 🌱 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
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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  
In this exclusive sit-down with TNLA President & CEO Amy Graham, newly elected Chairman Devin Guinn shares his vision for the year ahead. From fostering growth and supporting diversity to navigating leadership transitions, Devin reflects on how TNLA has shaped his journey—starting with a pivotal introduction to EXPO by past TNLA Chairman Tim Little. Watch the full interview to hear how TNLA’s connections became the backbone of his success and what’s next for our association.
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!  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.  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! TNLA held our annual Nursery/Landscape EXPO tradeshow at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, TX, and the sense of community was truly heartwarming. It was inspiring to see so many dedicated professionals from the Texas Green Industry come together to network, share knowledge, and explore new opportunities. The event brought record-breaking attendance, showing just how committed we all are to the growth and success of our industry. We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support and passion. Together, we Aimed high, Dreamed big, and Achieved so much. Thank you for being a vital part of this journey with us and we can't wait to see you all next year same place, in San Antonio, TX at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center with NEW DATES: Aug 5-7th, 2025. EXPO Education Education kicked us off on Wednesday Aug 14, 2024 and you all packed the sessions! We had to get more seats for you all!! We offered a total of 80 sessions throughout the week, 70.5 TNLA CEU Hours, 41 demos, for the first time we provided a 4-hr two wire training on the show floor.    If you wanted to attend some of the sessions but could not make it, don’t worry, EXPO recorded a variety which will be available for purchase soon including not limited to the following:
 EXPO Gardens A heartfelt thank you to Tarrant County College for creating the designs. This was the students' final project of the semester, and we have to say—they knocked it out of the park! We also want to express our gratitude to Texas State, Texas A&M, and Palo Alto College for their invaluable help in bringing these designs to life. Special thanks to our contributing exhibitors!  Thursday, Aug 15, 2024 We kicked off Thursday with an exciting opening ceremony that featured a special performance by Mariachi Alma de Jalisco. The festivities continued as TNLA's current Chair of the Board, Bobby Eichholz, officially opened the tradeshow floor with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. We want to extend a special thanks to Kip and Brock from Athens Tree Farm for sponsoring this tradeshow, and to Chase Kinney and the entire team at KBW Supply for providing the greenhouse at our entrance.    Exhibitors You all sold us out, we had over 100 new exhibitors this year and had to start a waiting list! We are beyond honored that you put your trust in us to help you grow your business. Breakdown: Total Booths on the Tradeshow Floor – 934 (5% increase from 2023) Total # of Exhibiting Companies – 453 (7% increase from 2023) Total # of Sponsoring Companies – 52 The tradeshow floor was spectacular!  Congratulations to this year’s best booth winners: Everde Growers  Whiz-Q-Stone Whittlesey Landscape Supplies Dewar Nurseries Green Lake Nursery The Ground Up Women in Hort Get Together We had an amazing time at the Women in Horticulture gathering! A special thank you to Representative Mary Gonzalez for joining us and discussing the vital role of women in horticulture and the importance of making our voices heard in the legislative arena. If you missed it, you can watch the live-stream anytime on our Nursery/Landscape EXPO Facebook page or by clicking HERE     Special Thank You To Our Sponsors  Welcome Party We wrapped up the evening with our exciting Welcome to San Antonio Party! Attendees enjoyed live music by XFactory, fun giveaways, and the chance to relax with delicious bites and drinks. A special thank you to our sponsors, Living Earth and Everde Growers, for making it all possible.     Thank You To the rest of our Sponsors Food Sponsor Centerpiece Sponsor Table Sponsors
Certification Reception Certified Professionals got to enjoy a dedicated reception where they got to mingle with other industry professionals.    Friday, Aug 17, 2024 Annual Business Meeting We started the last day of EXPO with our Annual Business Meeting. What is this? It is an opportunity for the Association to conduct essential business, report its accomplishments to the members, and kick off the new fiscal year. We are honored to share with you some of the initiatives TNLA engaged in with the support of our members. Amy Graham, President/CEO of TNLA, presented the County Agent Award to David Ramirez and introduced the 2024-2025 TNLA Board of Directors. The meeting concluded with our annual Year In Review. You can watch the live stream of the Annual Business Meeting HERE and view the Year In Review below TNLA Booth  Membership We had a record-breaking number of new memberships sign up during the show! We are thrilled about the future of TNLA Membership and are committed to providing valuable opportunities for continuing education, advocacy, and business success.  Both members and non-members enjoyed fun giveaways at our booth. Congratulations to Matt Thomas from Spring Creek Growers for winning the RTIC Cooler raffle! Many attendees took home our EXPO T-shirts, and we loved hearing your positive feedback on the graphic design.  Thank you to our Membership Jeopardy Sponsors     TNLA PAC At this year's Nursery/Landscape EXPO, the TNLA PAC Trustees went above and beyond in demonstrating the critical role of our Political Action Committee. Their dedication and outreach highlighted the significant impact of our PAC in supporting legislative efforts that benefit our industry. Every year TNLA PAC raises crucial funds to support our industry’s interests. we want to thank our Diamond Recognized and Gold Star Companies for their incredible support of the TNLA Political Action Committee (PAC). Diamond Recognized: Those who donated $500 or more from an individual. · Bob Cartwright · Bonnick Landscaping · Bruce Miller Nurseries · Calloway's Nursery · Cedar Creek Farms · Creekside Nursery · Dry Creek Tree Farm · Everde · Harry's Greenhouse · Houston Garden Centers · KBW Supply · Krause Landscape · Landmark Nurseries · Living Earth · Mark Rose · Mortellaro's · Roundtree Landscaping · Saxon Becnel & Sons · Southwest Wholesale Nursery · Superscapes Inc. · Vital Earth Gold Star Companies: Companies that had four or more individuals donate at least $50 · KBW Supply · Landmark · Living Earth · Monarch Landscape · Mortellaro’s Nursery · Rancho Encino · Southwest Nursery · TNLA · Vital Earth Thanks to the unwavering support of our TNLA members, we are thrilled to announce that our PAC has achieved a record-breaking fundraising milestone. This remarkable accomplishment underscores our members' commitment to advancing our industry’s interests. Congratulations to the raffle winner, Steven Akers with Back to Nature, for winning a Beretta Shotgun!  The funds raised will be used to support political candidates who advocate for the green industry, ensuring our voice is heard in legislative discussions and promoting favorable policies. Our PAC's success reflects our members' dedication to political advocacy. Thank you for your support—together, we're shaping a positive future for our industry. Stay tuned for more updates on how you can get involved with the TNLA PAC. To learn more on how you can help, reach out to Curtis Smith Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) [email protected] See You all next Year! Booth sales are now open, please contact Amy Prenger at [email protected] for more information. Next year's theme is "Renaissance Fair," embodying a blend of Knights of the Round Table and Medieval vibes. The tagline, "Together Towards Tomorrow," reflects the collective journey towards a new future. This theme arose as the industry reflected on the need to approach familiar tasks in new ways and come together to forge a shared path in this new reality. Can't wait to see what you all do with the theme, until next year keep an eye out for updates on the nurserylandscapeexpo.org website! Registration goes live April 1, 2025!  |
AuthorKim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager Archives
May 2026
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