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TNLA is thrilled to introduce our new "Working for You" Blog!
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The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) was proud to host two premier student competitions—the Landscape Challenge and the Nursery/Landscape Plant ID Competition—at this year’s San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. Students from across Texas traveled to compete, bringing their knowledge, technical skill, and passion for horticulture to one of the state’s most celebrated stages. Beyond competitions, these events represent TNLA’s commitment to workforce development in the Texas Green Industry—creating meaningful pathways for students to turn their education into lasting careers. The Landscape Challenge The Landscape Challenge highlights teamwork, creativity, and technical expertise. Competing teams demonstrated excellence in landscape design and installation, applying classroom learning in a hands-on, real-world environment. The winning team earned a $20,000 scholarship, an investment in their continued education and in the future leaders of our industry. The Nursery/Landscape Plant ID Competition The Nursery/Landscape Plant ID Competition tested individual knowledge and precision at the highest level. Competitors completed:
The top individual was awarded a $10,000 scholarship, recognizing exceptional mastery across multiple areas of horticulture. Investing in the Future of the Industry What stood out most was the caliber of the students. They arrived prepared, focused, and ready to perform. Their dedication reflects the strength of horticulture education programs throughout Texas and reinforces why workforce development efforts matter. By providing these real-world competition experiences and direct exposure to industry professionals, TNLA is helping cultivate the next generation of growers, landscape professionals, business owners, and innovators. When students see opportunity in the Texas Green Industry—and step confidently into it—that’s the true measure of success. Thank you to Our SupportersThese competitions would not be possible without our dedicated judges: Cate Norris, Jim Irby, Levi Gholson, Bobby Eichholz, and Jacob Clark.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to our event sponsors—Landmark Nurseries, Inc., Denali, and Billy Long Enterprises—for their generous support and commitment to strengthening the future workforce of the Texas Green Industry. Together, we are not just hosting competitions—we are growing the future.
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The future of the Texas green industry depends on the next generation — students who are passionate about horticulture, landscaping, and nursery management. Since 1968, the TNLA Foundation has awarded over $1.1 million in scholarships to help students turn that passion into careers. This year, we were proud to award $22,250 in scholarships to a group of outstanding 2025 recipients, including students like Lauren Lasus (Sam Houston State University), Caleb Anderson (West Texas A&M University), and Kyla Diaz (Texas A&M University) 2025 TNLA Scholarship Winners Their achievements remind us why investing in education matters — every scholarship helps ensure a stronger, more skilled workforce for our industry.  How You Can Help
Applications Now Open for 2026 The TNLA Foundation Scholarship applications are officially open for 2026! Students across Texas who are pursuing education in horticulture and landscape fields are encouraged to apply. 📅 Deadline: January 16, 2026 👉 Apply Here As past winner Lauren Lasus shared, winning a TNLA award is more than recognition — it’s a spark that motivates students to lead, innovate, and give back.
With your help, we can continue to support tomorrow’s leaders while strengthening the future of the Texas green industry. Questions? Contact [email protected] FREE Webinar: Stay Compliant & Avoid I-9 AuditsThursday, 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:
Horticulture Exploration Day – Texas A&MJune 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.  Women in Horticulture Events – Two Unique Opportunities to ConnectWe’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]  OLE! Texas – Virtual Designer Training SeminarJuly 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!
 👏 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! As Easter arrives, so does a season of growth, hope, and reflection—values deeply rooted in the mission of the TNLA Foundation. This season, we’re celebrating both the purpose behind our work and the people who represent its impact—like the 2025 TNLA Foundation Scholarship Recipients. These outstanding students are the next generation of horticulture professionals, educators, and entrepreneurs. With a passion for plants and a drive to make a difference, they represent the future we believe in—and the one we’re building together. Our work doesn’t stop there, the TNLA Foundation has proudly: 🌿 Awarded over $1.1 million in scholarships to students pursuing careers in horticulture and related fields 📚 Funded over $75,000 in research to support innovation, sustainability, and best practices across the industry 💼 Trained more than 50 professionals through the TNLA Leadership Bootcamp, building strong, informed leaders for tomorrow This Easter, as landscapes bloom and communities grow, we’re reminded of the power of planting something meaningful—be it a seed, an idea, or a dream. 🎓 Meet the 2025 TNLA Foundation Scholarship WinnersRecognized for their dedication, academic excellence, and passion for the Green Industry:
💚 Help Us Keep Growing Whether through mentorship, donations, or simply sharing our story, your support helps plant the seeds for a greener, stronger future. Learn more or donate at TNLAonline.org » From all of us at the TNLA Foundation--Happy Easter. May your season be filled with renewal, purpose, and plenty of blooms. 🌼 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
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  Recently, the TNLA Foundation Chair, Bill Carson with Native Texas Nursery, had the opportunity to sit down with Amy Graham, President and CEO of the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA), to discuss the incredible work of the TNLA Foundation. Their conversation sheds light on the Foundation’s mission, its impact on the industry, and how you can get involved in shaping the future of horticulture.
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AuthorTNLA Staff Archives
September 2026
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