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You've completed the project. The client is happy. Your team has moved on to the next job. So why take the time to enter an awards program? For past winners of the Texas Excellence in Landscaping Awards (TEIL), the answer goes beyond bringing home an award. TEIL gives Texas green industry professionals an opportunity to document their best work, recognize the people behind it and earn industry recognition for what their companies have accomplished. With the October 5 application deadline approaching, we asked recent winners what earning a TEIL Award meant to them. Recognition for the Work Your Team Is Already DoingFor Southern Botanical, earning a TEIL Award provides outside recognition of the quality its teams deliver.
Jeanette Gallardo, Marketing Coordinator at Southern Botanical, also has simple advice for companies wondering whether they should enter: “If you’re on the fence about applying, do it: the recognition speaks for itself.” There's an important point in that advice: your team has already done the difficult part. The project has been designed, installed, maintained or transformed. Entering TEIL gives you an opportunity to document that accomplishment and put the team's work in front of industry peers. An Award Can Help Build Your Company's ReputationFor Set Roots owner Kyle McLaughlin, TEIL recognition became part of a much larger company story. After purchasing the company in 2017 following 12 years working for a large commercial landscape maintenance firm, McLaughlin says Set Roots initially took on smaller projects because those were the opportunities available to the company. As the business grew, so did the work.
For him personally, the recognition represented something more. He described reaching that level as a remarkable achievement, something he hadn’t imagined would be possible when the company was getting started. That’s one of the strongest reasons to consider entering. The project you’re completing today could become part of the story you tell about your company tomorrow Even the Submission Process Can Have ValueWinning isn't the only benefit. Landscape architect Matt W. Stevens began submitting projects to TEIL a few years after starting his own company and overseeing the installation of his designs. He found value in the process itself. “The process gave me a chance to self-reflect and share my process with others.” The project photography he gathered for his entries also became material he could use on his own website. Stevens says he values having a statewide organization that can validate the work being done in the landscape design-build industry. Gallardo shared a similar perspective, noting that preparing a submission can “deepen your appreciation for the work your team has already accomplished. Think Your Project Isn't Award-Worthy? Take Another Look.TEIL recognizes outstanding Texas landscape projects across residential and commercial installation, maintenance, design, special projects and unique features. Your project doesn't have to look like someone else's winning project. Instead, consider the story behind your own work.
A strong TEIL entry doesn't require complicated marketing language. Start with a clear challenge → solution → result, then use strong project photography to support the story. Your Work Is Done. Don't Let the Opportunity Pass.If you've already started a TEIL application, now is the time to finish it. If you haven't started, there is still time to put your project forward. Applications close October 5. TEIL is open to green industry professionals with projects in Texas, and TNLA membership is not required. Entry fees are $250 for TNLA members and $300 for nonmembers. Winners will be recognized February 23, 2027, at the TNLA Awards Festival during the Lone Star Hort Forum in Waco. Your team did the work. Give them the opportunity to have it recognized. Questions? Contact Amber Aultman at [email protected] or call 512-579-3864.
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The Texas Excellence in Landscaping (TEIL) Awards are now open. Each year, landscape companies across Texas submit projects that showcase the craftsmanship, creativity, and problem-solving happening across our industry. If your team is working on projects this season, now is the time to start thinking about what you may want to submit. Start with One Simple Step The strongest TEIL entries don’t happen at the end of a project; they’re built along the way. A simple tip from past participants: Assign someone on your team to capture photos throughout the project That typically includes:
Capturing these as you go makes submitting much easier later. What Makes a Strong Entry TEIL submissions don’t have to be complicated. Strong projects usually show:
Many winning entries come from everyday projects completed by teams doing great work for their clients. Start Looking at Your Current Projects Projects happening right now, especially those wrapping up this spring and summer, are often strong candidates for TEIL submissions. If your team is working on something you’re proud of, it’s worth documenting now so you have everything ready when you decide to enter. Recognition TEIL winners are recognized each year at the Lone Star Hort Forum and promoted across TNLA channels providing visibility for your work and your team. Learn More You can review categories, past winners, and submission details here:
👉 https://www.tnlaonline.org/teil.html Submissions will be accepted through October. 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  Aug 28, 2025 Location: Fort Bend ISD RSVP/Info: https://www.fortbendisd.com/cms/module/selectsurvey/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=761 Short and simple: show up, say hello, and be seen.
Sept 18, 2025TNLA Region VIII Meeting – Waco, TX Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Location: Border Magic – 2324 Robinson Dr, Waco, TX 76706 Cost: Free | Parking: Free Join us for our first TNLA Region VIII Meeting in Waco since COVID! This free event is a great opportunity to connect with fellow green industry professionals, share ideas, and gain valuable insights on building and strengthening your team. Our featured speaker, Michael Bosco, Executive Coach with McFarlin Stanford, Committee Chairperson, and Vice President of the Texas Pest Control Association, will present on Hiring, Recruiting & Onboarding New Team Members. Light refreshments will be provided, and we’ll have door prizes to make the evening even more fun. RSVP by September 18 to Maren Davis at [email protected]. Sept 23, 2025Please join us for the TNLA Region II Meeting on Tuesday, September 23, 5:30–8:00 PM at Houston Community College – Katy Campus. Agenda at a glance
Questions? Contact Jenni Saucier at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you there. TEIL Awards — Applications Now Open (Deadline Sept 29)Showcase your best work and earn statewide recognition. The Texas Excellence in Landscaping (TEIL) Awards are open now, with a deadline of September 29, 2025. Winners will be honored in January 2026 at the TNLA Awards Festival. Why apply
Questions? Contact [email protected] Oct 3-5, 2025 TNLA and Region VI are partnering up to conduct the West Texas Workshop on October 2-3, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. Schedule of events and pricing information coming soon. Sponsorships are available. For Questions Contact Remmington Holt at [email protected] or call (806) 477-2605.
Texas Garden Retailer Awards — Applications Now Open (Deadline Oct 5)Recognize your team, elevate your brand, and put your best work in front of the statewide industry. The Texas Garden Retailer Awards (TGRA) are officially open—and the entry is quick and straightforward. Why enter
How to enter (takes about 20–30 minutes)
Brochure: Texas Garden Retailer Awards 2025 Brochure Quick tips from the judges’ perspective
Help Us Represent TNLA: Volunteer, Sponsor & Swing-By OpportunitiesTNLA is partnering with Texas programs to strengthen our talent pipeline and connect members with tomorrow’s workforce. We’re calling for volunteers to represent TNLA on-site and sponsors who’d like visibility with students, faculty, and industry partners. (Sponsors may plug their companies—logo on materials, brief intro, and swag—per host guidelines.) Oct 8-10 2025 Texas Tech Industry, Research & Innovation Summit (IRIS) — Lubbock Dates: Oct 8–10, 2025 • Venue: Texas Tech International Cultural Center Why attend: Three focused days where industry meets academia—recruit talent, judge research, mentor student teams, and build partnerships. What’s happening
How you can help
Bonus: Stay for the excitement--Homecoming vs. Kansas on Oct 11. Questions? Email Jeremiah Armstrong at [email protected] with subject “IRIS – Volunteer/Sponsor” and note your availability and company name. Oct 29, 2025Texas A&M Horticultural Sciences Career Fair — College StationDate/Time: Wed, Oct 29, 2025 • 10:00 AM–2:00 PM Location: Horticulture & Forest Science Building, Texas A&M University (Optional networking the evening before: Tue, Oct 28, 6:00–8:00 PM.) Why attend: Meet motivated students across nursery, landscape, wine, produce, floriculture, and related sectors; promote your company and open roles. How you can help
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:
 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 |
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September 2026
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