At Hackney Nursery, we’re proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone in our family’s history: our founder, George Hackney, has been inducted into the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) Hall of Fame.
The 2026 honor recognizes George’s decades of dedication to horticulture, his leadership within Florida’s nursery industry, and the lasting impact he has made on the people and businesses around him.
The FNGLA Hall of Fame is a lifetime achievement award recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to Florida’s environmental horticulture industry through pioneering, teaching, production, legislation, marketing, service, or research. The Hall of Fame was established in 1977 as the Foliage Hall of Fame and expanded in 2001 to encompass all segments of the industry.
George Hackney’s induction in 2026 places his name among the individuals who have helped shape Florida’s nursery and landscape industry over generations.
George founded Hackney Nursery in 1991, establishing the family business that continues to grow ornamental plants for nurseries and landscape professionals throughout the South. Today, Hackney Nursery remains a family-owned wholesale growing operation, with a focus on quality plants, strong customer relationships, and the continued evolution of the horticulture industry.
A Leader Beyond the Nursery
George’s influence has extended well beyond the day-to-day operation of Hackney Nursery.
He has been deeply involved with FNGLA throughout his career, including leadership with the association’s Big Bend Chapter and service as an FNGLA Executive Officer. He also served as FNGLA President from 2001–2002, a role that reflects his longstanding commitment to strengthening the industry and the professionals within it.
That spirit of service has been a consistent part of George’s career. FNGLA describes him as someone with a passion for plants, people, and the land, noting his dedication to supporting the next generation of industry professionals and his commitment to the collective strength of the association.
When George started Hackney Nursery in 1991, he began something that would grow far beyond a single business.
More than three decades later, Hackney Nursery continues to operate as a family of growers. George’s sons and the next generation of the family have become part of the business, helping carry forward the knowledge, relationships, and values established by its founder.
The nursery’s evolution reflects the changes taking place throughout horticulture. Growing practices, technology, plant varieties, sales, shipping, and customer expectations have all changed dramatically since 1991. Yet the fundamental goal remains the same: grow quality plants, serve customers well, and continue building for the future.
That continuity is an important part of George’s legacy.
FNGLA announced George Hackney and Marvin Gross as its 2026 Hall of Fame inductees during the association’s 74th Annual Convention. The convention brought together nursery growers, landscape professionals, suppliers, and other leaders from across Florida’s green industry.
For the Hackney family, George’s induction is more than a personal achievement. It is a recognition of the years of hard work, leadership, and service that have helped shape Hackney Nursery and its place within Florida horticulture.
We are grateful to FNGLA for recognizing George and his contributions to the industry he has spent decades serving.
Most of all, we’re proud to call him our founder.
Congratulations, George, on your induction into the Florida Nursery Hall of Fame!
Here’s to a legacy that continues to grow.
