Working for You, Spring 2023

Spring 2023

LONE STAR HORT FORUM

2023 AWARDS SHOWCASE

2023

TEXAS EXCELLENCE IN LANDSCAPING PROJECTS

TEXAS GARDEN RETAILER AWARDS plus

TNLA ARP, SUMMIT, AND YOUNG LEADER AWARD RECIPIENTS

Spring 2023

Working for You is the official publication of the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA). Content is provided by TNLA, members of TNLA, and vetted contributors.

715 Discovery Blvd. Suite 109 Cedar Park, TX 78613 (512) 280-5182

tnlaonline.org | info@tnlaonline.org

WE HAVE A RECORD OF CULTIVATING SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSES!

For over 80 years, the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) has established the most trusted methods of doing business. TNLA strives to be the foremost resource providing the framework, essential tools and foresight for members’ success and serves as the authority on issues impacting the Texas green industry today. Our mission is to enhance members’ business success through legislative/regulatory advocacy, education, networking, and promotion of professionalism. TNLA members represent the breadth of the green industry in Texas including landscape professionals (design/installation), grounds maintenance, growers, re-wholesalers, retail garden centers, irrigation professionals, hardgood suppliers, municipalities, and more.

© 2023 Texas Nursery & Landscape Association. All Working for You publication photography and images are courtesy of TNLA, except where additional sources are noted.

TNLA EDITORIAL TEAM

Amy Graham President/CEO | Editor in Chief

Sarah Riggins, CEM

Director, Industry Education & Certifications

| Managing Editor

Andrea Exter

Art Direction | Copyeditor

Welcome

It seems we need to look back to move forward. That’s exactly what we did in bringing back an e-magazine for TNLA!! Sometimes what is really GOOD is in your rearview mirror.

With this issue of Working For You, we are reintroducing a refreshed digital/print edition. Currently, we plan on having three to four of these per year. Some of our editions may be printed for even further distribution, like the upcoming EXPO issue.

In this issue, we are celebrating our brightest stars for 2023 recognized during the TNLA Horticulture Forum held recently in College Station. Honoring excellence is something we never take for granted. The stories of growth, career paths taken, and learning from other peoples’ work is always a highlight. All this was on full display during the Awards Festival. Enjoy some of the many sights from the evening.

I want to especially congratulate Bill Carson, 2023 Arp Award winner; Creekside Nursery, 2023 Summit Award winner; and Rachel Shelton, 2023 Young Leader Award winner. This year’s winners trifecta demonstrate what true leadership means. You can find it in individuals and companies, as well as the young and the seasoned in our industry. Congratulations to each of you. You are truly the best of the best!

Chellie

Thompson Advertising Sales

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The regular Working For You e-newsletter will still come to you biweekly. There is so much going on at TNLA we want to share with you. We are busy at the state capitol, setting up networking and education events, business-to-business buying/selling opportunities, negotiating discounts for our members, and raising the credibility of the industry.

I hope you enjoy this issue as well as the ones to come. With our publication partners at Monarch Media, TNLA is moving forward.

Gratefully,

TNLA kicked off the new year by celebrating this year’s award winners for the Young Leader, Summit, and Arp during the TNLA Awards Festival held in conjuntion with the 2023 Lone Star Hort Forum in College Station, TX.

Participants came together for an evening of fun, inspiration, and were able to see first-hand the latest innovations in landscape design from the leading landscpae firms and excellence in Texas’ retail garden centers. In addition, TNLA also revealed this year’s Texas Excellence In Landscaping’s (TEIL) Best of Show and Texas Garden Retailer Award’s (TGRA) Retailer of the Year award winners!

TEIL awards are given to landscape firms that have created exemplary landscape and outdoor projects in seven categories. This year, TNLA received 65 individual project submissions! The judging was tough, and the submissions were excellent The projects are not judged against each other. They are judged on their own merit. Scan the following pages and see the beauty and superb quality of Texas Excellence in Landscaping.

HONORABLE MENTION

UNIQUE FEATURES

ALTERRA LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Project: URBAN TREEHOUSE

RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION: OVER $150,000

UNIQUE LANDSCAPING AND CONSTRUCTION

Project: MID-CENTURY MODERN HOME

SPECIAL PROJECTS

SOUTHERN BOTANICAL

Project: NORTHPARK INTERIOR TREE REMOVAL

DESIGN

WARREN’S OUTDOOR LIVING

Project: ELLISOR PROJECT

DESIGN

UNIQUE LANDSCAPING AND CONSTRUCTION

Project: MID-CENTURY MODERN HOME

RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION: OVER $150,000

MOSS LANDSCAPING

Project: PINE FOREST GARDENS

HONORABLE MENTION

DESIGN FROM THE GROUND UP

Project: MEADOWBROOK PROJECT

COMMERCIAL INSTALLATION: $100,000 - $500,000

EARTHWORKS, INC.

Project: NORTH STAR APARTMENTS

SPECIAL PROJECTS

EARTHWORKS INC.

Project: LINK AT TWIN CREEKS DOG PARK

RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION: $50,000 – $150,000

L3 DESIGN

Project: UPLAND PARK

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UPCOMING EVENTS

FEB 22-23

2023 TNLA

Legislative Day

AUSTIN, TX

In partnership with TX ASLA for Green Industry Legislative Day

MAY 27-29

Lawn and Garden Tax Holiday

AUG 9-11

Nursery/Landscape EXPO

SAN ANTONIO, TX

REGION MEETINGS

FEB 20

REGION 8 MEETING

Newton Nurseries

15403 FM 1325, Austin, TX 78728

Social: 5:30 p.m. | Program: 6-7:30 p.m.

Guest Speaker: Dr. Charlie Hall, Financial Forecast for the Industry

RSVP to Juanita Olazaran at jolazaran@newnurseries.com or 512-705-1905

FEB 21

REGION 5 MEETING

R.H.N.B. Inc The Tree Place

5625 E Interstate 20, Fort Worth, TX 76119

Tour of The Tree Place Nursery, 6-8 p.m.

Cost: $20

RSVP by 2/20/23 to tnlaregion5@gmail.com

MAR 21

REGION 2 MEETING

Minute Maid Park - Diamond Club 501 Crawford St, Houston, TX 77002

Social Hour with Cash Bar: 5:30 p.m.

Tour of Field at 6:30 p.m.

Guest Speaker: Izzy Hinojosa, Director of Field Operations, Discuss What it Takes To Maintain an MLB Field RSVP to brandi@ferguston-alliance.com

BRONZE AWARD

DESIGN

WARREN’S OUTDOOR LIVING

Project: GUILFOYLE PROJECT

The clients desired a large garden with pathways, a water feature, and a raised bed for planting exotic roses, eliminating almost all grass and attracting pollinators, birds, and butterflies.

RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION: OVER $150,000

FROM THE GROUND UP

Project: WESTWAY PROJECT

The existing pool was removed and relocated to be a long, linear design on one side of the rear garden. The space allows for a good-sized play area adjacent to seating and the pool also serves as a flex space for more entertaining space.

RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION: OVER $150,000

SOUTHERN BOTANICAL

Project: PRESTON HOLLOW RESIDENCE

After a tornado caused severe damage to the garden, the space required an entire redesign. A simple design of mass plantings throughout was used. By limiting the plant selection, the beds are cohesive and consistent.

COMMERCIAL INSTALLATION: $100,000 – $500,000

AQUAGREEN GLOBAL, LLC

Project: FOUNDER’S PLAZA

Enhancement of the plaza landscape required that open green space reflect the fresh construction building for visual purposes. Oversized planters, drainage, irrigation, grading, plantings, and installation of site furnishings were installed in high-traffic areas.

BRONZE AWARD

DESIGN

MATT W. STEVENS LANDSCAPE

ARCHITECT, LLC

Project: PAWELEK RESIDENCE

To convey a modern aesthetic for the areas closest to the house and pool, designers created a native, deer-resistant perimeter and front entry. A low, masonry wall at the back of the pool was designed to deter runoff from entering the pool.

RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION: $50,000 – $150,000 FROM THE GROUND UP

Project: STICHTER PROJECT

One unique aspect of this project is that designers covered a steel drive gate with painted wood to have the structure needed for the weight of the gate. Combined with an iron or brick fence, they connected the two gate structures with a tall Boxwood hedge to create the sense of an enclosure.

SPECIAL PROJECTS CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Project: MONTGOMERY PARK

Discovering large pieces of concrete from the demolished school structure in the soil required digging and jackhammering three feet below the final grade. Catch basins also had to be installed in order to catch runoff from the courts.

RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION: $50,000 – $150,000

AUSTIN LIVING LANDSCAPES

Project: NORTHWEST AUSTIN

The Ipe deck was built to accommodate the elevation changes as the backdoor was a different elevation from the master bedroom door. The deck also provided less impact on the roots of the specimen Live Oak. An assortment of containers gives the deck pops of color against the neutral-tone wall.

BRONZE AWARD

UNIQUE FEATURES

ALTERRA DESIGN LLC

Project: HOLY WATER HANGOUT

With a lot of gray tones in the original design, more color was added using pottery, plantings, and cedar screens which really pop with the neutral stone and pavers.

RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION: $50,000 – $150,000

AUSTIN LIVING LANDSCAPES

Project: THE HILLS PROJECT

The small lot with a single, narrow access point required careful planning and scheduling of trades and craftsmen. Multiple crews could not work at once. Excavation, demolition, and importing of materials were done via wheelbarrows or by hand because of the tight quarters.

RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION: OVER $150,000

GROW AND COMPANY

Project: THE SCULPTURE GARDEN

A plant palette well-adapted to Houston’s climate was installed with a top-of-the-line smart irrigation system throughout the property with a controller that can ensure proper watering as the plants establish.

COMMERCIAL INSTALLATION: $100,000 – $500,000

EARTHWORKS, INC.

Project: CHISHOLM TRAIL PAVILION AND DOG PARK

Using 550 total plants, 10,000 lbs of moss boulders, decomposed granite, and native cobblestone—all Texas native material—residents can now experience a hill-country-resort-like ambiance.

BRONZE AWARD

COMMERCIAL MAINTENANCE

SOUTHERN BOTANICAL

Project: LEGACY WEST

This area creates a microclimate that lacks respect for the 302 seasonal color beds, planters, and overseeded turf. To improve the soil with each color change, plants are removed, drip irrigation is pulled back, and compost and shale soil are added. Finally, the soil is raked, drip irrigation is re-establised, and plants installed.

COMMERCIAL MAINTENANCE CLEAN SCAPES

Project: ORACLE WATERFRONT CAMPUS

One of the unique features is a waterfall used to transport the AC condensation. With a campus so large and full of vegetation, every section of the campus has its microclimates, so two to three fulltime on-site team members, in addition to a weekly crew, maintain the property.

DESIGN

HAROLD LEIDNER COMPANY

Project: JOURDAN WAY

Three of the existing backyard features were underutilized in the existing yard - the stone balustrade, the lake, and the circular steps to the lake. The paving selections of grass and gravel, and the configuration of the spaces, were conducive to entertaining and circulating through the space.

RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION: OVER $150,000

ALTERRA DESIGN, LLC

Project: MODERN OASIS

A delicate balance between simple and clean design was included in the backyard space (pool, tanning ledge, multiple water features, fire pit, synthetic turf, and herb garden) all while being pet- and family-friendly.

BRONZE AWARD

RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION: OVER $150,000

L3 DESIGN

Project: RICE MILITARY

A complete overhaul of all exterior elements from a Mediterranean-inspired design, to an old-world, Tuscan villainspired outdoor space.

DESIGN

MOSS LANDSCAPING

Project: PINE FOREST GARDENS

New grading, drainage additions, and on-site design adjustments were made to protect the beautiful oaks in the front lawn. The master plan included irrigation, drainage, putting green, trellises, bed prep, hardscapes, planting, and architectural garden features.

RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION: $50,000 – $150,000

AUSTIN LIVING LANDSCAPES

Project: ROUGH HOLLOW

After the freeze of 2020, all the screening plants in this backyard died leaving the surrounding pool and concrete patio open. The angular lot and building setbacks created challenges in providing usable seating space while maintaining privacy.

DESIGN

WARREN’S OUTDOOR LIVING

Project: WHITTINGTON PROJECT

A bed space along the back fence to soften the area. Creating a naturallooking waterfall design resulted in a design of the moss rock structure being an extension of the waterfall. In addition, by having the waterfall’s height low and length wide, it created a waterfall that complemented its surroundings.

Your Store Discount Program printable card is here!

The Office Depot ® Business Solutions Division is now ODP Business Solutions. This is part of our evolution in becoming a more agile, flexible, and innovative B2B company that focuses on organizations like yours.

Although there won’t be any changes to your service, this evolution does require us to work a bit differently with Office Depot and OfficeMax ® retail stores.

One of these necessary changes is replacing the current Store Purchasing Card Program with our new Store Discount Program (SDP).

What’s new?

• The new SDP will no longer provide you access to your discounted contract pricing; however, you will now receive a standard discount on certain product categories when you present the card:

Furniture

• If you currently have a Store Purchasing Card (SPC), you may continue to use it to access the new Store Discount Program, or you can update to the new SDP card

• If you have access to a mobile device, we encourage you to register online for the Store Discount Program and download our mobile app to access the discount at checkout in an Office Depot or OfficeMax store

Please note: Account billing will no longer be available with the Store Discount Program.

Store Discount Program Account #

80124841998

Cardholder instructions:

For use in store only. Present card at checkout to access the SDP standard discount on certain product categories when you identify yourself as a program member. See reverse for details.

Access your discounted contract pricing online

•You can continue to get your full contract pricing by placing orders at odpbusiness.com

Orders can be delivered to your home or business address, or you can place orders online for pickup at your favorite Office Depot and OfficeMax retail store locations

•Ordering online gives you more visibility, accountability, and control over what your organization orders — all at your contracted price

tnla.savingcenter.net

Have questions or need help? Please contact customer care at

Store Discount Program is valid in store only. Payment for purchases made through the program must be made in store at time of purchase. Office Depot OfficeMax stores accept cash, check, most forms of credit cards, as well as touch-and-pay options. Purchases made with the card do not qualify for Office Depot OfficeMax Rewards. The card cannot be combined with Office Depot OfficeMax coupons. The card is not valid for purchases of 1) computers, monitors, and printers; 2) clearance items; 3) performance protection plans/warranties; 4) postage stamps; 5) prepaid cards; 6) subscriptions; 7) tech services; and 8) third-party services.

SILVER AWARD

RESIDENTIAL MAINTENANCE NATIVE EDGE LANDSCAPE

Project: WEST LAKE HILLTOP ESTATE

This property meets the customer’s expectation of a golf course quality lawn while contending with an incredibly steep slope and a dog. Maintenance entails organic products that are pet safe, irrigation fine-tuning, and detailoriented pruning to maintain borders and definition within the plantings.

UNIQUE FEATURES SEEDLINGS GARDENING

Project: SOUTHWEST MODERN LUXE DECK

On this unique deck, the kitchen was designed to be on the steepest part of the property with an open look to take in the dramatic views while cooking. The structure of the deck was built while being extra vigilant to not disturb the roots of the heritage Live Oak in the center of the space.

RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION: OVER $150,000

MATT W. STEVENS

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, LLC

Project: DE LA ROSA RESIDENCE

The client’s builder was simultaneously renovating the home, landscape, guest house, and the barn. By working closely with the pool contractors, they were able to re-purpose their excavated material to serve as backfill.

SILVER AWARD

DESIGN

MATT W. STEVENS

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, LLC

Project: DE LA ROSA RESIDENCE

The scope of work was on a rustic lot with a great deal of elevation change to include a newly designed pool and spa, walls, walkways, landscaping around the house, barn, and guest house, locating a pavilion, windmill, water feature, outdoor lighting, and interconnecting trails.

SILVER AWARD

RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION: OVER $150,000

JASON OSTERBERGER DESIGNS

Project: VAQUERO ESTATES

The lot had significant grade change and drainage issues. Underground drainage and a creek bed that runs the back and side of the property were installed to take the runoff to supply water to the neighborhood fishing pond. The elevation made the home higher than the creek bed, so they brought in taller plant material to ensure the clients looked at the landscape instead of over it.

COMMERCIAL MAINTENANCE CLEAN SCAPES

Project: DOMAIN NORTHSIDE

The Domain NORTHSIDE has a focus on spectacular landscaping and attention to detail. The goal was to create beautiful landscapes and functionality. High foot traffic proves a challenge but managerial oversite and attention to detail have been important to ensure the client is happy and no issues arise.

RESIDENTIAL MAINTENANCE GROW AND COMPANY

Project: CHARMING BUNGALOW COURTYARD

Preventative plant health measures are the focus for this “organic” only property. All plants are assessed for pests and soil moisture levels. To create a secluded and private feel, plants are naturally trimmed to just-over eye level when you’re sitting at the patio table to allow sunlight and airflow.

SILVER AWARD

SPECIAL PROJECTS EARTHWORKS, INC.

Project: CAMDEN VANDERBILT DOG PARK

This special project focused on converting a fountain into a sunken dog park. The biggest challenge came in the form of rainfall. During a storm, the area would fill with water and would have to be partially pumped back out again before the underground drainage system was installed.

SILVER AWARD

RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION: OVER $150,000 LANDVISIONS

Project: THE WOODS

Challenges were many with this project, e.g., late-winter groundwater run-off and unanticipated depths of sand and a tight backyard with limited equipment access. Creativity to complete the project was key, such as building a temporary plywood wall and running sump pumps 24 hours a day so they could dig without cave-ins.

SPECIAL PROJECTS LANDSCAPE ART, INC.

Project: THE PARISH SCHOOL

The school wanted to build a play space with a water feature, a climbing hill, a riverbed, and several small structures. A challenge was creating the steep berm, with tight elevation restrictions. Designers had to work with the elevations of existing buildings, new sidewalks, and the pitch of the slide.

UNIQUE FEATURES

TWISTLEAF

Project: WHIMSICAL WOODLAND TREEHOUSE

A natural cedar treehouse with a whimsical woodland feel was designed to accommodate two children. Challenges ranged from working around an intersecting tangle of power lines and critical tree root zones, post–pandemic material shortages, to creating a naturalistic design that felt cohesive with the traditional design of the backyard.

SILVER AWARD

COMMERCIAL MAINTENANCE TERRY’S LANDSCAPE LLC

Project: RICK RICE PARK

Crews are trained regularly to remain knowledgeable on what is needed to provide a quality landscape. Monthly insect prevention is a non-stop endeavor from scale and mealybugs to webworms and armyworms. This approach yields excellent results against unwelcome park guests.

SILVER AWARD

DESIGN

CEDAR

CREST GARDENS LLC

Project: HARRY LANE PROJECT

The large dimensions of the land and the tastes of the client proved to be challenging. A lot of walkable space was required but concrete was not the solution. This was solved with synthetic grass, which gives the opportunity to reach the important points within the landscape design.

SPECIAL PROJECTS WARREN’S OUTDOOR LIVING

Project: PORTER FIRE DEPARTMENT

As first responders, the goal was to honor those “who have gone before us.” The main design was the fireman’s emblem using red pavers for the background and reserving the darker grey pavers for the names of those being honored. The trickiest part was getting the pavers cut into the proper shape.

RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION: OVER $150,000 HAROLD LEIDNER COMPANY

Project: JOURDAN WAY

The back terrace was already separated into two spaces by a stone balustrade that was enhanced by creating two distinct spaces. The kitchen garden is formal with a chain of intimate rooms. The primary terrace connects to the house for entertaining using a large diagonal stone paving pattern.

SILVER AWARD

GOLD AWARD

COMMERCIAL INSTALLATION: OVER $500,000

LANDSCAPE ART, INC.

Project: HOUSTON BOTANIC GARDEN

Partnering with growers to custom grow the plant material needed for the project was key. Much of what was on the project was unique.

COMMERCIAL MAINTENANCE SUPERSCAPES OPCO, LLC

Project: CYPRESS WATERS

Cypress Waters is constructed on a previous power plant. Poor soil conditions and high clay content proved challenging to deliver a high-quality landscape. To combat this a custommade chemical program, turf aeration, deep root fertilization, and custom watering program were implemented.

GOLD AWARD

GOLD AWARD

COMMERCIAL MAINTENANCE CLEAN SCAPES

Project: TEXAS STATE CAPITOL

Challenges for this project included turf damage from insects and disease, weed infestation, and major squirrel damage. These were addressed by lining out a consistent program to establish a healthy and sustainable landscape. They also avoided fungus and insect damage and established a forestry program.

RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION: OVER $150,000 LANDVISIONS

Project: BOGGY CREEK

Landvisions’ project team and their client were continually focused on a reciprocal relationship with the site’s surroundings promoting stewardship of the land, improving wildlife forage and introducing understated and rustic interventions.

GOLD AWARD

GOLD AWARD

RESIDENTIAL MAINTENANCE

GROW AND COMPANY

Project: TANGLEWOOD

PRIVATE GARDEN

Grow and Company takes a preventative, soil-up approach in their maintenance, ensuring that the Garden Manager has eyes on each of the individual plants to monitor health.

RESIDENTIAL MAINTENANCE CLEAN SCAPES

Project: FOUNTAINHEAD TOWER

Large Live Oak trees and Texas drought conditions presented a problem with the turf and plant material. Shaded-oriented plants with annual color throughout the beds were chosen and watered with drip irrigation. Fertilization of the grass was essential because of the shade.

GOLD AWARD

GOLD AWARD

COMMERCIAL INSTALLATION: OVER $500,000

SOUTHERN BOTANICAL Project: CARPENTER PARK

Lack of green space and non-functional voids within the area created a usable family-friendly space to serve as a landmark to the community. Now there are a total of three gardens featured. Each garden includes its own perennial mix.

SPECIAL PROJECTS TWISTLEAF

Project: HORSESHOE BAY NATURE PARK

The project faced strong community opposition to the zoning and a team of people worked together to analyze and develop the site as a nature park.

Two years after initial conversations began, Horseshoe Bay Nature Park is now an active conservation and prairie restoration site.

GOLD AWARD

GOLD AWARD

RESIDENTIAL MAINTENANCE HAROLD LEIDNER COMPANY

Project: JOURDAN WAY

The Harold Leidner Company incorporated familiar components of the French estates, like lawn/granite chip parterres, clipped boxwood, seasonal color beds, and formal hedges.

SPECIAL PROJECTS ABSOLUTE ACCENTS INC Project: HOUSE ALONG THE RIVER

The site was located almost 1/4 mile from the delivery point of materials, and the only access was down a steep 30-40 degree road that had been built previously. Generators had to be used and water from the river had to be hauled in. A new bridge was constructed across a 65’ ravine that was 20 feet deep to make a continuous deck between the two main patio areas.

GOLD AWARD

BILL CARSON

ARP AWARD 2023 BILL CARSON, NATIVE TEXAS NURSERY

The Arp Award is presented to an individual who has made extraordinary contributions to the industry and/or the Association. These individuals exemplify the Association’s ideals: innovation, service, and high ethical behavior in both business and personal lives.

The Arp Award is presented to the winner by the previous year’s winner. Last year’s winner was Johnette Taylor.

SUMMIT AWARD 2023 CREEKSIDE NURSERY

Recognizes a member firm that has made significant, exceptional contributions to the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association and its member firms. The Summit Award is the highest honor bestowed by TNLA on a member firm. The firm successful in achieving the Summit Award exemplifies the Association’s ideals: innovation, service, and highly ethical behavior in the way it conducts its affairs.

CREEKSIDE NURSERY

RACHEL SHELTON

YOUNG LEADER AWARD 2023 RACHEL SHELTON, ABSOLUTE EQUIPMENT SALES

The TNLA Young Leader Award, established by the TNLA Board of Directors in 1996, is presented annually to a deserving young leader who has displayed outstanding achievement and service to the Green Industry in Texas. TNLA and other community service by the nominee is given special consideration.

TGRA GOLD AWARD 2023 OVER $1 MILLION IN YEARLY REVENUE SMITH’S GARDENTOWN Wichita Falls, Texas

By securing a person to shoot and edit TikTok videos, which can also be used on other social media sites. The garden center tackles many educational and controversial gardening topics. Their TikTok following is close to 72,000 people. They were recognized in Garden Center magazine for their strong presence and content.

TGRA GOLD AWARD

OVER $1 MILLION IN YEARLY REVENUE

OVER $1 MILLION IN YEARLY REVENUE

TGRA SILVER AWARD

TGRA SILVER AWARD 2023

OVER $1 MILLION IN YEARLY REVENUE KIM’S HOME AND GARDEN, INC.

Huntsville, Texas

This garden center is located on a historic property that predates the civil war and took 4.5 years to renovate, repurpose and become the fastest-growing destination in East Texas. It features a stone barn garden center, acres of quality plants to roam nestled under 200-year-old trees, and features the largest and oldest living sweetgum tree in Texas at 200+ years old.

TGRA SILVER AWARD 2023

OVER $1 MILLION IN YEARLY REVENUE GARDEN SEVENTEEN

Austin, Texas

Garden Seventeen recently began offering classes in their new on-site classroom! The classes are informative and fun. They‘ve partnered with reps from brands like Microlife, two Hives Honey, and Susto Mezcal to incorporate other local businesses into the classes. Their goal was to give people a chance to dive deeper into an area of gardening they find interesting.

Individual

TGRA BRONZE AWARD 2023

OVER $1 MILLION IN YEARLY REVENUE ROUND ROCK GARDEN CENTER

Round Rock, Texas

The garden center displays draw customers over to less popular areas and shows customers a broader range of plants that may not be what they’re used to. Moving all their colorful native perennials to the front increased the sales in their perennial department by 100%.

TGRA BRONZE AWARD

TGRA BRONZE AWARD 2023

OVER $1 MILLION IN YEARLY REVENUE EAST AUSTIN SUCCULENTS, INC.

Individual and Group Long-Term Disability

Austin, Texas

Individual Disability Buy-Out and Overhead Expense

Individual Long-Term Care Health Insurance

Asset Based Long-Term Care Insurance

East Austin Succulents prioritizes customer experience to the highest degree. They offer custom arrangements, and a holedrilling service for any container that can have a drainage hole! Staff also works together to create TikTok videos, training videos, and customer care via texts.

member of TNLA, you are entitled to access all of these exciting programs. The National Health PPO program is a self-insured health plan currently available in all lower 48 states. There are no referrals required and members can go out-of-ne twork to any doctor.

search for physicians, facilities and hospitals please visit CIGNA Open Access Plus (OAP) Provider Search one of the largest primary PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) in the nation. Members access to more than 2.6 million healthcare professionals, 22,500 ancillaries and 9,930 hospitals

Discount programs included: DoctorsRXchoice Discount Prescription Drug Card, Aetna Discount Access, Coast to Coast Vision, Belltone for Hearing Aids, UHS Chiropractic Network, Healthways Acupuncture & Holistic Medicine and more!

As a member of TNLA, you are entitled to access all of these exciting programs. The National Health Plan PPO program is a self-insured health plan currently available in all lower 48 states. There are no referrals required and members can go out-of-network to any doctor.

more information about any of our exciting programs, contact us at: Financial Associate

As a member of TNLA, you are entitled to access all of these exciting programs. The National Health Plan PPO program is a self-insured health plan currently available in all lower 48 states. There are no referrals required and members can go out-of-network to any doctor. To search for

To search for physicians, facilities and hospitals please visit CIGNA Open Access Plus (OAP) Provider Search one of the largest primary PPO (Preferred Provider Organ have access

Financial Associates, LLC acavaliere@keystonefa.com

UNDER $1 MILLION IN YEARLY REVENUE

TGRA GOLD AWARD

UNDER $1 MILLION IN YEARLY REVENUE GARDENS

AT THE RIDGE

Kerrville, Texas

Customers come for their wide range of drought- and deer-tolerant native plants, however, their focus is getting families and younger people to see the many offerings “at the Ridge.” The garden center offers a variety of family-friendly activities such as movie nights, a fall festival, and even dining with their dogs, selecting from a special menu option for dogs!

TGRA GOLD AWARD 2023

TGRA GOLD AWARD 2023

UNDER $1 MILLION IN YEARLY REVENUE

DORY’S GARDENS Tyler, Texas

Dory’s Garden’s has set itself apart as a retailer and a central part of its community. Along with their beautiful gardens, they also offer things like “Chicken Therapy,” a Garden Tea Room, Swing Dance demos, a “Free to be messy” artists area, and a “Stalk Exchange,” where customers can trade their plants.

TGRA GOLD AWARD

UNDER $1 MILLION IN YEARLY REVENUE

TNLA New Members

TNLA recognizes and welcomes our new members. Thank you for being a part of our growing Texas family!

REGION 1

Student

Robert McKenna

Blinn College

San Antonio, TX

Landscape

Bales Construction Services, LLC

Bradly Bales

Floresville, TX

Landscape

C and K Lawn Services

Clay Covin, TCLP

San Antonio, TX

Student

Michael Gonzales

Texas Tech University Graduate School

San Antonio, TX

REGION 2

Supplier

Assurance One of Texas, LLC

Scott Ashley

Sugar Land, TX

Educator

Hongmin Qin

Texas A&M University

College Station, TX

REGION 3

Individual Retail

Dorothy Hersey

Dory’s Gardens

Tyler, TX

Student

Lindsey Townsend

North Central Texas College

Hideaway, TX

Individual Irrigation

Renee Miller

Cumby, TX

Retail

Properly Planted

Paula Norwood

Corsicana, TX

REGION 4

Student

Elizabeth Rooney

North Central Texas College

Denton, TX

Retail

Honey Locust Farms, LLC

Ron Hawkins

Rockwall, TX

Landscape Supervisor

Tim Von Hatten

Dallas Baptist University

Midlothian, TX

Educator

Allison Proulx

Art Institute of Dallas

Alvarado, TX

Supplier

5M Turf

Brooke Murden

Granbury, TX

REGION 5

Landscape

Regenerative Land Design Inc

Michelle Pettke

Weatherford, TX

Grower

Price Right Tree Farms

Price Pitstick Haslet, TX

Landscape

Maxie’s Green Tech Services

Ernest Schurkamp

Weatherford, TX

Landscape

Taproots Horticulture Consulting

Rayne Gibson

Aledo, TX

Irrigation Individual

Christopher Mullen

Fort Worth, TX

Educator

Jennifer Blevins-McNaughton PhD

Aurora University (ONL)

Tolar, TX

Individual Landscape

Matthew George TCNP

Fort Worth, TX

REGION 7

Retail

Sun Grown

Priscilla Pantoja

Laredo, TX

Supplier

Plant Natural Innovations

Joe Pedroza

Edinburg, TX

REGION 8

Landscape Individual

Marissa McKinney

Coleman & Associates

Austin, TX

Supplier

Legal Shield

George Ellison

Lockhart, TX

OUT OF STATE

Supplier

SRW Products

Coburn Bond

Princeton, MN

Supplier

Advancing Alternatives

Scott Roach

Lancaster, PA

Supplier

PlantRight Supply

Jeff Davis

N Kansas City, MO 64116

Supplier

American Lighting, Inc.

Brent Faulkner

Denver, CO

Retail

Fast Growing Trees, LLC

Blaze Podgorski

Fort Mill, SC

INTRODUCING NEW WORKING FOR YOU PUBLISHER

The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) welcomes a new publisher, Austinbased Monarch Media & Consulting, Inc., beginning with the February 3, 2023 issue.

Monarch Media principals Andrea Exter and Chellie Thompson bring to Working for You more than 35 years of combined experience in magazine publishing with an emphasis on association publications.

TNLA’s Working for You magazine will continue to meet its reader’s expectations providing quality content each issue—and will reemerge in expanded print and digital formats in 2023! Published three times a year in winter, summer, and fall, each issue will focus on topics impacting the industry including award recognitions, the Nursery and Landscape EXPO, association and membership news, event highlights, and more. TNLA is excited to be working with Monarch Media and is confident they will be a source of excellence as Working for You continues to strive to be a key information resource for the nursery and landscape industry in Texas.

To advertise in TNLA’s Working for You or Green Matters, please contact:

Chellie Thompson

Monarch Media & Consulting, Inc.

Chellie@monarchmediainc.com

512-293-9277

Click here to view complete advertising information.

TNLA

At-a-Glance

• Founded in 1972

• Operating in the U.S. and Canada

• 1.75 million families enrolled in our legal plans

• Approximately 1.7 million legal assistance requests received annually

• Provider lawyers’ average tenure: 22 years

Business counts on LegalShield

More than 47,000 small business members use the legal plan because they know hiring an attorney can be expensive, and DIY legal isn’t always that helpful. LegalShield’s Small Business Legal Plans remove the cost barrier and give you access to a provider law firm for an affordable monthly fee. With LegalShield you are not alone. Three levels of coverage are available.

Definitively Different.

Proprietary Nationwide Network of Provider Law Firms. Your provider law firm is part of the LegalShield network of carefully selected, top-quality law firms. Each law firm is licensed in your state and dedicated to LegalShield Members.

Superior Service. Our provider law firms are paid in advance on a per capita basis, ensuring they are motivated to focus on providing good service to you, not on billing you.

The Facts:

More than 13 million, or nearly 60%, of all small businesses have experienced significant legal events in the past two years.

For small businesses that subscribe to a legal plan, 100% report they are satisfied with the services they receive.

—Decision Analyst Study: The Legal Needs of Small Business

Quality Assurance. Our proprietary system provides daily, real-time, online monitoring of our provider law firms, which enables continuous improvement of quality service.

Unique Service. Our members only have to make one call to be connected with a lawyer, ensuring they know exactly who to call when a legal need arises.

MEMBER PERKS

Your LegalShield Membership is simply amazing. And, in addition to the privileges that are already yours, we have added these MEMBERPERKS with hundreds of merchants and thousands of discounts. Members can access savings at both national and local companies on everyday purchases such as tickets, electronics, apparel, travel and more. Members have the opportunity to save, on average, over $2,000 per year. MEMBERPERKS could save you enough to pay for your membership for years to come!