislative recommendations focused on water conservation strategies across Texas. These discussions are particularly important during the interim, as WCAC recommendations can inform future legislation, rulemaking, and statewide water policy initiatives.  
 
For TNLA members, these priorities signal potential changes to irrigation practices, reporting requirements, and funding opportunities that could directly impact business operations and compliance. 

Key Legislative Priorities: ​

Landscape & Irrigation Best Practices (Master Valves) 
A recommendation was approved to require installation of master valves on all new landscape irrigation systems. These devices help prevent water loss from leaks and system failures and are considered a low-cost, high-impact conservation tool when installed upfront. 
 
Member impact: Contractors and irrigation professionals may see increased demand for master valve installation and should be aware of evolving expectations. 
 
Statewide Evapotranspiration (ET) Network 
 
WCAC is recommending that the Legislature provide additional funding to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to expand and support a statewide evapotranspiration (ET) network within the TexMesonet program. 
 
Evapotranspiration (ET) is a measurement of how much water is lost from soil and plants to the atmosphere through evaporation and plant use, and it is a key tool for determining how much and when to irrigate. 
The recommendation includes increasing appropriations (approximately $1.2 million for the biennium) to support: 
 
  • Expansion and upgrading of weather stations to collect ET data 
  • Additional staff and technical assistance 
  • Studies to improve accuracy and placement of ET monitoring stations 
 
This builds on the existing TexMesonet network, which was established to provide statewide weather and water data but currently lacks sufficient resources to fully incorporate ET data. 
 
Member impact: Expanded ET data access could support more precise irrigation practices and strengthen the case for smart irrigation technologies. This may create opportunities for members offering advanced irrigation solutions. 
 
Irrigation Requirements for Single-Family Rental Properties (Still Under Development) 
 
WCAC is examining a proposal to update Public Utility Commission rules to extend existing tenant water-use protections to single-family rental properties. 
 
Currently, tenants in apartments, condominiums, and manufactured housing have protections related to water billing and responsibility under submetering rules. However, these protections do not apply to single-family rentals. 
  
In some cases, landlords require tenants to irrigate landscapes to maintain the property, even during periods when local water restrictions are in place. This can result in tenants facing fines, penalties, or higher water bills for actions required under their lease.  

The proposal would align all rental property types by extending these protections to single-family rentals, helping ensure tenants are not penalized for irrigation requirements outside their control. 
 
Member impact: Could affect how irrigation services are directed and who is responsible for compliance on rental properties, requiring landscape professionals to follow local water restrictions regardless of lease requirements. 
 
Agricultural Water Conservation Funding 
 
WCAC is recommending that water conservation projects, such as irrigation efficiency improvements and drought-resilience measures be clearly recognized as eligible for financial assistance through the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority (TAFA). 
 
While TAFA already provides low-interest loans and other financial tools for agricultural production, water conservation is not explicitly identified in statute. WCAC’s recommendation is to highlight and reinforce that these activities qualify under existing authority. 
 
This recommendation does not create new funding or prioritize water conservation over other uses but instead increases awareness of existing financing options. 
 
Member impact: Increased visibility of funding opportunities could benefit selected growers engaged in water-efficient practices, particularly those eligible for conservation-related financial assistance. 
 
Municipal Water Use Transparency 
WCAC is recommending stronger reporting and visibility of: 
  • Water conservation savings (BMPs)  
  • Water reuse data  
 
The goal is to improve accountability and encourage better performance through clearer, more accessible data. This would include a full-time employee assisting utilities, review submitting data, and posting the conservation/reuse BMP volumes. Their path is for Texas utilities and water planning regions to better understand the progress and effectiveness of implementing water conservation and reuse strategies. 
 
Member impact: Increased transparency may lead to heightened scrutiny of outdoor water use and irrigation practices, particularly in municipal or commercial settings. This could influence local regulations, customer expectations, and how water use is tracked and reported. 
​

What’s Next ​

WCAC will now move into developing a formal legislative report, including summaries and supporting visuals. 
  • Recommendations are not yet final  
  • No timeline has been announced for final adoption or release  ​

Why It Matters ​

These recommendations signal a continued focus on: 
  • Conservation tools  
  • Improved data transparency  
  • Smarter irrigation practices across sectors  
 
TNLA will continue monitoring as recommendations are finalized and assessing potential impacts on the green industry. 
​
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