​The two-spot cotton leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula) has recently been detected in Texas, traced to hibiscus shipments from out-of-state. This pest is already appearing in retail environments and poses a serious risk to ornamental plants and crops.

Thursday, June 12, 2025
🕐 12:30 PM
I-9 audits are increasing across the country—and for many businesses, one misstep could mean costly consequences. TNLA is teaming up with legal expert Jacob Monty of Monty & Ramirez LLP to bring you a can’t-miss compliance webinar:
“Steps Employers Can Take to Avoid I-9 Audits and Stay Compliant.”
🔍 Topics include:

• Identity theft & the Innocent Bystander Act
• How to handle identity confessions
• SSA no-match notices
• Practical tips to reduce audit risks

👉 Register Now to protect your business and get ahead of the curve.

June 2, 2025 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Location:  In the Horticulture/Forest Science Building: 495 Horticulture Rd, College Station, TX 77843  
Who Should Attend: Anyone interested in horticulture-related careers
​
Whether you’re a student, educator, or simply curious about horticulture, this event at Texas A&M offers a closer look into degree programs and careers in plant science. Attendees will explore everything from floral design and plant genetics to controlled environment horticulture—and meet with current students and faculty along the way

​🪴 Pro Tip: You’re welcome to attend both! One connects you statewide, the other strengthens your local network. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned professional, there’s something for everyone.

​We’re excited to share not one, but two upcoming Women in Horticulture gatherings—each with its own focus and purpose. Here’s what you need to know so you don’t miss out:

🌼 TNLA Women in Hort Virtual Meeting Hosted by TNLA (Statewide)
📅 Wednesday, June 25, 2025 | 🕙 10:00 AM | 💻 Virtual

​Join women across Texas in this virtual statewide event featuring guest speaker Jennifer Hatalski, TCNP of Calloway’s Nursery. This is a great chance to gain professional insight, ask questions, and feel inspired by other women in the industry—no matter where you're located.

🌿 Region VIII – In-Person Women in Hort Gathering
​Hosted by TNLA Region VIII (Central Texas Only)
📅 Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 🕓 4:00–8:00 PM
📍 Bear Creek Retreat, 13813 Carpenter Ln, Manchaca, TX 78652

This in-person gathering is exclusively for women in TNLA’s Region VIII, including Austin, San Antonio, and surrounding areas. It’s all about building local connections, swapping knowledge, and supporting one another in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
​
RSVP to:[email protected] 

July 24–25, 2025
Hosted Online
Calling all landscape architects and designers! The Outdoor Learning Environment (OLE!) Texas program is offering a two-day virtual seminar to train professionals on how to support nature-based outdoor spaces for early childhood education programs.
💸 Scholarships available to cover the $1,000 course fee—apply today!

• July 24: 1 PM – 5 PM
  
• July 25: 9 AM – 5 PM
  

👏 What TNLA is Doing
From leading I-9 compliance efforts to promoting professional development opportunities like Women in Hort, TNLA is committed to connecting you with the resources that matter most. We advocate, we educate, and we cultivate a stronger green industry—together.
Stay tuned for more upcoming events, and make sure you’re following us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for updates!

In today’s fast-paced Green Industry, having strong, adaptable leaders is essential for long-term business success. But leadership isn’t something that just happens—it’s developed, refined, and strengthened over time. That’s where TNLA Leadership Bootcamp comes in.

This exclusive, industry-specific leadership development program is designed to equip professionals with the practical skills, confidence, and industry connections they need to grow into effective managers and future leaders.

Why Enroll One of Your Employees?
​Investing in leadership training isn’t just about developing an individual—it’s about strengthening your entire business. Here’s how sending a team member to TNLA Leadership Bootcamp can benefit your company:
✅ Build Stronger Leaders – Develop confident, capable employees who can take initiative, manage teams, and solve problems effectively.

​✅ Increase Employee Retention – Employees who feel valued and invested in are more likely to stay, reducing turnover and increasing loyalty.

​✅ Gain Immediate Business Impact – Participants don’t just learn theory—they get real-world strategies they can implement immediately to improve operations and team dynamics.

​✅ Expand Your Network – Through roundtable discussions, facility tours, and one-on-one mentorship, participants build valuable connections with industry leaders.

​✅ Future-Proof Your Business – A strong leadership pipeline ensures your business is prepared for growth, succession planning, and industry changes.

What Participants Will Experience
The four-part program (August 2025 – January 2026) includes:
📍 32+ Hours of Leadership Training – Hands-on education to build management and leadership skills.
📍 10+ Hours of Exclusive Facility Tours – Firsthand insights into successful operations.
📍 One-on-One Mentorship – Guidance from experienced industry professionals.
📍 Self-Assessment & Personal Development – Helping participants understand their leadership style.
📍 Complimentary Registration – To TNLA’s 2025 Nursery/Landscape EXPO (San Antonio) and 2026 Lone Star Hort Forum (Grapevine).
Session Schedule

• Session 1: August 6, 2025 – EXPO, San Antonio, TX
• Session 2: October 20-21, 2025 – Houston, TX (Tour & In-Person Education)
• Session 3: December 8-9, 2025 – TBD (Tour & In-Person Education)
• Session 4: January 5-6, 2026 – Grapevine, TX (Education & Tour)

Limited Spots Available – Apply Today!
With only 20 seats available, this program fills up fast. The member rate of $1,000 is available until June 11, 2025.
📩 Apply Now: Application Link
Learn More: TNLA Leadership Bootcamp
Questions? Contact Sarah Riggins: [email protected]

Congratulations to the TNLA Leadership Bootcamp Class IV of 2024-2025

Start the Year Strong with TNLA: Events and Resources for 2025
As we begin 2025, the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) is excited to offer an engaging lineup of events and resources designed to empower professionals and businesses in the green industry. From educational workshops to networking opportunities, here’s a look at what’s coming up this year:

1. Region V Networking Meeting
Date: January 21, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Details: Kick off the year by connecting with peers and discussing regional initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, collaborate, and strengthen your local network.

2. Meet the Region VII Board
Date: January 22, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Details: Join us for this all-day event where you’ll meet the Region VII Board members. Learn about their goals for the year, provide your input, and find ways to get involved in shaping the future of the industry.

3. TNLA Region II Winter Workshop
Date: January 31, 2025
Time: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: West Houston Institute, Houston Community College, 2811 Hayes Road, Houston, TX 77082
Details: This full-day workshop is packed with educational sessions tailored for the green industry, offered in both English and Spanish. Topics include landscaping and maintenance, healthy plants and soil, business development, OSHA safety, and more.
A dedicated Irrigation Track is available, offering 8 hours of TCEQ-approved CEU credit. Lunch is included, and you’ll also have the chance to network with exhibitors and industry professionals. This workshop is a must-attend event for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and build connections in 2025.

4. TNLA Region 7: State of Water in Texas Meeting
Date: February 6, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: AgriLife Weslaco Auditorium, 2415 US-83 BUS, Weslaco, TX 78596
Details: This meeting will explore the current state of water resources in Texas, featuring presentations by Curtis Smith
Lunch will be free for members that rsvp and will be $10 for non members that RSVP. Please email [email protected] for questions or to RSVP
Zoom links will be available for members unable to attend in person, ensuring everyone can access this vital information.

5. Women in Hort Virtual Meeting
Date: February 19, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Details: This virtual gathering is designed to connect and empower women in the horticulture industry. Share experiences, gain valuable insights, and grow professionally in a supportive and inspiring environment. Our guest speaker, Lori Whitten from Action Visa, will talk about H2B visa work and its impact on our industry. We’ll also discuss industry trends, TNLA updates, and the latest plans for the Women in Hort event at Expo. 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85471358024?pwd=Oi4L22jarxBBRirdTjtpEasSIRkDV0.1&from=addon
Meeting ID: 854 7135 8024
Passcode: 158380

6. 2025 TNLA Legislative Day
Date: March 13, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Details: Join us at the Texas Capitol to advocate for policies that support the green industry. This is a unique opportunity to engage with policymakers, share your perspectives, and help shape the future of the industry.
Let’s Make 2025 a Year of Growth and Success
TNLA is committed to providing the tools, resources, and opportunities you need to succeed. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, gain new insights, or advocate for our industry, there’s something for everyone in this year’s lineup.

Don’t miss out—visit our Events Calendar for full details and registration information. Click HERE

We look forward to supporting your growth and success in 2025. Together, let’s make this year one to remember!​

​In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, TNLA's Kim Cabrera, Membership & Marketing Manager, sat down with Carmelo Orellano with Estructura LLC to talk about his journey within the Industry, overcoming challenges as a first-time business owner, and his invaluable connections through TNLA.

The TNLA Lone Star Hort Forum (LSHF) is back, and it's bigger and better than ever! Taking place from January 6-8, 2025, this event is the perfect opportunity for horticulture professionals to learn, network, and grow. Hosted in beautiful Grapevine, Texas, the Lone Star Hort Forum brings together experts, innovators, and enthusiasts from across the state to explore the latest trends, research, and technology in the industry.
At LSHF, you can attend various educational sessions covering business development, sustainability, and the newest plant innovations. These sessions are designed to provide actionable insights and strategies that you can apply directly to your business. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, there's something for everyone.

In addition to the educational opportunities, the Lone Star Hort Forum is a fantastic place to network. Meet fellow professionals, exchange ideas, and build relationships that can help you grow your business. The connections you make here could be the key to your next big opportunity.
We also offer immersive tours that you can partake in! What to expect:

• Connect With TNLA Member Companies. Network with fellow TNLA professionals and engage in on-board discussions.
• Immersive Exploration. Experience firsthand what sets these companies apart as you tour each location. Gain inspiration and insights to transform your own business.
• Convenient Experience. Our meticulously planned tour allows you to return to your hotel in time to enjoy a relaxing dinner or the vibrant nightlife in Grapevine. 

Celebrate the best of the Texas Green Industry at our Awards Festival! Applications to be recognized as the top Garden Retailer or Landscaping Company are now open! Please click HERE for the Texas Excellence in Landscaping Awards & HERE for Texas Garden Retailer Awards

Don't miss out on this incredible event! Register now to secure your spot at the TNLA Lone Star Hort Forum. Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge, make valuable connections, or just be inspired by the beauty and innovation of Texas horticulture, this event is for you. We can't wait to see you there!
Register today to be part of an experience that celebrates the best of Texas horticulture and empowers you to take your business to the next level.
Click here to register, to view the schedule of events and for more information visit -> https://www.tnlaonline.org/tnla-lone-star-hort-forum.html