About Our Association

 The VAPH is a non-profit association with over 190 members dedicated to the promotion of ornamental horticulture in the Green Mountain State.  The organization was founded in 1964 and is still going strong! 

 Based on a New England wide study on Environmental Horticulture*  conducted in 2003, Vermont horticulture is a $186 million dollar business and growing!  There are at least 5400 people with careers in this industry and more are needed. 

 The VAPH is here to serve Vermont’s  green industry professionals and we welcome your participation and membership! 

 *Wholesale and retail nurseries, greenhouses, retail garden centers and florists, landscape and tree services. 

Benefits to You

 Trade Shows and Meetings

In February and August of every year the VAPH sponsors a trade show and educational seminars.

 Education

Twilight meetings, winter workshops, summer meetings and an Annual Winter Meeting provide educational programming.   Together with the Vermont Urban Forestry Department, we also sponsor a day of educational workshops once a year.

Horticultural Research & Scholarships

The VAPH awards research dollars to the University of Vermont.  The VAPH awards scholarship dollars  to students enrolled in horticulture-related programs at the University of Vermont and Vermont Technical College.

Legislative Watch and Up-To-Date-Industry News

The VAPH monitors and responds to legislative developments.  We also maintain a connection to the Vermont Department of Agriculture and other state associations across the country alerting our industry to pest and disease issues as well as  sharing marketing opportunities.

Marketing Opportunities

The VAPH actively promotes the Vermont Grown program.  We offer signs, banners and the use of logos in member advertising.  We promote advertising programs and display at regional trade shows.

‘The Dirt’ - the VAPH Newsletter

Members receive a  quarterly publication with interesting articles, current industry news, and advertising opportunities.

Certification Program

The Vermont Certified Horticulturist Program is a certification program designed to provide professionalism in our industry, to increase the professional’s education and to inform the public of the value of using a certified horticulturist.  The VCH program has reciprocity within the Northeast.

The Vermont Flower Show

This spectacular event is held every February/March and is a garden show in every sense of the word.  The show is held in Essex Junction, VT and attracts approximately 6000 annually.  The Show’s goal is to promote our industry to the public in a very visual and tactile presentation of flora and fauna.