 TNLA is now accepting applications for 1–2 Student Social Media Ambassadors to help capture the experience at Nursery/Landscape EXPO 2026. What Is EXPO? Nursery/Landscape EXPO is one of the largest events in the country for professionals in landscaping, plant production, garden centers, and outdoor spaces. It brings together businesses from across the industry to connect, learn, and grow. About the Opportunity This role is designed for students who are interested in marketing, communications, or content creation and want real-world experience in a live event setting. Selected students will help capture EXPO in real time through:
Why Apply? This is more than just a volunteer opportunity, it’s a chance to:
Who Should Apply This opportunity is a great fit for students who are:
Event Details📍 San Antonio, Texas 📅 August 11–13, 2026 nurserylandscapeexpo.org How to Apply Applications are now open. 👉 Apply here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=dfuMZY3U6Ei5zBYgTvHoXzQYAbjbsBpCqTURSaWKJoRUM1lOTlVRNzRLVDYxR0ZLV0NRSU9JSlJJNy4u Know Someone Who Would Be a Good Fit? We encourage members, employers, and educators to share this opportunity with students who may be interested. Questions?
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A message from Merchant Owl, a TNLA Endorsed Service Provider If your business accepts credit card payments, especially if you work with contractors, municipalities, or other businesses, a recent change from Visa could impact your costs. Effective April 16, 2026, Visa is discontinuing its Level 2 data program. While the name may not sound familiar, this program allowed many B2B businesses to qualify for lower credit card processing rates when certain transaction details were included. With this change, some businesses may see higher processing fees when accepting purchasing cards. There is still an opportunity to reduce costs but it now requires capturing additional information at the time of the transaction and using the right systems to properly process that data. What this means for you:If you’re not set up correctly, you could be paying more than necessary in card fees especially during your busiest season. The good news is that there are ways to minimize the impact. Working with the right payment provider can help ensure your transactions are structured to qualify for the best possible rates. Merchant Owl, a TNLA Endorsed Service Provider, has worked alongside the green industry for over 20 years and helps businesses evaluate their current setup and identify opportunities to reduce costs. TNLA members can receive a free consultation no current relationship required. More information can be obtained by contacting Rich Kling at Merchant Owl. We can help evaluate your current situation and make recommendations as needed to assist you in qualifying your transactions at the best level (cost) possible.  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. Texas producers and green industry businesses have access to new funding and financing opportunities that may help support growth, equipment upgrades, and long-term investment. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), through the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority (TAFA), is currently offering two programs designed to strengthen agricultural operations and improve access to capital. 1. AgPro Grant Program The Agricultural Production Resource Opportunity (AgPro) Grant Program provides funding to help producers improve, expand, and strengthen their operations. What this can support:
This program is designed for businesses looking to invest in efficiency, innovation, and long-term growth. 2. Agricultural Loan Guarantee (ALG) Program The Texas Agricultural Loan Guarantee (ALG) Program helps increase access to financing by reducing risk for lenders through a state-backed guarantee. What this means for businesses:
Loan guarantees can cover up to 90% of the loan amount, depending on size, helping lenders feel more confident in approving financing. Why This Matters Access to capital continues to be a key challenge for many businesses across the green industry. Programs like these can help:
Strengthen long-term stability Learn More: For full program details and application information: Questions?Casey Corley The Texas House and Senate have now released their 2026 interim charges, the official study topics committees will work on ahead of the 2027 legislative session. These charges often become the foundation for the next round of legislation, giving us an early look at the issues that may shape the future policy environment for our industry. You can review the full charges here:Senate Interim Charges: https://www.ltgov.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-Interim-Charges.pdf House Interim Charges: https://www.house.texas.gov/pdfs/speaker/F-Interim-Charges-3.25.pdf From TNLA’s perspective, the biggest themes are water supply and supporting Texas agriculture, but the interim charges extend well beyond those issues. They also address insurance affordability, property tax relief, local government fees, workforce transportation, housing growth, permitting timelines, and the overall competitiveness of Texas agriculture and small businesses.
Taken together, these charges examine many of the core factors that determine how easy or difficult it is to operate a green industry business in Texas, from access to water and labor to the cost of trucks, insurance, land, and local permits. Two House committees stand out as especially important for our members. House Agriculture & Livestock includes meaningful charges on invasive species, Texas Department of Agriculture authority, agricultural resiliency, and expanding markets for Texas-grown products. These discussions could directly affect plant health response, quarantine processes, specialty crop competitiveness, and the visibility of Texas-grown nursery and landscape products. House Natural Resources may be the most significant committee for the green industry this interim. Charges on groundwater management, new water supply strategies, brackish groundwater, data center water use, and regional water planning all go directly to long-term water availability and allocation. These discussions will influence how Texas balances growth, agriculture, urban water needs, and future supply development. On the Senate side, we are also closely tracking charges related to data center water demand, utility revenue transfers, desalination, insurance affordability, local fee transparency, and CDL standards. Each of these has real implications for project timelines, business costs, labor flexibility, and long-term water affordability. Our advocacy team will be actively monitoring hearings, identifying opportunities for committee feedback and testimony, and ensuring the voice of Texas nurseries, landscape professionals, irrigators, and allied businesses is part of these conversations. The interim is where many of the biggest ideas for the next session begin to take shape, and we believe the 2026 cycle could be especially consequential for water policy, Texas agriculture, and the overall business climate for the green industry. We will continue to keep you updated as these hearings develop.  Rafia Khan, Ph. D Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist The European pepper moth (Duponchelia fovealis) is an emerging pest of concern in greenhouse and nursery production systems, particularly in ornamental crops. Accurate identification and early recognition of injury symptoms are critical for timely management, as infestations often go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. Identification Adult moths are relatively small, with a wingspan of approximately 19-23 mm. They are typically tan to brown in color. The front wings have two cream-colored bands; outer one has a finger-like projection. Their abdomen has white colored rings. The adults are weak fliers and hold their wings flat in a triangular shape at rest. Due to their size and coloration, adults can be easily overlooked among plant material. Eggs are very small, oval, and pale in color, and are usually laid in concealed locations such as the undersides of leaves, along leaf veins, or near the base of plants. These eggs are difficult to detect without close inspection. Larvae are the most damaging stage and are more commonly encountered than adults. Newly hatched larvae are small and translucent, but as they mature, they become creamy white to light brown with a distinct dark brown head capsule. Fully grown larvae can reach up to 15–20 mm in length. Larvae are typically found in protected areas such as the lower canopy, at the crown of the plant, or within the growing media. Their cryptic behavior makes them difficult to detect during routine scouting. Pupation occurs in silken cocoons that may be found in soil, plant debris, or along container edges. These cocoons are often covered with particles of soil or plant material, further aiding concealment. Injury Pattern The European pepper moth primarily causes damage during the larval stage. Feeding typically begins on lower leaves and stems, often near the base of the plant. Early symptoms include small chewing marks on foliage, which can be easily mistaken for minor or incidental damage. As larvae grow, feeding becomes more aggressive and extensive. Leaves may become skeletonized or exhibit irregular holes. Larvae may also bore into stems at or just above the soil line, causing girdling. This type of injury disrupts water and nutrient movement within the plant, often leading to wilting, stunted growth, or plant collapse. One of the distinguishing signs of infestation is the presence of webbing produced by larvae. This webbing is often mixed with frass (insect excrement) and plant debris, creating a messy appearance around the crown and lower foliage. In potted ornamentals, larvae may also feed within the growing medium, damaging roots and lower stems, which further contributes to plant decline. Plant injury is often concentrated in hidden areas, making early detection difficult. By the time symptoms such as wilting or significant defoliation are visible, larval populations may already be well established. In ornamental crops, even moderate feeding damage and contamination with frass can significantly reduce aesthetic quality, leading to reduced marketability or complete crop loss. Recognizing these identification features and injury patterns is essential for early detection and effective management of this increasingly important pest.
Photo credit, Rafia Khan
Built on Convenience, Relationships, and Growth When you walk into Southwest Wholesale Nursery in Dallas, one thing becomes clear right away, this business is built around the customer. Or better yet… the customer never has to “walk in” at all. A Simpler Way to Serve Landscape Professionals At Southwest Wholesale Nursery, landscape contractors pull up, are greeted by name, and get exactly what they need—loaded right into their truck. No lines. No confusion. No wasted time. Owner, Steven Taber TMCNP, explained it best: “You could go to the grocery store and cook… but sometimes you just want the convenience of a restaurant.” That mindset has shaped their entire operation.  🌿 What Makes Southwest Different Southwest Wholesale Nursery has grown into a trusted resource for professionals across Texas by focusing on a few key things: ✔ Variety that contractors need They source plant material from across the country—including Texas, Oklahoma, California, North Carolina, and Oregon—so customers have more options in one place. ✔ Built for real-world workflows Everything is designed around how landscape professionals actually work—fast, efficient, and relationship-driven. ✔ Strong team and culture With around 100 employees, their team builds real relationships with customers. Many regulars even have a “go-to” staff member. 📈 Evolving with the Industry Southwest Wholesale Nursery isn’t just growing plants, they’re improving how they operate. In 2023, they made a simple but powerful shift: ➡️ Moving from paper tracking to a shared digital system employees can access from their phones. This allows their team to quickly see:
🌎 Growing the Next Generation Many new graduates say they want to work for growers but not all growing operations offer broad experience. Southwest Wholesale Nursery stands out because employees get exposure to a wide variety of plant material, helping them build real, practical knowledge. 🚜 Looking Ahead Currently operating on 30 of their 60 acres, Southwest Wholesale Nursery is already thinking about the future. With potential expansion opportunities nearby, they’re planning ahead, not just for growth, but also to address challenges like on-site flooding. 🤝 A True TNLA Partner Southwest Wholesale Nursery isn’t just a member, they’re a Strategic Partner, contributing over $30,000 in 2025 alone to support TNLA programs and events. That investment helps strengthen the entire industry.  💬 Join the Conversation Have you worked with Southwest Wholesale Nursery? 👉 Share your experience in the comments or connect with other professionals inside TNLA Hive.
 After 25 years of service to the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association, Amy Graham, President/CEO, has announced her retirement, effective at the end of November 2026. Amy has served as President for the past 15 years, following 10 years as Vice President, providing steady leadership, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to advancing the green industry in Texas. Her impact on the association and its members will be felt for years to come. The Board of Directors has appointed a member-led Search Committee and will partner with Sterling Martin Associates, based in Washington, DC, to conduct a national search for TNLA’s next President/CEO. We thank Amy for her service and wish her all the best in her well-earned retirement. Sterling MartinTNLA has retained Sterling Martin in our search for the next President & CEO. Learn more about this wonderful opportunity here: https://lnkd.in/eqNymdFv
Sterling Martin is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, religion, color, age, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, political affiliation, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. Congress is currently working on the next Farm Bill, and decisions being made right now will directly impact Texas nursery and landscape businesses. TNLA members are encouraged to take five minutes to contact their Members of Congress and urge support for the Farm Bill and its specialty crop provisions. Just last month, TNLA provided a full breakdown of the Farm Bill and what it means for horticulture and specialty crops. Now, as the bill moves forward in Congress, it’s time to take action. Lawmakers need to hear directly from the businesses affected by these policies. Your voice helps ensure the green industry is represented as this legislation moves forward. The Background: Why the Farm Bill Matters The Farm Bill is the primary piece of legislation that shapes federal agricultural policy in the United States. While it is often associated with traditional row crops, the Farm Bill has become increasingly important for specialty crops, including nursery and greenhouse production, as well as the broader green industry. It has been nearly a decade since Congress passed a full Farm Bill. During that time, the industry has operated under short-term extensions while facing historic challenges, including freezes, drought, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and rising input costs. The current proposal, known as the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, represents the first major opportunity in years to update policies that directly affect our industry. How It Affects the Green Industry The Farm Bill includes several provisions that impact the green industry supply chain: from growers to landscapers to suppliers. Stronger Risk Management Tools Improvements to specialty crop insurance help address long-standing gaps compared to traditional agriculture, providing better protection against weather-related losses. Improved Disaster Assistance Updates to programs like the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) improve how quickly and effectively growers can recover from losses, with added flexibility for replanting. A Permanent Emergency Assistance Framework The bill establishes a standing framework for specialty crop disaster assistance, providing more predictability instead of relying on ad hoc relief. Water & Conservation Programs Expanded conservation programs support irrigation efficiency and water stewardship, helping offset costs for implementing water-saving practices. Research, Grants & Innovation Farm Bill funding supports research, extension services, and grant programs that improve pest management, develop resilient plant varieties, advance automation, and expand market opportunities. In Texas, many of these programs are delivered through university and extension partnerships that directly impact day-to-day operations for green industry businesses. Why This Matters Now The green industry plays a significant role in Texas’s economy, but it faces unique challenges that require policies tailored to specialty crops. This Farm Bill represents meaningful progress in addressing those needs: strengthening risk management, improving disaster response, supporting water efficiency, and investing in long-term innovation. As Congress continues to debate the legislation, it is important that policymakers understand the role and needs of our industry. TNLA Working for You The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association is actively engaged in monitoring the Farm Bill and advocating for policies that support specialty crops and the green industry. Through coordination with national partners and direct engagement with policymakers, TNLA is working to ensure our industry’s voice is heard. Bottom Line The Farm Bill is a critical opportunity to strengthen the long-term stability and competitiveness of the green industry. But advocacy matters. Your participation helps ensure the green industry is represented in federal policy decisions that affect our future.
 🌱 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 |
AuthorKim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager Archives
May 2026
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