History

by Norman Pellett, Professor Emeritus, University of Vermont
©October 2005 by Norman Pellett

Introduction

The Vermont Plantsmen’s Association (VPA) was incorporated by the State of Vermont on March 10, 1964 as a non-profit organization. The plant industry in Vermont has matured in the 40-year existence of  the Association. The VPA has developed along with it. It started when Fred Abbey, originator and owner of Gardenside Nursery in Shelburne, and Dr. Harrison Flint, Extension Ornamental Horticulturist at the University of Vermont, had discussions in the early 1960’s regarding the possibility of a plantsmen’s organization.

Dr. Flint, wrote the following regarding the organization in the September, 1963 issue of Green Mountain Grower, an Extension Publication for the plant industry:

“At the 1963 Plantsmen’s Day, held August 15, a committee was formed from the floor to develop a commercial and professional plantsmen’s organization in Vermont. This organization could include such persons as commercial growers of ornamental plants and flowers, professional grounds maintenance personnel and suppliers and others with related interests. The committee consists of George Brady, John Chapin, Albert Chappell, Neil Frink (chairman), Dana Halladay, H. Parks Holcomb and Dorothy Martinetti. This committee and two acting members, George Mitchell and Rodney Trevett, met August 29, will meet again September 26 and plan to have proposals as to Constitution and By-Laws ready for action at the general organizational meeting to be held November 10 in Burlington in conjunction with the 14th Annual Chrysanthemum Show of the Commercial Flower Growers of Vermont.

“Possible member benefits of such an organization, as outlined by the committee, include group action toward desirable legislation, group insurance, group quantity purchasing and shipping, product promotion, consumer education, and generally better communication among plantsmen, especially concerning available surpluses. The committee is most anxious to have additional comment from would-be members of such an organization.”

Notice of the first meeting appearing in the Green Mountain Grower:

January 28, 1964 – “The first annual meeting of Vermont Plantsmen’s Association, 2 p.m. In Horticultural Hall, Municipal Auditorium, Barre, Vermont, in conjunction with the Vermont Farm Show. Primary business: Election of officers and discussion of projects. To date 40 members have pledged dues for 1964. If you haven’t returned your pledge card, join this organization by doing it now.”

The History of The Vermont Plantsmen by Lewis Hill

Lewis Hill of Greensboro wrote the following article in the 1991 winter issue of The Dirt, News Quarterly for The Vermont Plantsmen’s Association, Inc.:

“In the early 1960’s a small group of Vermont nurserymen began to discuss the need for a statewide organization. Vermont already had dairy, sheep, poultry, apple, maple, beekeeper, potato and other agricultural groups. Even several floral producers, such as the gladiolus growers, met regularly.

After three or four preliminary gatherings, with the help of Harrison Flint, Ornamental Horticulturist with the UVM Extension Service and several officials from the Vermont Department of Agriculture, the growers composed a set of bylaws and a statement of purpose. They held their first official meeting at the Vermont Farm Show in February, 1964, in the Barre auditorium. Because of the lack of space, and since no one took the new group very seriously, they were assigned a small room under the stage in the auditorium.

Some thirty nursery growers, greenhouse operators, and landscapers met in the hot, crowded quarters that day to listen to the plans of the organizers. They adopted the following statement of purpose: “The object of this organization shall be for the purpose of improving the condition of floriculture and ornamental horticulture, and to help beautify the state with plants, through promotion, education, legislation, mutual benefits, and information of public interest.

Most of the officers elected that day were growers who had been active in getting the association started. They were Fred Abbey, president; Lewis Hill, Greensboro, vice president; Richard Salter, Reading, executive secretary; and Richard Stevens, Springfield, treasurer. The executive committee consisted of H. Parks Holcomb, Marlboro; Marvin Carley, Brattleboro; and Grace Clark of Bristol. After much discussion, the name Vermont Plantsmen’s Association was chosen (feminists had not yet become active). To counteract the unpleasant dealings, the public had experienced with unscrupulous nursery salesmen and landscapers during the first half of the century, the group composed and adopted a code of ethics for their members.

As with other statewide organizations, the mileage from Newport to Brattleboro didn’t make it easy for the members to get together often, so the winter meeting was the main one held for many years. The varied interests of the members sometimes caused problems too. Landscapers felt they had little in common with greenhouse growers, and greenhouse growers claimed different challenges from those of nursery growers.

During those early years the group became better organized and grew rapidly during the 1960’s and 1970’s when several other plant oriented groups joined. Speakers tended to discuss mostly plant propagation and culture, with topics such as fertilizers, pest control, new varieties, as well as reports of experimental programs taking place at the University of Vermont. New fertilizers and chemicals for insect, disease and weed control were being introduced rapidly, and many of the topics dealt with their use. Membership increased as it became increasingly important for growers to keep informed, and both the meetings and newsletter, The Potting Bench, helped accomplish this.

Under the guidance of later Extension Horticulturists, first Norman Pellett, and presently, Leonard Perry, the group organized field trips to other New England states and to Canada, and began to hold twilight summer meetings at growers’ places of business. Meetings attracted exhibitors of both nursery plants and related products, and these added interest to the gatherings as well as financial help. The Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance service, successfully managed by (first, Richard Salter, then) Mary West for many years, also attracted new members.

Summer meetings at Lake Champagne (in Randolph Center) allowed members to enjoy Phil Hodgdon’s famous barbecues and offered a chance for members to get together, picnic and swap ideas and plants. The group also sponsored bus tours to nurseries and display gardens in New England and Canada. The spring flower show grew from small gatherings in Barre to many large, colorful exhibits in Burlington malls and also included educational lectures.”

First Executive Secretary

Richard (Dick) Salter of Reading, the first Executive Secretary serving for twenty years, was largely responsible for the management and programs of the Vermont Plantsmen’s Association. Dick wrote and distributed the newsletter named The Potting Bench. He instituted advertising by members and others in the publication to help defray the cost. He managed the finances, scheduled the meetings, contacted the speakers and kept the organization on track. He managed a Blue Cross/Blue Shield Health Insurance Program for members and employees families, collecting premiums, filing claims and keeping the records which allowed the organization’s members low-cost health insurance. He helped organize and manage the annual flower shows held in various sites including the Barre Auditorium, St. Monica’s School in Barre, the Armory in Berlin, and the Burlington Auditorium. Dick represented the VPA on the Board of Directors of the New England Greenhouse Conference where he served as Hospitality Chairperson many times. He invited and strongly encouraged the various Vermont Secretaries of Agriculture and the Deans of the University of Vermont College of Agriculture to attend and speak at meetings. Dick was well organized and resourceful. He didn’t hesitate to ask growers to join or members to participate often resorting to strong persuasion that didn’t always sit well with others. He insisted that annual meetings be held where liquor and a good meal were served. He retired as Executive Director in 1983. Dick specialized in growing high quality geraniums and bedding plants at Salter’s Greenhouse in Reading. He died one month short of his 100th birthday on August 15, 2000. Perhaps his enjoyment of a martini before lunch and smoking a cigar after lunch shortened his life.

Highlights of the Past

Changes in the VPA (now, the VAPH) have reflected the trends in Vermont and the ornamental horticulture industry. The total value of goods and services provided by the industry has greatly increased since the founding of the organization in 1964. Many florists produced some of their own cut flowers and flowering pot plants in greenhouses in the 1960’s. The educational programs for members included more information of interest to these growers. This was followed in the late 60’s and 70’s by  tremendous growth and sales of foliage plants and gardening items as part of the green revolution. The number of businesses selling plants and garden related supplies and equipment grew rapidly.

All through the 40 years of the organization as the population of Vermont grew many people moved into the state from other parts of the country where lawns and landscape plantings were more popular. People became interested in using a greater variety of plants in their landscapes. Not only did the interest in membership in the VPA increase among Vermont plant professionals, but suppliers from nearby states joined as associate members. An increasing number of national nurseries and suppliers have sought customers in Vermont by joining the organization and participating in the trade shows.

Through the years, representatives of the Vermont Department of Agriculture and the University of Vermont Extension Service (now Extension System) have served as advisors and supporters of the organization. Dr. Harrison Flint, Extension Ornamental Horticulturist, was instrumental in helping to establish the VPA. Wilfred Kelly, Plant Inspector with the Department of Agriculture Plant Pest Control Division, was a charter member and active in the early planning. Since the beginning, a succession of Extension Service and Department of Agriculture personnel have been active in supporting the organization and cooperating in program development and education.

Dr. Harrison Flint was Extension Ornamental Horticulturist from 1962 to 1966. Dr. Norman Pellett was Extension Ornamental Horticulturist from 1967 to 1980. Dr. Leonard Perry has been Extension Greenhouse and Nursery Specialist from 1980 to the present. These Extension Specialists have attended most Board of Director meetings and seasonal meetings of the organization. They have organized regional cooperative educational meetings and tours for members and the general public, given presentations, supported flower and garden shows and participated in many ways.

Department of Agriculture personnel in the Plant Pest Control Section, later changed to Plant Industries Division, have provided continual assistance in organization, planning and education in the realm of insects and diseases that affect plants. Wilfred Kelly was succeeded by Phil Benedict, entomologist, then Steven Justis, plant pathologist who later became marketing specialist, Jon Turmel, entomologist, Ann Dorrance, plant pathologist and Scott Pfister, plant pathologist. Department of Agriculture people have helped with promotional programs and pesticide education and certification. More recently the Department of Agriculture has been instrumental in providing marketing assistance and funds for the organization.

VPA members participated in the early years of the annual GreenUp Day programs by displaying posters and distributing bags from their places of business. Some garden centers, encouraged by the VPA, offered discounts to customers on GreenUp Days as part of the promotion.

The Executive Committee (later Board of Directors) and VPA have been concerned about unethical practices in the industry and peripheral industries from time to time. Dennis Bruckel, as President in 1979-1980, was granted authorization to approve letters of disapproval mailed to general contractors and architectural firms considered to be in violation of standard bidding procedures and business ethics.

The VPA in the 1970’s was concerned about the State Forestry Nursery offering tree seedlings to the public for low cost since they were subsidized by the state. Through negotiation with the Department of Forests and Parks the VPA was able to develop a less antagonistic relationship. In recent times the VAPH have co-sponsored annual fall workshops on urban trees at the Vermont Technical College with the Department of Agriculture and the Urban & Community Forestry Program of the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation.

The VPA offered a health insurance program for its member firms and their employees in the late 1960’s and 1970’s (exact dates not found). The program was popular and encouraged more businesses to join the organization. The group policy premiums were lower than individual policies. The Executive Secretary collected the premiums and processed the claims for the insurance company. The program ceased when insurance company procedures required increased administration and it became difficult for the Executive Secretary to manage.

For several years in the early 1980’s the VPA purchased “fall planting kits” which included literature that members could offer customers to encourage fall planting thereby extending the sales season. The October 29, 1982 edition of The Potting Bench displayed an advertisement by Smallwood Nurseries of Williamstown for butternut trees, 2 -1/2 to 4 inch caliper, B&B. Occasionally other ads followed until it became common policy to sell ads for the newsletter. The Board of Directors on September 2, 1985 voted to accept advertising for the newsletter with prices being $3 for up to three lines, $5 for 8-1/3 x 3” ads.

The VPA started promotion of “Vermont Grown” plants in 1982-83. Steven Justis, Marketing Specialist of the Vermont Department of Agriculture, supplied growers with plant tags as part of an agriculture promotion program administered by the Department. In 2000 the VAPH received a one time funding of $10,000 from the Department of Agriculture to redevelop this program which lapsed in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Growers and consumers were surveyed to determine potential effectiveness of the program (p.5, spring 2000 Dirt).

In 1982, the VPA offered the first college student award of $100 to a University of Vermont senior student, Karen Alpert. The award was given to the student who showed the most interest and potential in the field of ornamental horticulture. This first award was presented by VPA member Holly Wier, Rocky Dale Gardens and Nursery, Bristol at the annual University Awards Ceremony. Starting in 2003, the first Student Achievement Award was granted to Vermont Technical College horticulture student, Jeremy Tinker.

In 1986 VPA instituted an annual statewide Landscape Contest offering winners in the Residential and Public Space categories $400 each. There is no information about the contest or winners in subsequent publications.

As membership grew and meetings were better attended, concurrent sessions were scheduled at winter meetings for members with diverse interests. With more funds available for programming, featured speakers were sometimes brought in from greater distance. The organization paid substantial fees in addition to transportation and lodging for some speakers like Dwight Hughes from Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1992 who spoke at the winter meeting.

The organization voted to change the name to Vermont Association of Professional Horticulturists VAPH) in a close vote at their August 24, 1994 meeting. It was hoped that the new gender-neutral name would also help foster professionalism throughout all areas of the plant-related industry in Vermont.

In the Fall 1997 issue of The Dirt, editor Charlie Proutt raised the issue of whether some members met the VAPH bylaws definition of active members. He said the bylaws define eligible active members as “being…. professionally engaged in propagating, growing, selling or servicing floral, ornamental, vegetable or fruit plants.” He was targeting members such as Basin Harbor Resort, Trapp Family Lodge or Hildene. In response, Susanne S. Mandigo, Garden/Grounds Manager of Trapp Family Lodge wrote a letter to the editor refuting Charlie’s allegations. She pointed out that the Trapp Family Lodge provides horticultural services in form of plants, supplies, vegetables and education to their clients. By selling plants from their greenhouses, providing vegetables from their gardens and giving tours for their customers, they qualify as members. The Trapp Family Lodge became the site for the 1998 summer meeting.

The VAPH, for several years, provided a scholarship to the winning team in the state FFA Nursery/Landscape Skills Contest. A $500 scholarship was provided to Missisquoi Valley Union High School team in 1996 to help defray the expenses of competing at the Eastern States Exposition held in Springfield, Massachusetts and at the National FFA Convention in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Vermont Certified Horticulturist Program was started in 1988 by the VAPH when Bill deVos, Treeworks, was one of the first to pass the exam. The number of certified horticulturists grew to 90 in 1993. Thirty new people passed the test in 1994. The 2004 yearbook listed 82 active Certified Horticulturists. Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension Greenhouse and Nursery Specialist, administers the tests at summer and winter meetings. Students can buy manuals adapted from a University of Massachusetts manual to prepare for the exams. In 2004, a Junior Certified Horticulturist program was proposed for vocational high school students in Vermont.

The bylaws have been amended numerous times including: January 1967, August 1971, August 1976, August 1977, January 1979, October 1983 and November 1993. Other amendments probably occurred but dates were not found. The bylaws were sometimes printed in the annual report.

Two amendments to the bylaws voted in November 1993 had significant effect of the length of officer terms. The two new bylaw changes read: “Members of the Board of Director shall be elected for a two year term” and “Members of the Executive Board may only serve one term in the same officer position.” The Exectuve Board is made up of president, vice president and secretary/treasurer. These changes insured continuity while ensuring changes in leadership. The bylaws were completely revised at the 2005 annual meeting.

Officers and Board of Director members have served as chairpersons for various committees. The kinds of committees have changed over time, but some have persisted. In many cases, the committee chairperson has been the only committee member while in other cases other members have volunteered or been appointed or asked by the chairperson to serve. Some committee chairpersons have been very active while others have accomplished little.

The Executive Committee was the primary governing body until the name was changed to Board of Directors as a bylaw change in the mid-1980’s. The Board of Directors is elected by the membership after recommendations by the Nominating Committee. Other committees that have existed over time are: Budget or Finance, Legislative, Program, Garden Show, Education, Marketing and Promotion, The Plantsmen’s Promotion Board, Awards, Evaluation and Planning, Newsletter, Vermont Certifield Horticulturist. Other committees that have been appointed periodically include: Research, Long Range Planning, and Outreach Programs. The Board of Directors has infrequently appointed representatives to the New England Greenhouse Conference and the Northeastern Nurserymen’s Association (NENA).

The Legislative Committee has been a very active and beneficial committee for the members through their activities with the state legislature. In the early 1970’s, committee members Richard Stevens, Norman Hulbert, Wilfred Kelly and other members led an extensive lobbying effort. They convinced the legislature that nurseries and greenhouses were agricultural enterprises and that plants growing in nurseries and greenhouses should not be subject to taxes levied on merchandise.

A VAPH ListServ was set up by Dr. Leonard Perry in the spring of 2000 to aid in communication among members. Members interested in being on the list were asked to send him their email addresses.

VAPH Board of Directors in 2000 proposed a name change to make the organization more recognizable. The name of Vermont Landscape and Nursery Association (VNLA), was offered by member Charlie Plonski in the fall 2000 issue of The Dirt. Members subsequently voted to retain the name of Vermont Association of Professional Horticulturists.

The Marketing Committee under the chairmanship of David Boucher of Gardener’s Supply, proposed an ambitious program (summer issue of The Dirt, 2001). His suggestions were to print a brochure that would list members and explain what VCH and Vermont Grown means. A second part was to create a newspaper insert promoting VAPH businesses and the VCH program. A third part was to have promotions through Vermont Public Radio, April through June. At the subsequent summer meeting the members voted to print a high quality calendar to promote the organization (Autumn issue of The Dirt, 2001) which they would sell or give to their clients. Unfortunately, members failed to buy the calendars to distribute and the project lost a considerable sum of money.

Flower Shows – The organization has held a garden and flower show most years since the beginning. The shows have been the primary funding source for the organization. The first organizational meetings in 1963 and 1964 met at the autumn Chrysanthemum Shows put on by the Commercial Flower Growers of Vermont. The name of the shows has changed over the years as well as the timing. Records were not found for many of the shows. An annual Flower Show was held in October, 1967 in Burlington and in November of 1968 in Middlebury. A Flower and Garden Show was held in March, 1970 in Middlebury. My recollection is a series of spring Flower Shows in the old Burlington Municipal Auditorium in the late 60’s and early 70’s. Former President Dennis Bruckel says “It was a bear to get heavy items up the steps into the old auditorium.” Bruckel also remembers that he and student (now VAPH member) David Keszey, helped set up the garden show at the Essex Junction ice skating rink for one or more years in the 1970’s. The Flower Show and Plant Sale was held in March, 1980 and 1981 at the Armory in Berlin.

The Lawn and Garden Show was held at the University Mall in South Burlington in March 1985 through 1993. Andrea Morgante, John Padua and V. J. Comai were chairpersons for the show in different years. Exhibitors each made their own display, but there was no central display until 1993. In that year, members organized a central display and conducted seminars for the public in a vacant store space. These changes met with much public acclaim and resulted in plans for a bigger show the following year.

The first Annual Flower Show at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center in South Burlington was in March 1994. Records show that 4,300 people attended that show. The 1995 show attracted over 7,000 people. In 1997 the name changed to The Vermont Flower Show. The 2000 show attracted over 9,000 people and the 2001 show attracted over 16,000. The admission fee was raised to $10 for 2002 when 7,000 attended but the show netted $10,000.

The Annual Flower Show has become more sophisticated over the years and is a primary funding source for the organization. Many member firms and local organizations contribute many hours of planning, labor, plants, products and creativity throughout the year to insure a successful show. Large central displays showcase growing trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs forced at several local greenhouses.A model train organization, The Vermont Garden Railway Society, has displayed an active landscape complete with electric trains each year since the show moved to the Sheraton. Concurrent sessions of educational programs on gardening and nature subjects are offered throughout the show. Many non-profit organizations as well as commercial exhibitors display their wares and information throughout the show. A children’s room offers numerous hands-on activities as well as hosting story tellers, mimes and musicians. Floral design competition for commercial florists is an attraction.

The 2003 show had a lower attendance and lost $19,000 putting the organization in debt. The $21,000 owed the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center was mostly absolved by VAPH members working several days and supplying plants and labor for beautification of the grounds. An event management company was hired to handle many of the details for the 2004 show which resulted in a profit.

Who are the Members? – The organization membership represents a diverse group of horticultural businesses. The number of landscape contractors, nurseries, garden centers and associated businesses has greatly increased over the years and their personnel are the largest contingent of the membership. Florist members have usually been few.  Most florist businesses are small and the owners say they can’t leave their business to attend meetings. Greenhouse operators have been active, especially in the first years of the organization. There are fewer year-around greenhouse operations in the state in the last twenty years, but the number of bedding plant producers has increased to serve local clientele. Most of these are not members. Vermont arborists had a professional organization which became defunct in the early 1970’s. Arborists have been encouraged to join the organization, but few have. Over the years several arborists have been active in the organization.

Membership in the organization has always been strongly centered in the northern half of the state. It has been especially difficult to attract active members in Bennington, Rutland, Windham and Windsor counties. Members from those counties have been less likely to attend meetings even when the meetings were held in central or southern Vermont. The Executive Committee has tried various methods to encourage active participation, usually without much success.

The organization has become more vibrant since the early 1980’s with the active participation of younger people and increase in women in the horticulture profession. Meetings in the 1960’s and 1970’s were attended mostly by men. A large enrollment of horticulture students at the University of Vermont in the 1970’s and since has resulted in more people entering the horticulture industry in the state. Growth of the Vermont Technical College Horticulture Program has also resulted in more interest in the organization. Many former college students are owners or in management positions and have become active in the organization. Almost as many women as men attend the meetings in the last five years. Joan Hulbert became the first woman president in 1984. Since then there have been four women presidents.

Presidents:

Fred Abbey, Shelburne, 1964
Lewis Hill, Greensboro, 1965
T. Harold Johnson, Huntington, 1966
Richard Stevens, Springfield, 1967-68
Thomas Haddock, Shelburne, 1969-70
Stanwood Wollaston, Shelburne, 1971
Elmer Brown, Thetford, 1972-73
Emerson Holcomb, W. Brattleboro, 1974-75
William Horsford, Charlotte, 1976
Klaus Weber, Randolph, 1977
Ned Davis, Waterbury Center, 1978
Dennis Bruckel, South Hero, 1979-80
Chris von Trapp, Monkton , 1981-82
Ralph Knox Sr., Windsor, 1983
Joan Hulbert, Williamstown, 1984-87
Earl Welch, Bradford, 1988-91
Jane von Trapp, Monkton, 1992-93
Charlie Proutt, Charlotte, 1994-95
Thamasin Sullivan, South Hero, 1996-97
Chris Conant, Colchester, 1998-99
Connie Gardner, Stowe, 2000-01
Charles Siegchrist, Jericho, 2002-03
Layne Tharp, Montpelier, 2004-06
Tim Parsons, New Haven, 2007-present

Other Active Members, 1960’s-1970’sHarry Chandler, Chandler’s Greenhouse, St. Johnsbury:

Norman Hulbert, Smallwood Nursery, Williamstown
Phil Hodgdon, Hamesbest Nursery and Orchard, Randolph Center
George Mitchell, Mitchell Nurseries, Williamstown
Wilem Van der Kwast, Randolph Floral Company, Randolph
George Grover, 4 Seasons Garden Center, Williston
Lloyd Chadwick, Vaillancourt Tree Service, Shelburne

VAPH Awards:

Horticultural Achievement Award:
1991 – Richard Stevens, Sr, Skyline Nursery, Springfield
1992 – Lewis and Nancy Hill, BerryHill, Greensboro
1993 – Norman and Dorothy Pellett, UVM  Professor Emeritus and Rock Crest Gardens, respectively,
Charlotte
1994 – Elmer Brown, E. C. Brown’s Nursery, Thetford
1995 – Richard Salter, retired, Reading
1996 – Dennis Bruckel, Grand Isle Nursery, South Hero
1997 – William Horsford,Charlotte, deceased
1998 – Joan Hulbert, Smallwood Nursery, Williamstown
1999 – No award
2000 – Greg Williams, Kate Brook Nursery, Wolcott
2001 – Holly Wier and Bill Pollard, Rocky Dale Gardens, Bristol
2002 – Charlie Proutt, Horsford Gardens and Nursery, Charlotte
2003 – William D. Countryman, Countryman Peony Farm, Northfield
2004 – Dr. Leonard Perry, University of Vermont Extension Professor
2005 – Daniel G. Nash, Newport
2006 – Tom Wright, Bondville
2007 – John and Patti Padua, Cobble Creek Nursery, Bristol

Northeastern Nurserymen’s Association’s Young Nursery Professional of the Year Award:

1991 – Pat Seibel, von Trapp Nursery, Monkton
1992 – Ralph Fitz-Gerald, Horsford Gardens & Nursery, Charlotte
1993 – Chris Schlegel Elliott Greenhouses, Lyndon Center
1994 – V. J. Comai, South Forty Nursery, Shelburne
1995 – Thamasin Sullivan, Grand Isle Nursery, South Hero
1996 – Bill Pedi, Northern Nurseries, White River Junction
1997 – Stephen Tworig, North Branch Landscape Company, Stamford
1998 – Scott Pfister, Department of Agriculture
1999 – No award
2000 – Peter Norris, Green Haven Gardens, New Haven
2001 – Charlie Plonski, Horsford Gardens & Nursery, Charlotte
2002 – Tim Parsons, Green Haven Gardens, New Haven
2003 – No award
2004 – Dr. Mark Starrett, University of Vermont Associate Professor
2005 – Dr. Mark C. Starrett, Burlington
2006 – Christopher Thompson, Stockbridge
2007 – No award
2008-  R. Andrew Burtt, Old Nash Farm Nursery & Landscape, Hinesburg

Environmental Awareness Award:

1991 – Andrea Morgante, Siteworks, Hinesburg
1992 – No award
1993 – Nancy Volatile Wood, Hamlen’s Garden Center, Swanton
1994 – Jim and Mary Musty, J. M. Landscaping, Bradford
1995 – SVCEC Horticulture Program, Bellows Falls
1996 – Don Avery, Cady’s Falls Nursery, Hyde Park
1997 – Will and Judy Stevens, Golden Russet Farm, Shoreham
1998 and 1999 – No award
2000 – Adam Sherman, Intervale Compost, Burlington
2001 – Paul Sokal, Addison Gardens, Vergennes
2002 – Paul Sachs, North Country Organics, Bradford
2003 – No award
2004 – Common Ground Student-Run Educational Farm, University of Vermont
2005 – No award
2006 – Anne Mueller,Arcana Gardens, Jericho
2007 – Karl Hammer, Vermont Compost Company, Montpelier

University of Vermont Student Award – Presented to the student who has shown outstanding interest and commitment to the  field of ornamental horticulture:

1982:  Karen Alpert
1983:  Ann Bove
1984:  Eric Winkler
1985:  Laura Garone
1986:  Becky Phillips
1987:  Jim Ludlow
1988:  Vincent J. Comai
1989:  Stephen Moffatt
1990:  Laurie Petren
1991:  Nicole Rosenstreich
1992:  Philip Bushey, Jr.
1993:  Scott Snow
1994:  Andrea Weed
1995:  Frederick Smith, Jr.
1996:  Bennett Holmes
1997:  Andrew Wirtz
1998:  Christine Banks
1999:   Brian Wirtz
2000:  Adam Wheeler
2001:  Amanda G. Bisson
2002:  Steven D. Pytlik
2003:  Sarah-Rose Cameron
2004:  R. Andrew Burtt
2006 – Mark Finch
2007 – Cole Downing
2008 – No award

Vermont Technical College Student Achievement Award:

2003 – Jeremy Tinker
2004 – Mark Dumont
2005 – Kent Martin
2006 – Justin Filskov
2007- No award

Officers and Executive Committee Members:

1964 -1976 Officers and Executive Committee members – No information found.

1977-78 Officers and Executive Committee
Ned Davis, Hunger Mountain Nursery & Greenhouse, Waterbury Center – President
Lloyd Chadwick, Vallaincourt Tree Service, Shelburne – Vice President
Richard Salter, Salter’s Greenhouse, Reading – Executive Secretary/Treasurer
Executive Committee:
Emerson Holcomb, Molly Stark Nursery, W. Brattleboro
Jean Clark, Peck’s Flower Shop,     Morrisville
Richard Stevens Sr., Skyline Garden Center, Springfield
Edward Jones, Mettowee Mill Nursery,     Dorset
Thomas Haddock, Gardenside Nurseries, Shelburne
Roger Henry, The Hillside, South Royalton
Paul Irons, Arbor Garden Center, Barre

1979-80 Officers and Executive Committee
Dennis Bruckel, Grand Isle Nursery, South Hero – President
Lawrence Bryant, Putney Nursery, Putney -Vice President, 1979
Roger Henry, The Hillside, South Royalton – Vice President, 1980
Richard Salter, Salter’s Greenhouse, Reading – Executive Secretary/Treasurer
Executive Committee:
Lawrence Bryant, Putney Nursery, Putney
Ned Davis, Hunger Mountain Nursery & Greenhouse, Waterbury Center
Jean Clark, Peck’s Flower Shop, Morrisville
Oliver Gardner, 4 Seasons Garden Center, Williston
David Hamlen, Hamlen’s Garden Center, Swanton
Ralph Knox Sr., Knox & Sons, Windsor
Douglas Miller, Wintergreen Nursery, Montpelier
Daniel Nash, Nash’s Treescape, Newport
Wallace Thrall, Northern Nurseries, White River Junction
Chris von Trapp, Mt. Philo Meadows, Ferrisburgh

1981-82 Officers and Executive Committee
Chris von Trapp, Mt. Philo Meadows, Ferrisburgh – President
Ralph Knox, Sr, Knox & Son, Windsor – Vice President
Richard Salter, Salter’s Greenhouse, Reading – Executive     Secretary/Treasurer
Executive Committee:
Dennis Bruckel, Grand Isle Nursery, South Hero
Oliver Gardner, 4 Seasons Garden Center, Williston
David Hamlen, Hamlen’s Garden Center, Swanton
Joan Hulbert, Smallwood Nursery, Williamstown
Jane Short, Stone Wall Farm, West Brattleboro
Earl Welch, Shearer’s Greenhouse, Bradford

1983-84 Officers and Executive Committee
Ralph Knox Sr., Knox & Son, Windsor – President
Joan Hulbert, Smallwood Nursery, Williamstown – Vice President
Robert Chapman, Goshen Road Nursery, Bradford – Executive Secretary/Treasurer
Executive Committee:
Oliver Gardner, 4 Seasons Garden Center, Williston
David Hamlen, Hamlen’s Garden Center, Swanton
Andrea Morgante, Siteworks, Hinesburg
Jane Short, Stone Wall Farm, West Brattleboro
Richard Stevens Sr., Skyline Garden Center, Springfield
Henry Van Dine, Ash Wood Nursery, Shaftsbury

1984-85 Officers and Executive Committee
Joan Hulbert, Smallwood Nursery, Williamstown – President
Oliver Gardner, 4 Seasons Garden Center, Williston -Vice President
Robert Chapman, Goshen Road Nursery, Bradford – Executive Secretary/Treasurer
Executive Committee:
Morris LaFrance, Country Living Garden Center, Randolph Center
Andrea Morgante, Siteworks, Hinesburg
Richard Stevens, Sr., Skyline Garden Center, Springfield
Henry Van Dine, Ashwood Nursery, Shaftsbury
Earl Welch, Shearer’s Greenhouse, Bradford

1986 Officers and Executive Committee
Joan Hulbert, Smallwood Nursery, Williamstown – President
Earl Welch, Shearer’s Greenhouse, Bradford – Vice President
Ralph Knox, Knox & Sons, Windsor – Executive Secretary/Treasurer
Mary West, Operations Secretary
Executive Committee:
Richard Stevens, Sr., Skyline Garden Center, Springfield
Henry Van Dine, Ashwood Nursery, Shaftsbury
John Padua, South Forty Nursery & Orchards, Shelburne
Holly Wier, Rocky Dale Gardens & Nursery, Bristol
Robert Stocklein, Gopher Broke Nursery, Wolcott

1987 Officers and Executive Committee
Joan Hulbert, Smallwood Nursery, Williamstown  President
Earl Welch, Shearer’s Greenhouse, Bradford – Vice President
Ralph Knox, Knox & Son, Windsor – Executive Secretary/Treasurer
Mary West, Operations Secretary
Executive Committee:
John Padua, South Forty Nursery & Orchards, Shelburne
Holly Wier, Rocky Dale Gardens & Nursery, Bristol
Robert Stocklein, Gopher Broke Nursery, Wolcott
C. J. Gorius, Putney Nursery, Putney
Wallace Brown, Grafton Village Nursery & Christmas Shop, Grafton

1988-1989 Officers and Executive Committee
Earl Welch, Shearer’s Greenhouse, Bradford – President
C. J. Gorius, Putney Nursery, Putney – Vice President
Ralph Knox, Knox & Son, Windsor – Executive Secretary/Treasurer
Mary West, Operations Secretary
Executive Committee:
John Padua, South Forty Nursery & Orchards, Shelburne
Holly Wier, Rocky Dale Gardens & Nursery, Bristol
Wallace Brown, Grafton Village Nursery & Christmas Shop, Grafton
David Talbot, Talbot’s Herb & Perennial Farm, Hartland
Dorothy Pellett, Rock Crest Gardens, Charlotte

1990-91 Officers and Board of Directors
Earl Welch, Shearer’s Greenhouse, Bradford – President
C. J. Gorius, Putney Nursery, Putney – Vice President
Joan Hulbert, Smallwood Nurseries, Williamstown – Past President
Ralph T. Knox, Sr., Knox & Sons, Inc., Windsor – Executive Secretary & Treasurer (resigned     4/1/91)
Richard Quattlander succeeded Ralph Knox – Coordinator (position title changed)
Executive Committee:
Wynn Metcalf, Ashwood Nursery, Shaftsbury
Charlie Proutt, Horsford Gardens & Nursery, Charlotte; Newsletter editor – 1991
Jane von Trapp, The von Trapp Nursery, Monkton
Dorothy Pellett, Rock Crest Gardens, Charlotte – 1991
Wally Thrall, Northern New England Nursery Sales, McIndoe Falls – 1991
Lewis Hill, Vermont Daylilies, Greensboro – 1991

1992 Officers and Board of Directors
Jane von Trapp, Von Trapp Nursery, Monkton – President
Charlie Proutt, Horsford Gardens & Nursery, Charlotte – Vice President
Holly Weir, Rocky Dale Gardens & Nursery, Bristol – Secretary/Treasurer
Scott Pfister, Coordinator
Executive Committee:
Dorothy Pellett, Rock Crest Gardens, Charlotte
Andrea Morgante, Siteworks, Inc., Hinesburg
Steve Elliott, Elliott’s Greenhouses, Lyndon Center
Jay Wilson, Newfane Nurseries, Newfane
Jim Babb, Northern Nurseries, Inc., White River Junction

1993 Officers and Board of Directors
Jane von Trapp, von Trapp Nursery, Monkton – President
Earl Welch, Shearer’s Greenhouse, Bradford – Immediate Past President
Charlie Proutt, Horsford Gardens & Nursery, Charlotte – Vice President
Holly Weir, Rocky Dale Gardens & Nursery, Bristol – Secretary/Treasurer
Scott Pfister, Coordinator
Executive Committee:
S. Stephen Tworig, North Branch Landscape Company, Stamford
Thamasin Sullivan, Grand Isle Nursery, South Hero
Steve Elliott, Elliott’s Greenhouses, Lyndon Center
William de Vos, Treeworks, Montpelier
V. J. Comai, South Forty Nursery, Shelburne
Chris Conant, Claussen’s Florist & Greenhouse, Colchester

1994-1995 Officers and Board of Directors
Charlie Proutt, Horsford Gardens & Nursery, Charlotte – President
Jane von Trapp, von Trapp Nursery, Monkton – Past President
Steve Elliott , Elliott’s Greenhouses, Lyndon Center – Vice President
Thamasin Sullivan, Grand Isle Nursery, South Hero – Secretary/Treasurer
Tina Nyce, 4 Seasons Garden Center, Williston – Coordinator – 1994
Jane Wilkening – Coordinator – 1995
Board of Directors:
Kevin Brown, E. C. Brown’s Nursery, Thetford Center – 1995
William de Vos, Tree Works, Montpelier
S. Stephen Tworig, North Branch Nursery, Stamford
William Pedi, Northern Nurseries, White River Junction
V. J. Comai, South Forty Nursery, Shelburne
Chris Conant, Claussens Florist & Greenhouse, Colchester

1996 Officers and Board of Directors
Thamasin Sullivan, Grand Isle Nursery, South Hero – President
Charlie Proutt, Horsford Gardens and Nursery, Charlotte – Past President
Chris Conant, Claussens Florist & Greenhouse, Colchester – Vice President
Tina Nyce, Botanical Design, Underhill – Secretary/Treasurer
Kristina MacKulin, North Ferrisburgh – Executive Secretary (Previously called Coordinator)
Connie Gardner, Stowe – Executive Secretary replacing MacKulin
Board of Directors:
S. Stephen Tworig, North Branch Nursery, Stamford
V. J. Comai, South Forty Nursery, Shelburne
William Pedi, Northern Nurseries, White River Junction
Paul Sokal, Addison Gardens, Vergennes

1997 Officers and Board of Directors
Thamasin Sullivan, Grand Isle Nursery, South Hero – President
Charlie Proutt, Horsford Gardens & Nursery, Charlotte – Past President
Chris Conant, Claussen’s Florist & Greenhouse, Colchester – Vice     President
William Pedi, Pedi Landscape Gardeners, Bradford – Secretary/Treasurer
Connie Gardner – Executive Secretary
Executive Committee:
V. J. Comai, South Forty Nursery, Shelburne
Judith Hall, Rutland
Tom Jennings, Green Mountain Florist Supply, South Burlington
Paul Sokal, Addison Gardens, Vergennes
Hugh Stevens, Skyline Nursery Partnership, Springfield

1998-99 Officers and Board of Directors
Chris Conant, Claussen’s Florist & Greenhouses, Colchester – President
Thamasin Sullivan, Grand Isle Nursery, South Hero, past President
Paul Sokal , Addison Gardens, Vergennes – Vice President
Charles Siegchrist, Barber Farm Inc., Jericho – Secretary/Treasurer
Connie Gardner, Connie Gardner Designs, Stowe – Executive Secretary, 1998
Scott Pfister – Temporary Executive Secretary, 1998
Jane Lavanway, Executive Director, 1999 (previously called Executive Secretary)
Board of Directors:
V. J. Comai, South Forty Nursery, Shelburne
Tom Jennings, Green Mountain Florist Supply, South Burlington
Susanne Mandigo, Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe
John Padua, Cobble Creek Nursery, Monkton
Hugh Stevens, Skyline Nursery Partnership, Springfield

2000 Officers and Board of Directors
Connie Gardner, Connie Gardner Designs, Stowe  President
Chris Conant, Claussen Enterprises, Colchester -Past President
Charles Siegchrist, Barber Farms, Jericho – Vice President
Susanne Sullivan, Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe – Secretary
John Padua, Cobble Creek Nursery, Monkton – Treasurer
Jane Lavanway, Executive Director
Board of Directors:
Tom Jennings, Green Mountain Florist Supply, South Burlington
Anthony Beers, All Things Green Horticultural Service, Rutland
V. J. Comai, South Forty Nursery, Shelburne
Charles Plonski, Horsford Gardens & Nursery, Charlotte
Kelly Sweeney, Hallock Hill Farm Greenhouse, Waltham

2001 Officers and Board of Directors
Connie Gardner, Connie Gardner Designs, Stowe – President
Chris Conant, Claussen Enterprises, Colchester – Past President
Charles Siegchrist, Barber Farms, Jericho -Vice President
John Padua, Cobble Creek Nursery, Monkton – Secretary/Treasurer
Jane Lavanway, Executive Director
Board of Directors:
Anthony Beers, All Things Green Horticultural Service, Rutland
David Boucher, Gardener’s Supply Company, Burlington
Mike Guidosh,
Sabrina Joy Milbury, Just Dancing Gardens & Greenhouse, South Burlington
Charlie Plonski, Horsford Gardens & Nursery, Charlotte
Layne Tharp, Layne’s Garden Design, Montpelier

2002-2003 Officers and Board of Directors
Charlie Siegchrist, Barber Farms, Jericho – President
Connie Gardner, Connie Gardner Designs, Stowe – Past President
Sabrina Joy Milbury, Just Dancing Gardens & Greenhouse, South Burlington – Vice President
David Boucher – Gardener’s Supply, Burlington, Secretary/Treasurer
Jane Lavanway – Executive Director
Board of Directors:
Mike Guidosh
David Hamlen, Hamlen’s Garden Center, Swanton
Diane Heffernan, Pine Tree Gardens, Bristol
Jason Hutchins, Landshapes, Richmond,2003
Charlie Plonski, New England Nursery Sales, Inc., St. Johnsbury
Layne Tharp, Layne’s Garden Design, Montpelier

2004 Officers and Board of Directors
Layne Tharp, Layne’s Garden Design, Montpelier – President
Charlie Siegchrist, Barber Farms, Jericho – Past President
Sabrina Joy Milbury, Just Dancing Gardens & Greenhouse, South Burlington – Vice President
David Loysen, Shaw Hill Nursery, Stowe – Secretary/Treasurer
Kristina MacKulin – Administrative Secretary
Board of Directors:
Alice Beisiegel, Leaves of Grass, Williston
Andrew Burtt, Old Nash Farm, New Haven
Tim Parsons, Greenhaven Gardens & Nursery, New Haven
Charlie Plonski, New England Nursery Sales, Inc., St. Johnsbury

2005 Officers and Board of Directors
Layne Tharp, Layne’s Garden Design, Montpelier – President
Charlie Siegchrist, Barber Farms, Jericho – Past President
Sabrina Joy Milbury, Just Dancing Gardens & Greenhouse, South Burlington – Vice President
David Loysen, Shaw Hill Nursery, Stowe – Secretary/Treasurer
Kristina MacKulin – Administrative Secretary
Board of Directors:
Alice Beisiegel, Leaves of Grass, Williston
Andrew Burtt, Old Nash Farm, New Haven
Tim Parsons, Greenhaven Gardens & Nursery, New Haven
Claybrook Griffith, South Forty Nursery, Shelburne
Carol Macleod, Evergreen Gardens, Waterbury Center
Charlie Plonski, New England Nursery Sales, Inc., St. Johnsbury

2006 Officers and Board of Directors:
Layne Tharp, Layne’s Garden Design, Montpelier – President
Tim Parsons, Greenhaven Gardens & Nursery, New Haven – Vice President
David Loysen, Shaw Hill Nursery, Stowe – Secretary/Treasurer
Kristina MacKulin, N. Ferrisburgh – Administrative Secretary

Board of Directors:
Alice Beisiegel, Leaves of Grass,     Williston
Martin Bemis, Jamaica Gardens, Jamaica
Andrew Burtt, Old Nash Farm Nursery & Landscape, New Haven
Curtis Cowles, Glebe Mountain Gardens &  Landscaping, Londonderry
Claybrook Griffith, South Forty Nursery, Shelburne
Carol MacLeod, Evergreen Gardens, Waterbury Center

2007 Officers and Board of Directors:
Tim Parsons, Middlebury College, Middlebury – President
Layne Tharp, Layne’s Garden Design, Montpelier – Past President
Carol MacLeod, Evergreen Gardens, Waterbury Center – Vice President
David Loysen, Shaw Hill Nursery, Stowe – Secretary/Treasurer
Kristina MacKulin, N. Ferrisburgh – Executive Secretary

Board of Directors:
Alice Beisiegel, Leaves of Grass,     Williston
Martin Bemis, Jamaica Gardens, Jamaica
Curtis Cowles, Glebe Mountain Gardens & Landscaping, Londonderry
Claybrook Griffith, Greenhaven Gardens & Nursery, New Haven
Joan Lynch, The Inner Garden, Pittsford

Meetings, Activities and Programs:

No details were found about some meetings.

•    1963, November 10 – Annual Chrysanthemum Show by the Commercial Flower Growers of Vermont and Organizational meeting for all plantsmen; The chrysanthemum show and dinner was held at the Hi Hat Restaurant, Burlington. At 2 p.m an organizational meeting for plantsmen was held in Terrill Hall at the University of Vermont.

•    1964, January 28 – First annual meeting of the Vermont Plantsmen’s Association (VPA) was held in a small room under the stage at the Municipal Auditorium in Barre in conjunction with the Vermont Farm Show. Those present voted to incorporate under the rules of Vermont statutes.

•    1964, July 29 – Plantsmen’s Day with morning program at University of Vermont; topics and speakers were: Pesticides and Their Use by Dr. Harrison Flint, Extension Ornamental Horticulturist, Film on Pesticides by N. S. McFall, Plant Pest Division of the USDA, panel on Insect and Disease Problems by Dr. George MacCollom, Extension Entomologist and Dr. Kenneth Fisher, Extension Plant Pathologist. Lunch was in the Waterman Cafeteria. After lunch the group toured Gardenside Nursery in Shelburne led by owner Thomas Haddock, the plantings at the Shelburne Museum with Duncan Munro, Groundskeeper, followed by a bull session under the pines at the University of Vermont Horticultural Research Center in South Burlington. This program was arranged by Dr. Harrison Flint, Extension Ornamental Horticulturist.

•    1964, October 8 – 1964 Annual Chrysanthemum Show at St. Johnsbury Academy; competition among mum growers in Vermont; Admission free to VPA members, 65¢ for the public.

•    1965, January 27 – Winter meeting at the Vermont Farm Show, Barre Municipal Auditorium; guest speaker, Dr. Elmer Jarvesboo, Floricultural Marketing Specialist, University Of Massachusetts — his topic: Marketing; panel discussion led by Lewis Hill, Hillcrest Nursery, Greensboro.

•    1965, August 4 – Plantsmen’s Day at University of Vermont Horticultural Research Center, South Burlington; Topics and tours: Hardiness research on strawberries, Testing of Landscape Plants for Hardiness; tours of research projects; bull session under the pines; co-sponsored with the Extension Service.

•    1966, August 12 – Summer meeting at Lake Champagne, Randolph Center; chicken barbeque prepared by Phil Hodgdon, fun day for families of members; H. Parks Holcomb bought Norman and Joan Hulbert to the meeting as guests where they met George Mitchell. After the meeting Mitchell took them to his Mitchell’s Nursery in Williamstown. The Hulberts purchased the nursery and moved their family of five children to the house at the nursery on September 13. This was the start of Smallwood Nursery — a result of one VPA meeting.

•    1967, August 16 – Summer meeting at Lake Champagne, Randolph Center; chicken barbeque and fun day for families.

•    1967, October 21-22 – Vermont Plantsmen’s Annual Flower Show at Christ The King School auditorium on Locust Street, Burlington. There were 15 classes of cut flowers, eight classes of floral arrangements, nursery exhibits, garden club exhibits, bedding plants, geraniums and other plant groups. Thomas Haddock was chairperson.

•    1968 – Workshops co-sponsored with the Extension Service. Topics were Methods of Determining Costs and Setting Prices for Bedding Plants and Soils and Fertilization for Greenhouse Crops. Dennis Bruckel led the Morrisville program and Dr. Norman Pellett led the Rutland program.VPA members participated at both sites:
February 6 – Charlmont Restaurant, Morrisville
February 7 – National Guard Armory, Rutland

•    1968 – Workshops on Home Grounds Landscape Design – Building a Relationship Between Objects in the Landscape. Forty people attended the two workshops. Conducted by Dr. Norman Pellett, Extension Ornamental Horticulturist; co-sponsored with the Extension Service
February 13 – Montpelier
February 14 – Brattleboro

•    1968, August 21 – Summer meeting, Conant Hall, Vermont Technical College, Randolph Center. Speakers at the growers sessions were Dr. Lorne McFadden, University of New Hampshire Horticulturist and Dr. Norman Pellett, Extension Ornamental Horticulturist, University of Vermont. The Florist Design School was led by Rodney Trevett.

•    1968, November 9,10 – Vermont Plantsmen’s Annual Flower Show, Municipal Auditorium, Middlebury; John Graham was chairman. Displays of chrysanthemums, pom poms, snapdragons, carnations, potted plants, arrangements by florists, displays by nurseries, arrangements by garden clubs, door prizes, music, corsages made and sold on site. Growers, nurseries and florists urged to donate flowers, evergreens, shrubs, and floral arrangements for sale to public as a fund raiser.

•    1969, July 16 – Field Day for Landscapers, nurserymen, groundskeepers, greenhouse growers at the University of Vermont, Horticulture Research Center, South Burlington co-sponsored with the Extension Service. Tours of the woody ornamentals, annual, peony, iris, daylily, hardy chrysanthemum, and small fruit research plots. Afternoon tour of Shelburne Museum Grounds with Grounds Superintendent Duncan Munro.

•    1970, March 7,8 – The Flower and Garden Show at the Vermont Hall behind The Tavern, Montpelier; featured floral arrangements and landscape displays.

•    1970, March 12 -Short course at The University of Vermont co-sponsored with the Extension Service.  Topic was Marketing Greenhouse and Nursery Products and Services.

•    1970 or 1971 – Two day summer bus tour to nurseries, greenhouses and garden centers in the area around Boston. Tour guide was the Nursery Extension Specialist with the University of Massachusetts. The group toured Weston Nurseries, Lexington Gardens and several other places.

•    1970, August 19 – Summer meeting at Conant Hall Auditorium, Vermont Technical College; country dinner served by the members of the First Congregational Church of Randolph Center; Program and speakers were: Insect pests by Dr Thomas Fisher, Extension Entomologist, University of New Hampshire; Magic Escapade by Wayne Miskelly; and the Johnson State College Men’s Ensemble led by Dr. Fisher.

•    1971, August 18 – Summer meeting at Conant Hall Auditorium, Vermont Technical College; country dinner served by the members of the First Congregational Church of Randolph Center; program and speakers were UVM Happenings by Dr. Gerald Donovan, Dean, College of Agriculture and Home Economics, UVM; Costs and Pricing Panel with Dr. Norman Pellett, Extension Ornamental Horticulturist, moderator; George Brady, Brady’s Landscaping, So. Burlington; Neal Carpenter, Carpenter’s Greenhouse, Colchester; George Grover, 4 Seasons Garden Center, Williston; Nelson Halladay, Halladay The Florist, Bellows Falls; and Wilem Van der Kwast, Randolph Floral Corporation, Randolph; and music by Don Whitcomb Trio featuring Ralph Truman.

•    1971, November 9 – Informal discussion of Problems, Solutions and Plans of nurserymen, landscapers, garden center personnel and landscape maintenance contractors; evening meeting at the University of Vermont Horticultural Research Center; co-sponsored with the Extension Service.

•    1972, January 19 – Winter meeting at Vermont Technical College, Randolph Center; lunch prepared and served by members of the nearby Congregational Church; Speakers were: Dr. Thomas Fisher, Entomologist, University of New Hampshire; Terrance Boyle, Landscape Architect; and Edward Eurich, Vermont Commissioner of Agriculture. Lyman Calahan, Extension Fruit Specialist, Dr. Gordon Nielsen, Extension Entomologist, Dr. David Wilson, Extension Plant Pathologist and Dr. Norman Pellett, Extension Ornamental Horticulturist were all from the University of Vermont. Dr. Fisher brought the men’s ensemble from Johnson State College and to entertain. Professor Calahan discussed Home Fruit Varieties. Dr. Wilson discussed Fungicide Effectiveness and Their Limitations. Drs. Nielsen and Fisher discussed Insect Pests and Home Control Methods. Dr. Pellett told about Salt Resistance of Landscape Plants. Bernard Cole, Cole & Son Florist of Middlebury conducted a Floral Design Workshop.

•    1972, July 18,19 – Two day bus tour of nurseries, garden centers and greenhouses in the Albany, New York area arranged by Dr. Norman Pellett, Extension Ornamental Horticulturist and Charles Williams, Regional Nursery and Greenhouse Specialist in Eastern New York.

•    1973, January 24 – Winter meeting at Moose Hall, Barre – Trade show, Farm Show visit, turkey dinner at noon; afternoon topics and speakers: Old Ways for New Plantsmen and New Ways for Old Plantsmen by Professor G. A. L Mehlquist, University of Connecticut Horticulturist, Up to Date on Pesticides by Dr. Thomas Fisher, University of New Hampshire Entomologist; vocal music by Dr. Fisher and Elmer Brown, E. C. Brown’s Nursery, Thetford Center.

•    1974, January 30 – Winter meeting, Brown Derby Restaurant, Montpelier – Visit the Vermont Farm Show in the morning. and program in the afternoon. Lois and Tom Haddock of Gardenside Nursery in Shelburne showed slides and told about their People to People Tour of Europe. Dr. Norman Pellett, Extension Ornamental Horticulturist talked about Innovative Marketing in Ornamental Plants and experiences from six months in Scandinavia and Poland.

•    1974, August 21 – Annual summer meeting and field day, Lake Champagne, Randolph Center, no formal programs, but small trade show, getting acquainted, having fun and discussing shop with colleagues and barbeque by Phil Hodgdon, Hamesbest Nursery, Randolph Center.

•    1974, November 12 – Morrisville, Charlmont Restaurant – The Greenhouse Forum; Program included What’s New in Pot Plants by Dr. Norman Pellett, Extension Ornamental Horticulturist; The Beginners View, Rod Spear, Troy Gardens, Troy; The Established View, Stan Fisher, Fisher’s Folly, Hardwick; Soils for Plants and Consumers, Ed Bouton, Washington County Extension Agent and Dr. Norman Pellett; Greenhouse Pests, What’s the Answer? by Dr. Alan Gotlieb, Extension Plant Pathologist and Dr. Gordon Nielsen, Extension Entomologist, University of Vermont; Pricing for 1975 – group discussion. Program jointly sponsored with the Extension Service.

•    1975, January 29 – Winter meeting at the Brown Derby Restaurant, Montpelier – Small trade show; Program included Getting to know Vermonters by Lewis Hill, Hillcrest Nursery, Greensboro; Soils Make the Garden by Winston Way, Extension Agronomist; Growing Pot Plants by Dr. Jay Koths, University of Connecticut Extension Floriculture Specialist and a movie on Eastern States Exposition – The Vermont Building;

•    1975, July 30-31 – Bus tour to Agriculture Canada’s Research Center for Ornamental Plants; guided tour of annual and perennial flower gardens, arboretum and greenhouse flower crops research. Tour cost $35 to cover bus tour and one night’s motel stay. Co-sponsored with the Extension Service.

•    1975 – August 20 – Summer meeting and field day at Lake Champagne and Camp Grounds, Randolph Center; tailgate trade show, auction; barbeque by Phil Hodgdon, Hamesbest Nursery, Randolph Center.

•    1975, October 22 – Fall meeting at the Brown Derby Restaurant, Montpelier; business meeting;; Program included: Movie of Eastern States Exposition; Horticultural Therapy, a New Program at University of Vermont by Dr. Sam Wiggans, Chair of Plant and Soil Science Department at UVM; How I Manage My Nursery by Dennis Bruckel, Grand Isle Nursery, South Hero; general discussion.

•    1976, January 28 – Winter meeting, Brown Derby Restaurant, Montpelier – buffet lunch and small trade show; speaker was Bedding Plant Production by Dr. Roy Judd, Connecticut Bedding Plant Extension Specialist.

•    1976, August 18 – Summer meeting and field day, Lake Champagne and Campgrounds, Randolph Center, small trade show, auction; barbeque by Phil Hodgdon, Hamesbest Nursery, Randolph Center.

•    1976, October 27 – Fall meeting, Brown Derby Restaurant, Montpelier; business meeting; Program: Pesticide Licensing in Vermont – How It Affects You by Phil Benedict, Vermont Department of Agriculture; What’s New by Ronald Albee, Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture; What’s Happening by Palmer Bigelow, Jr., Bigelow Nurseries, Northboro, Massachusetts; Panel discussion with Palmer Bigelow and members Jean Clark, and Edward Jones.

•    Two landscaping classes for members and the public jointly sponsored with the Extension Service.    1977, May 5 – Brattleboro – Design, Installation and Landscape Plants by Emerson Holcomb, Molly         Stark Nursery, West Brattleboro and Robin Key.
1977, May 11 – Woodstock – Landscaping Home Grounds by Richard Stevens, Jr., Landscape Architect with Skyline Garden Center, Springfield.

•    1977, July 28-29 – Joint bus tour for Vermont and New Hampshire nurserymen, landscapers and interested professionals who visited garden centers, parks, indoor landscaped malls and other sites in the Albany-Schenectady New York area.

•    1977, October 19 – Fall meeting at the Brown Derby Restaurant, Montpelier; business meeting and buffet lunch; Program included: Sclerroderis Canker, a New Disease of Pine by Steven Justis, Department of Agriculture; Greenhouse Energy Conservation by John Bartok, Extension Agricultural Engineer, University of Connecticut Extension Service; Greenhouse Problems by Steven Justis, Department of Agriculture.

•    1978, February and March – Two hour landscaping workshops entitled Plants with Purpose were presented by Dr. Norman Pellett, Extension Ornamental Horticulturist, and local landscape nursery professionals at six locations throughout Vermont. Illustrated presentations included: Reducing heat loss from buildings, How to plant for air conditioning, Reducing noise from busy roads, Reducing sun glare, Reducing dust from roads and Improving aesthetic qualities of home grounds and neighborhoods. Workshops were co-sponsored by the Vermont Plantsmen’s Association and the Extension Service.

•    1979 – Sunset meetings at two nurseries, 6 p.m. to dark
July 18 – Green Mountain Nursery, Irasburg
July 25 – Windsor Road Nursery, Cornish, New Hampshire on route 12A.

•    1979 – Summer meeting and trade show at the University of Vermont Horticulture Research Center, South Burlington; buffet lunch, trade show, machinery exhibit and auction; tours of field research on shrubs, azalea collection, overwintering studies on roses, blueberry trials and annual flower trial gardens.

•    1980, January 30 – Winter meeting at the Brown Derby Restaurant, Montpelier; business meeting and buffet lunch. The program included: Les Floralies International (Montreal International Flower Show) by Pierre Bourque, Director of the Montreal Botanic Garden and coordinator of the International Flower Show; What’s Happening in the College by Dr. Robert Sinclair, Dean of the University of Vermont College of Agriculture;Landscape Construction by James W. Farmer, Jr. Landscape Architect, Harvard University and the University of Massachusetts. State Representative Webster Keefe described H157, Right to Work Bill before the Vermont legislature.

•    1980, March 14 to16 – Flower and Garden Show at the Barre Auditorium; Joan Hulbert, chairperson; attendance 1,977 plus complementary visits by 75 nursing home residents.

•    1980, July 23 – Bus tour to Les Floralies Internationales in Montreal; cost was $15 plus $4 for admission; co-sponsored with the Extension Service.

•    1980, July 31 – Commercial Greenhouse Energy Seminar at the Tavern Motor Inn, Montpelier; Topics included energy conservation, glazing, night shades, basic solar principles, solar retrofits over existing greenhouses and new solar concepts; co-sponsored with the Extension Service. Speaking were John Bartok, University of Connecticut Extension Agricultural Engineer and Dr. Norman Pellett, University of Vermont Extension Ornamental Horticulturist.

•    1980, August 20 – Summer meeting and field day at Northern Nurseries, White River Junction;  barbeque lunch; auction netted $266; auctioneer was Elmer Brown, E. C. Brown’s Nursery, Thetford; guided tours of the nursery; 14 exhibitors and 100 people attended.

•    1980, October 15 – Fall meeting at the Brown Derby Restaurant, Montpelier; 60+ attendees; Presentations included: Garden Center Management by Tony Huber, Perrone Nursery, Montreal; Plants for Northern New England by Gary Koller, Arnold Arboretum Horticulturist; University of Vermont Research by Susan Littlefield, Research Assistant.

•    1981, January 28 – Winter meeting at the Brown Derby Restaurant, Montpelier; buffet lunch, business meeting and election of officers; Presentations included: OSHA in Vermont by Philip Benedict, Department of Agriculture; State Government Regulations as They Affect Ornamental Horticulture Industry by George Dunsmore, Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture; Future Trends in Ornamental Horticulture in Vermont by Dr. Alan Gotlieb, chairperson of Department of Plant and Soil Science, University of Vermont; Biological Control of Insects by Dr. Stanley Swier of University of New Hampshire.

•    1981, March 14-15 – Flower Show and Plant Sale, National Guard Armory, Berlin; educational films, central display, tea garden, door prizes; Joan Hulbert was chairperson.

•    1981, August 19 – Field Day and Trade Show at Shelburne Farms, Shelburne; trade show, barbeque lunch and music; auction; tour of facilities; cost was $10 per person including lunch.

•    1981, October 21 – Fall Meeting at the Brown Derby Restaurant, Montpelier; business meeting and barbeque lunch; presentations: Defoliating Insects in the Nursery by John Turmel, Entomologist, Department of Agriculture; Pesticide Application Equipment and Techniques by Dr. Richard Pendleton, Entomologist, Cornell University; Diseases of Floriculture Crops by Dr. Gary Moorman, Extension Plant Pathologist, University of Massachusetts Suburban Experiment Station; Greenhouse Pest Control Panel led by Earl Welch, Shearer’s Greenhouse, Bradford; Canker Diseases in the Nursery, Steven Justis, Plant Pathologist, Vermont Department of Agriculture, Question and Answer Period on Vermont Pesticide Regulations led by David Hafner, Certification Specialist, Vermont Department of Agriculture.

•    1982, October 13 – Fall Meeting at the Brown Derby Restaurant, Montpelier; business meeting and buffet lunch; presentations: Potting Mixes and Fertilizers by Dr. Raymond Sheldrake, Cornell University; Using Computers in Your Business by John Holliman; Training Aids for the Nursery by Richard Stevens, Sr., Skyline Garden Center, Springfield; Recent Developments in Vermont Department of Agriculture by Philip Benedict, Department of Agriculture; Overwintering Studies by Dr. Norman Pellett, University of Vermont Extension Ornamental Horticulturist; attendance: 72.

•    1983, February 16 – Winter meeting at The Tavern Motor Inn, Montpelier: buffet lunch, business meeting and election of officers; presentations: Introduction to the Art of Bonsai by G. Gilbert Kleine; Imagine/Magic: New Woody Plants for Your Landscape by Dr. Marc Cathey, U.S. National Arboretum; Drive Your Soil to Drink….. And Drain by Demie Powell, Aquatrols Corporation of America; open forum – discussion from the floor; advance registration, coffee and muffins cost $15; registration only was $5. Membership totaled 139 including 96 active members.

•    1983, August 17 – Summer meeting at the University of Vermont Horticulture Research Center, South Burlington: trade show under tent, cost of registration and coffee was $6; attendees urged to bring their own lunch; auction; presentations: Overwintering Ornamentals in Vermont by Dr. Norman Pellett, University of Vermont Horticulturist; Tour of Field Plots of Perennials by Dr. Leonard Perry, University of Vermont Extension Ornamental Horticulturist; Update on Herbicides by Steven Justis, Vermont Department of Agriculture; a tour of the University of Vermont Greenhouses followed; 58 VPA members and 32 exhibitors attended.

•    1983, October 19 – Fall meeting at the Holiday Inn, White River Junction; cost of registration, coffee and doughnuts was $6 and buffet lunch, $14; business meeting included reports by the President, Treasurer and Promotion and Legislative Committees; dues set for 1984; by-law changes presented and passed by voice vote; presentations by David and Patty Talbot, Talbot’s Herb & Perennial Farm, Hartland, Carmen Cosentino, Cosentino’s Florists, Auburn, N.Y., Steven Justis and Jerry Kelley of the Vermont Department of Agriculture.

•    1984, January 25 – Annual winter meeting at The Brown Derby, Montpelier: buffet lunch and business meeting; presentations: Key Trees by Ralph Knox, Knox & Son, Windsor, Nursery-Garden Center Operation in Northern New England by Charles Williams, Extension Horticulturist, University of New Hampshire and William Stockman, Spider Web Gardens of New Hampshire; Richard Salter was honored as retiring secretary/treasurer for 20 years of service and presented with 20 red roses, a watch and certificate of appreciation. Attendance for the buffet was 60 people; membership was 149.

•    1984, February 8 – Executive Committee approved the Vermont Certified Horticulturist Program and named Andrea Morgante as chairperson.

•    1984, August 18 – Summer Trade Show and Field Day at Lake Champagne and Campground, Randolph Center; barbeque by Phil Hodgdon, Hamesbest Nursery, Randolph Center; business meeting; 11 exhibitors showed their wares under two tents; presentations were Hopes for Vermont Agriculture Industry by George Dunsmore, Commissioner of Agriculture, Vermont Nursery Certification Program by Oliver Gardner, Vermont Promotion Board by Earl Welch. Steven Justis was recognized for his service to the VPA as he became Marketing Specialist in the Department of Agriculture.

•    1985, January 30 – Farm Show meeting at the Old Courthouse Building, Barre – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with lunch “on your own;” presentations were Horticulture and Farming in China by Dr. Leonard Perry, University of Vermont Extension Ornamental Horticulturist, Promoting Our Industry in 1985 by the VPA Promotion Board Panel; visit to Vermont Farm Show after meeting.

•    1985, February 25 – Annual winter meeting at The Woodstock Inn, Woodstock; trade show,  business meeting and buffet lunch; presentations:Standards for Landscape Plants by Steven Justis, Department of Agriculture; Alternate Crops and Methods of Production by Doug Gorman of Earthworks, Genesis Rooting – How Marketing Helped Us by Jane Short, Molly Stark Nursery, West Brattleboro, Potential for Diseases in 1985 by Ann Hazelrigg, University of Vermont Assistant Extension Plant Pathologist, Proven Methods for Increasing Profits by Richard Buckley, New England Associates, Beverly Massachusetts, Florida Foliage Industry by Dr. Leonard Perry, University of Vermont Extension Ornamental Horticulturist; Robert Chipman submitted his resignation as Executive Secretary.

•    1985, March 14-17 – Lawn and Garden Show, University Mall, South Burlington, chaired by Andrea Morgante; gross income was $5,400 with $2,080.85 net; exhibitor prizes were: 1st prize – Mt. Philo Meadows, Chris von Trapp receiving $75, 2nd prize to Hamlen Garden Center, David Hamlen, and 3rd prize to 4 Seasons Garden Center, Oliver Gardner.

•    1985, August 14 – Summer meeting in conjunction with the Northeast Nurserymen’s Association, Fryeburg Fairgrounds, Fryeburg, Maine; lunch and dinner served; trade and exhibit show; tours of nearby Western Maine Nurseries; registration and meals cost $25 per person.

•    1985, October 23 – Fall meeting at the Grey Bonnet Inn, Killington; business meeting and buffet lunch; dues were raised to $40 for active members, $25 for associate members. presentations: Diseases by Ann Dorrance, Plant Pathologist, Department of Agriculture; Know Your Plantsmen’s Program by President Joan Hulbert, Smallwood Nursery, Williamstown; Overwintering Perennials by Dr. Leonard Perry, University of Vermont Extension Ornamental Horticulturist, Legislative Process and Agriculture Bills by Tim Buskey,Vermont Farm Bureau; Landscape Design by Walt Cudnohufsky, Director of the Conway School of Landscape Design.

•    1986, January 29 – Farm show meeting at the Moose Club, Barre; short business meeting followed by presentation: Horticulture Marketing in Europe by Steven Justis, Department of Agriculture.

•    1986, February 24 – Annual meeting at the Woodstock Inn, Woodstock; business meeting and buffet lunch; Richard Salter was granted Honorary Life Membership; no information on program.

•    1986, August 19 – Summer meeting and trade show at Basin Harbor Club, Vergennes; buffet lunch; auction receipts were over $480; tours of extensive flower beds and grounds led by Basin Harbor employees; 16 exhibitors participated in trade show.

•    1986, November 5 – Fall meeting at the Hartness House, Springfield; no information on program.

•    1987, January 28 – Farm show meeting, Moose Hall, Barre; VPA booth won “Best of Show” award for educational booths at the farm show. No information on program;

•    1987, March 12-15 – Lawn & Garden Show, University Mall, South Burlington; Andrea Morgante was chairperson; prizes were given for retail plant and flower exhibits, landscape exhibits, equipment exhibits and floral arrangements; net profit from the show was $3,377.99.

•    1987, March 28 – Workshop at Claussen’s Greenhouse in Colchester from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; door prizes and lunch provided; Demonstrations included: Hamilton Seeder, Conant transplanting belt, flat and pot filler; Griffin Greenhouse Cyro Exol-lite Glazing; Beck – Sunshine Soil Products, and Schillinger Horticultural Products. Program co-sponsored by the Extension Service and Department of Agriculture.

•    1987, August 19 – Summer meeting and trade show, Basin Harbor Club, Vergennes; buffet for 91 people; von Trapp Nursery provided coffee and donuts; there were 16 trade exhibitors; auction netted $518; tours of the gardens and grounds led by Basin Harbor employees.

•    1987, November 11 – Annual fall meeting, Holiday Inn, Burlington; business meeting and buffet lunch. Program: Underused Landscape Plants panel led by VPA members Bill Pollard, Dennis Bruckel, Elmer Brown and Landscape Architect Chris Dunn with Dunn Associates, Burlington; UVM Research Report and All American Gardens by Nancy Rowan, University of Vermont Research Assistant; Tax Changes and How They Affect Our Business and Farms by Verle Houghaboom, Extension Economist, University of Vermont; New Perennials by David Smith of White Flower Farm, Connecticut, and a walking tour of the University of Vermont campus trees and shrubs by Dr. Norman Pellett, University of Vermont Professor.

•    1988, February 29 – Annual winter meeting and trade show; business meeting and buffet lunch; presentations: Welcome from University of Vermont College of Agriculture and Life Sciences by Dr. Donald McLean, Dean of the College; Dynamic Change and Our Options for the Future by Larry Scovotto, Executive Vice-President of the American Nurserymen’s Association; Fundamentals of Selection of Landscape Plants and a second presentation entitled Underutilized Landscape Plants by Dr. Harrison Flint, Professor of Horticulture, Purdue University, Lafayette Indiana; Horticulture at the Woodstock Resort by Roy Thomas, Director of Horticulture at Rock Resorts and Executive Director of the American Horticulture Society; Why You Need Liability Insurance by Robert Butler, President of Butler Florists and Growers Insurance Agency of New England, Inc.

•    1988, May 5 – The Board of Directors planted a ‘Vermont Sun’ Forsythia next to the Agriculture Building in Montpelier in honor of Dr. Norman Pellett, University of Vermont horticulturist for his service to the state and theVPA. Lt. Governor Howard Dean was present for the planting ceremony.

•    1988, July 27 – Twilight meeting at E. C. Brown’s Nursery, Thetford Center; 6 to 8 p.m. tour of the nursery; refreshments provided by the Brown family.

•    1988, August 24 – Summer meeting and trade show at the Basin Harbor Club, Vergennes; buffet lunch; auction receipts were $333; 68 people attended; practical demonstrations and work shops covered the following topics: ropes and knots, establishing a wild flower meadow, division of perennials, rootball pinning and lacing.

•    1988, November 8 – Fall meeting at the Hartness House, Springfield; business meeting and buffet lunch. Presentations: Survey of Vermont Consumers by Jennifer O’Brien, University of Vermont student; and two presentations by William Brumbeck of the New England Wild Flower Society – his topics were not found.

•    1989, January 24 – Farm Show Meeting at the Moose Hall, Barre; business meeting; presentation: Lowbush Blueberries and Other Groundcovers by Dr. Lois Berg Stack, University of Maine.

•    1989, March 1 – Winter meeting at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center, Rutland; trade show and business meeting; election of officers; buffet lunch; presentations: Landscape Use of Perennials and New Varieties by Dr. David Beattie, Horticulturist, Pennsylvania State University; Horticulture, Present and Future by Dr. Norman Pellett, Horticulturist,University of Vermont; Pear Thrips by Jon Turmel, Entomologist, Department of Agriculture; Underused Landscape Plants by a panel of Dr. Norman Pellett, Richard Stevens, Jr., Skyline Garden Center, Springfield and David Talbot, Talbot’s Herb and Perennial Farm, Hartland.

•    1989, March 16-19 – Lawn & Garden Show; Chris and Jane von Trapp were co-chairpersons; no information found about location and details of show.

•    1989, August 23 – Summer meeting and trade show at von Trapp’s Nursery, Monkton; 40 exhibitors and 205 people attended; nursery tours, games, auction and barbeque were highlights; coffee and muffins supplied by Cobble Creek Nursery.

•    1989, September 13 – Twilight meeting at Skyline Garden Center, Springfield; 6-9 p.m.; tours of equipment, garden center and nursery fields followed by dinner, complements of  the Stevens family.

•    1989, November 8 – Fall meeting at the Ramada Inn, South Burlington; Governor Madeline Kunin spoke; no other details found.

•    1990, January (date not found) – Farm Show meeting, Moose Hall, Barre; business meeting; presentations: Propagation of New Perennials and Gardens of England by Dr. Leonard Perry, University of Vermont Extension Greenhouse and Nursery Specialist and How to Plant a Perennial Bed for a Full Season of Color by Gordon Hayward, garden designer and writer.

•    1990, February 26 – Winter meeting at the Woodstock Inn, Woodstock: business meeting and buffet lunch; presentations: Jim Nau, Trials Specialist, Ball Seed Company, Chicago (subject not available); Irrigation in the Landscape by Dr. Richard Villamil, Aquarius Irrigation Company; Review of Trip to England by Dr. Leonard Perry, University of Vermont Extension Greenhouse and Nursery Specialist; Garden Center Marketing, a panel discussion presented by Maxine Reizenstein, Trout Lily Gardens, Inc., Roger Preuss, Equinox Valley Nursery, Manchester and David Hamlen, Hamlen’s Garden Center, Swanton.

•    1990, March 8-11 – Lawn and Garden Show, University Mall, South Burlington; 23 exhibitors; John Padua, chairperson.

•    1990, July 11 – Board of Director’s barbeque at Wilgus State Park, Ascutney; no details found.

•    1990, August 26 – Summer meeting and trade show at Horsford Gardens & Nursery, Charlotte; 43 exhibitors; nursery tours led by employees of Horsford’s; 168-200 attendees reported.

•    1990, November 7 – Fall meeting at Suzanna’s Restaurant, Berlin; From its inception in 1986, 14 people have become Vermont Certified Horticulturists. President Sara Jane von Trapp proposed the following changes in VPA procedures:
1. Decrease Board of Directors meetings from 10 to 4 per year.
2. Eliminate fall meetings.
3. Establish one newsletter which would be published quarterly.
4. New and profitable format for newsletter to include annual report of finances and     ads             sold to finance it.
5. Hire staff assistant to perform secretarial, book keeping, event staffing and other                 duties (legislative issues, publish newsletters, yearbook ads and publishing, computerizing         organization records).
No record was found about the adoption of this proposal, but most of it has become a reality.
Presentations: Abiotic Problems by Ann Hazelrigg, University of Vermont Extension     Service;Greenhouse Viruses and Testing by Dr. Alan Gotlieb,University of Vermont         Extension Plant Pathologist; Diseases of Coniferous     Evergreens by Scott Pfister, Department of     Agriculture; Common Hardwood Defoliators by Jon     Turmel, Department of Agriculture.

•    1990, January – The Plantsmen’s Yearbook shows140 active members, 53 associate members, 3 honorary members and 3 inactive members. There were 27 advertisers in the Yearbook.

•    1991, March 4 – Annual meeting, Holiday Inn and Conference Center, Rutland; business meeting, trade show and buffet lunch; Ralph Knox resigned as Secretary/Treasurer effective April 1; Earl Welch was appointed interim Secretary/Treasurer; no record of program was found.

•    1991 – Video Library/ Dr. Leonard Perry, University of Vermont Extension Greenhouse and Nursery Specialist established a library of videos, texts and tapes available to the membership. These can be requested from Dr.Perry for a nominal fee. Board of Directors allocated $500 to purchase first video tapes. A rental fee of $10 was established.

•    1991 -The VAPH established four new awards to be presented annually to members: New England Nurseryman’s Association Young Nursery Person of the Year, Environmental Awareness Award, Horticultural Achievement Award and Design/Build Residential Landscape Award. No record was found that the Design/Build Award was ever presented.

•    1991 – The Springfield Vocational Agriculture teacher Hank Stopinski thanked Dick Stevens, Sr. of Skyline Nursery, Alan Woodbury and Bette and Jeff Matulonis of Woodbury’s Green Valley Nursery and Peter Mollica of Christmas Trees of Vermont  for teaching classes and laboratories and providing materials and hands on learning for his classes.

•    1991 – Chairperson of the Education Committee Dorothy Pellett, Rock Crest Gardens, Charlotte, received a certificate of appreciation from the Vermont Agriculture Teachers Association for recognizing the link between Vocational Horticulture classes and the future availability of employees for the industry, and encouraging the Education Committee to carry out projects which were beneficial to vocational horticulture classes.

•    1991, August 21 – Summer meeting On the Meadow at Hildene House, Manchester; Activities
included a buffet lunch, auction,  exhibits under large tent, tours of the Hildene House and Gardens and a tour of the Equinox Valley Nursery with Roger and Penny Preuss. 125 members and guests and 33 exhibitors attended.

•    1992, February 26, Winter meeting at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center, Rutland – Annual business meeting and vote on bylaw changes; Guest speaker Dwight Hughes, Jr. from Cedar Rapids, Iowa spoke about company image, customer policies, personnel management and time management to encourage the family spirit and team effort required in a successful marketplace. Earl Welch received an award for outstanding achievement during his16 years of service to the VPA.

•    1992, August 19 – Summer meeting at Grand Isle Nursery; Dennis and Esther Bruckel and staff provided information on label making, daphne propagation, trickle irrigation and weed spraying.

•    1993, September 16 – An agreement was signed between the VPA and the Vermont Department of Education calling for cooperation in providing competency-based instruction in the fields of horticulture. The document was designed to provide high-quality, industry certified education opportunities for students in this field. (See The Dirt, Fall 1992 issue for details). No details were found on whether or how this agreement resulted in cooperation.

•    1993, February 24 – Annual meeting at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center, Rutland was attended by 177 people. Robert Hendrickson of the Garden Center Marketing Group presented Sales, Marketing and Management of Garden Centers. Gary Koller, Senior Horticulturist, Arnold Arboretum gave an illustrated presentation on Plants That Make the Landscape

•    1993, August 19 – Summer meeting at the University of Vermont Horticulture Research Center; tour of research projects and plant collections; Tim Volk of Kelliher/Samets/Volk Marketing Consultants in Burlington discussed How to Keep Your Customers; Dean Lawrence Forcier, University of Vermont College of Agriculture and Life Sciences discussed the future of the University of Vermont Horticulture Research Center.

•    1993, November 19 – All day seminar on Successful Establishment of Urban Trees, Vermont Technical College, Randolph Center; a seminar with horticulturists Dr. Nina Bassuk and Joann Gruttadaurio of Cornell University, co-sponsored with the Vermont Department of Forests and Parks Urban and Community Forestry Program, Department of Agriculture, Food and Markets and the University of Vermont Extension Service.

•    1994, March 5 and 6 – The first annual Vermont Flower & Garden Show at the Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center, South Burlington; the theme was Kids and Gardening with a central display The Village Green, gardening activities, 24 seminars, educational exhibits and floral display. This show replaced previous shows held in various places and times. More than 4,300 people attended.

•    1994, February 23 – Winter meeting and trade show at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center, Rutland; Business meeting discussed changing the name to a more gender-neutral title. Three concurrent educational sessions were held: 1 – Financing and Business Management, 2 – Greenhouse Production, and 3 – Nursery and Landscape.

•    1994, August 24 – Summer meeting and trade show, South Forty Orchard & Nursery, Shelburne; tour of the nursery, show and tell where members told of some plant or product they felt were underused; auction. Featured speaker was Dan Kiley, world-renowned landscape architect. The new name for the organization was voted in a close vote by the members — The Vermont Association of Professional Horticulturists. The new name is gender neutral and considered to foster professionalism throughout all areas of Vermont plant-related industry.

•    1994, November 7 – All day seminar: Community Tree Care, presented by Dr. Dennis Ryan and Professor Robert Childs, held at the Vermont Technical College, Randolph Center; co-sponsored by the VAPH in cooperation with Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, Department of Agriculture, Food & Markets and University of Vermont Extension System.

•    1995, February 22 – Winter meeting and trade show, Holiday Inn and Conference Center, Rutland; featured speaker, Julie Martens, Senior Garden Editor at Better Homes and Gardens spoke on her experiences; other presentations were: Year of Garden Center Promotions by Linda Van Wilgen, Van Wilgen’s Landscaping Garden Center, North Branford, Connecticut; Understanding Organic Fertilizers and How to Market Them by Paul Sachs, North Country Organics, Bradford; Protection Standards & Regulations by Scott Pfister and John Berino, Department of Agriculture; and Best Marketing Programs by a panel of members,

•    1995, March 9-11 – Second annual Vermont Garden Show, Sheraton Conference Center, South Burlington; over 7,000 people attended.

•    1995, August 23 – Summer meeting and trade show at Northern Nurseries, White River Junction; barbeque, auction and tours of nursery, show and tell session for unusual plants and products; Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture Kenneth Bechker discussed the Role of the Department of Agriculture in Assisting the Green Industry; a lively discussion followed on topics including property taxes, government budgets and the best allocation of resources for the Department of Agriculture; 40 companies exhibited at the trade show.

•    1995, November 7 – Seminar and Workshop on Trees in the Urban Landscape: Design Solutions to Difficult Situations, Vermont Technical College; Topics and speaker: Tree Root Growth, Soil Volume, Structure, Compaction and Planting Details by James Urban, Urban and Associates, Annapolis Maryland. Co-sponsored with the Departments of Agriculture and Forest, Parks and Recreation, the University of Vermont Extension System and the Vermont Chapter of American Society of Landscape Architects.

•    1996, February 21 – Winter meeting at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center, Rutland – business meeting, committee reports and presentation of awards; program: Horticultural Research – Proven Plants, Hardiness Trials, Mulches, Winter Coverings by Dr. Norman Pellett; Use of Historic Plants for Landscaping and Renovating Landscapes by Lucinda Brockway, Past Designs; Woody Plants for Landscape Color by Dr. Lois Berg Stack, University of Maine; Integrated Pest Management by Leanne Pundt, University of Connecticut; Predators and New Research for Biological Control of Thrips by Phil Stack, University of Maine Greenhouse Manager.

•    1996, March 14-17 – Flower and Garden Show, Sheraton Conference Center; theme was “A World of Gardens” featuring Italian, Dutch, English Cottage, Japanese and North American woodland gardens; co-chairpersons: Kristina MacKulin and Chris Conant.

•    1996, August 21 – Summer meeting and trade show at Claussen’s Florist and Greenhouses, Colchester; buffet lunch; tours of Claussen’s with discussion of soil mixes, automated pot filling, cutting production, greenhouse expenses, poinsettia production, moss baskets, seed sowing and transplanting and cold storage of bulbs; Jerry Attridge spoke on Marketing; auction led by Frank Thomann, Charter Oaks Nursery raised $1027; optional tours of Claussen’s Perennial Farm; Lang Farm Nursery in Essex and 4 Seasons Garden Center in Williston followed the meeting.

•   1997, February 19 – Winter meeting and trade show at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center, Rutland; program: Are Natives Appropriate? by Dr.Richard Bir, Extension Nursery Crops Specialist, North Carolina State University; Improving Survival of Micropropagated Ericaceous Plants with Beneficial Mycorrhizal Fungi by Dr. Mark Starrett, University of Vermont; Native Plants With Outstanding Foliage by Leslie van Berkum, van Berkum Nursery, Deerfield, New Hampshire; The Landscape Use of Native Plants in Vermont by Paul Wieczoreck, Lincoln Hill Nursery, Hinesburg; Potential Conflicts with Using Native Species by Arthur Gilman, Marshfield.

•   1997, February 28 to March 2 – Vermont Flower Show at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center, South Burlington; The theme “Coast to Coast” featured a central display with an eastern woodlands garden, a large bulb planting, rocky mountains, a desert, prairie and a section representing the Pacific Northwest, all brought together with a train set provided by the Vermont Garden Railroad Society. Over 50 exhibitors showcased wares, services and education.

* 1997, August 20 – Summer meeting and trade show at Equinox Valley Nursery, Manchester hosted by Roger and Penny Preuss; The event attracted over 150 people. The program featured: tour of the nursery, tour of the gardens and mansion at nearby Hildene and a panel on Overwintering of Plants moderated by Dr. Norman Pellett, University of Vermont Professor Emeritus. Panel members were Dr. Leonard Perry, University of Vermont Extension System, John Padua of Cobble Creek Nursery, Monkton; Bill Pedi of Northern Nurseries, White River Junction ; Roger Preuss of Equinox Valley Nursery, Manchester and Paul Sokal of Addison Gardens, Panton.

•    1997, December 4 – Fall Workshop at Vermont Technical College, Randolph Center; Theme was Exotic Pests: Myths and Realities; Presentations and speakers were: Exotic Pests – North American Overview by Nancy Lorimer; Butternut – Requiem or Recovery by Dr. Dale Bergdahl; Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and Vermont – Is Life as You Know It About to Change by Dennis Souto; Gypsy Moth – End of an Era in Forest Pest Management by Amy Onken; Asian Long-Horned Beetle – The New York Experience by Ken Law; Re-greening Green Point, New York by H. Sharon Ossenbruggen; Vermont – How Healthy Are Our Trees by Ron Kelley; and The Future! by Nancy Lorimer et al. Co-sponsored with the Departments of Agriculture and Forest, Parks and Recreation, the University of Vermont Extension System and the Vermont Chapter of American Society of Landscape Architects.

•   1998, February 18 – Winter meeting and trade show at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center, Rutland; business meeting, election of officers, buffet lunch; presentations: Art in the Landscape by H. Keith Wagner, ASLA and Doug Reed, ASLA, both Landscape Architects in Vermont; Pricing Plants, Materials and Services for Profit and Cost Considerations by Claude Schwesig, CPA; Dynamic Sales by Bruce Baker; attendance approximately 200.

•    1998, March 13-15 – Vermont Flower Show at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center, South Burlington; The theme was Short Cut Home which depicted childhood wanderings through fields, farms and backyards to take the short cut home. Forty garden seminars and 40 exhibitors provided a variety of interests. Over 100 volunteers helped with the show. Attendance was more than 6,000. (The Dirt, 1998 summer edition).

•    1998, August 19 – Summer meeting at The Meadow, Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe; over 200 people attended; business meeting, auction raised over $2,000; lunch served by Trapp’s chef under a big tent; Charlie Siegchrist of Barber Farms, Jericho, spoke on Marriage of Tourism and Horticulture; Sue Mandigo, Trapp Family Lodge Garden Manager and her crew led tours of the gardens around the Inn, cut flower and vegetable gardens and greenhouses. Attendees were invited and many visited nearby nurseries and gardens: B&B Nursery, Cady’s Falls Nursery, Evergreen Gardens and Gregg Hill Gardens.

•    1998, December 2 – Fall Workshop at Vermont Technical College, Randolph Center; presentations: Past and Future Projects Enhancing Burlington’s Urban Forest by Warren Spinner, Burlington City Arborist; A Rural Perspective of Urban Forestry by Jon Bouton, Windsor County Forester; Ice Storm Effects of Insects and Diseases of the Urban Forest by Dr. Dennis Ryan, University of Massachusetts; Hazardous Trees – Find Them Before They Find You! by Dennis Suoto, U.S. Forest Service, Durham, New Hampshire; Opportunities Emerging From the Storm by Steve Sinclair, Vermont State Urban Forester. Co-sponsored with the Departments of Agriculture and Forest, Parks and Recreation, University of Vermont Extension System and the Vermont Chapter of American Society of Landscape Architects.

•    1999, February 17 – Winter meeting and trade show at the Rutland Holiday Inn and Conference Center, Rutland; business meeting; trade show with 30+ exhibitors; A panel of members led by John Padua, Cobble Creek Nursery, Monkton, discussed Recommended Trees, Shrubs, Perennials and Annuals; A panel on Customer Service included members David Loysen of Evergreen Gardens,Waterbury Center, Tom Jennings of Green Mountain Florist, South Burlington and David Boucher of Gardener’s Supply Co., Burlington; Dr. Michael Brownbridge, University of Vermont Entomology Research Lab spoke on Biopesticides for Use in Northern New England; a panel discussed Standards for Landscape Architecture. A new ad hoc committee on pricing and business practices was appointed and includes Lani Seifert, Randi Wiley and Ellen Malona.

•    1999, March 5 to 7 – Vermont Flower Show at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center, South Burlington; no information was found.

•    1999, March 30 – Garden Dealers Meeting at Vermont Technical College, Randolph Center; Topics and speakers: Lawns by Dr. Sidney Bosworth, Extension Agronomist, University of Vermont; Ornamentals (speaker not listed); Vegetables/Small Fruits by Dr. Vern Grubinger, University of Vermont Extension Specialist; Customer Service by Ann Whitman, horticultural writer; Diseases by Scott Pfister, Vermont Department of Agriculture; Insects by Jon Turmel, Department of Agriculture; Diagnosing Problems by Kathy Decker, Department of Agriculture Diagnostic Lab.

•    1999 Workshops:
January 5 – Horticulture and the Internet by Dr. Leonard Perry, University of Vermont
January 16 – Propagation workshop hosted by Claussen’s Greenhouses, Colchester
March 7 – Equipment Maintenance workshop hosted by Skyline Nursery, Springfield

•    2000, January 26, Workshop on Principles and Methods of Pesticide Applications at Claussen’s Florist and Greenhouses, Colchester; co-sponsored with the University of Vermont Entomology Lab.

•    2000, February 16 – Winter meeting at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center, Rutland; trade show, business meeting and buffet lunch; presentations; Panel on New, Favorite or Recommended Plants led by John Padua, Cobble Creek Nursery, Monkton; Computer Use in the Plant Industry by Liz Krieg followed by a member panel discussing their uses; Mental and Physical Health for the Plant Industry, Stress Management by Liz Krieg, Rising Sun Landscape Co. Bethel; Pest/Disease presentation by Jon Turmel, Department of Agriculture; Soil Biology by Paul Sachs, North Country Organics; Invasive Plants by Scott Pfister, Vermont Department of Agriculture; Animal Control by John Padua,Cobble Creek Nursery, Monkton; Container Gardening by a panel including Martin Bemis, Liz Krieg, Sabrina Milbury and Kelly Sweeney

•    2000, March 3 to 5 – Vermont Flower Show at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center, South Burlington; Celebrating the Green was the theme of the central display. Over 9,000 visitors attended.

•    2000, August – Summer meeting and trade show at Horsford Gardens and Nursery, Charlotte; business meeting, barbeque lunch and auction; tours of perennial growing area by Eileen Schilling and Matt Wood, 20 acres of growing fields by Ralph Fitz-Gerald, and container grown plant procedures by Sarah Stradtner; gadget-sharing by various members.

•    2001, February 14 – Winter meeting and trade show at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center, Rutland; business meeting discussed two proposed amendment changes including increasing dues to $60/year and possible name change. Members voted to keep the same name. Presentations: Theory of Diagnosing Plant Problems and IPM and Tree and Shrub Diagnostics by Frances Reidy, West Islip, Long Island; Plant Problems by Jon Turmel, Department of Agriculture and Ann Hazelrigg, University of Vermont Plant Diagnostic Clinic; The Green Industry on the Internet by Paul Sokal, Addison Gardens, Panton, Matt Wood of Horsford Gardens and Nursery, Charlotte and David Boucher of Gardener’s Supply Co., Burlington; Vermont’s Developing Policy on Invasive Plants by Everett Marshall of the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife .

•    2001, March 2 to 4 – The Vermont Flower Show at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center, South Burlington; theme was The Secret Garden; The central display depicted the annual journey of our overwintered, tired gardens into a lavish array of spring bulbs and summer vegetable and herb gardens. Approximately 16,000 paying visitors attended.

•    2001, August 15 – Summer meeting and trade show at von Trapp Greenhouse in Waitsfield hosted by Tobi and Sally von Trapp; at the business meeting David Boucher led a discussion on a marketing/promotional plan; Members voted not to have sliding membership dues. no details were found on educational program.

•    2002, February 20 – Winter meeting and trade show at Holiday Inn and Conference Center, Rutland; business meeting; presentations: Vermont’s Largest Trees by Jeff Freeman, Castleton State College; Upcoming Trends: Plants, Markets and Lifestyles by Leslie van Berkum, van Berkum’s Nursery, New Hampshire; The Use of Stone in the Garden by Gordon Hayward, landscape and garden designer; Shrubs and Vines, What’s New.. What’s Not by Dr. Mark Starrett, University of Vermont; concurrent discussions on Garden Center Management, Landscape Design and Contracting, Greenhouse Production and Nursery Production of Woodies and Perennials. Lewis and Nancy Hill and Dr. Norman and Dorothy Pellett were named honorary members.

•    2002, March 1 to 3 – Vermont Flower Show at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center, South Burlington; theme was Legacy Gardens; the focus of planting for the future honored the new Vermont Community Botanical Garden who conducted a fund-raising flower sale and used the central display to host a cocktail party for 113 people on Saturday evening; attendance decreased to just over 7,000 people but due to increased admission price the show netted $10,000.

•    2002, August 21 – Summer meeting and trade show at Cobble Creek Nursery, Monkton; chicken barbeque; auction led by Frank Thomann of Charter Oak Nursery and Landscape Sales; concurrent tours of the nursery: Field Production with Sally Dunkleman, Container Production with Shannon Lee, Propagation, New and Recommended Plants with John Padua; Balling and Burlapping Demonstration by Greg Williams of Kate Brook Nursery, Wolcott; VAPH Marketing and the VAPH Calendar by David Boucher of Gardener’s Supply, Burlington; Lewis Creek Geomorphology by Staci Pomeroy of Vermont Department of Conservation. Cobble Creek Nursery borders Lewis Creek.

•    2003, February 12 – Winter meeting and trade show at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center, Rutland; Business meeting; presentations: Marketing and Merchandising by Lynn Cohen of the Easton Horticultural Resources; The Sustaining Landscape by John Hart, Lauren Chase-Rowell and Heidi Tyson of the Thompson School of Applied Science, University of New Hampshire; Report on Research by Dr. Mark Starrett, University of Vermont; Report on Invasive/Exotic Plant Rules by Scott Pfister of the Department of Agriculture.

•    2003, February 28 to March 2 – Vermont Flower Show at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center, South Burlington; Theme was Over the River and Through the Woods. The show had low attendance and a loss of $19,000 which placed the VAPH in debt. The Sheraton was owed $21,000. Through negotiation with The Sheraton, members contributed plant material and labor to provide landscaping materials for the Conference Center grounds which made up part of the deficit and the hotel forgave a portion of the debt.

•    2003, August 13 – Summer meeting at 4 Season’s Garden Center, Williston; The business meeting focused on financial problems of the VAPH. The Board of Directors decided that every event should be a money maker; A proposal was offered that the dues be raised and based on gross income of each business. This was to be voted on at a warned meeting. Employees of 4 Season;s Garden Center led tours of various areas of the new site. A buffet lunch was served and an auction was conducted by Frank Thomann of Charter Oak Nursery and Landscape Sales.

•    2003, June 25 – Twilight meeting at Addison Gardens was hosted by Paul Sokal and Louise Giovanella. More than 30 people attended.

•    2003, August 28 – Twilight meeting at Little Siberia Perennials, Granville was hosted by Vivian Branschofsky. More than 25 people attended.

•    2003, October 4 – VAPH cleared the 2003 Flower Show debt; a dozen people braved rain showers and cold winds to install over 1,000 bulbs and some shrubs at the Sheraton on October 3; these people installed more than 700 perennials; numerous garden center and nursery businesses donated the plant material or money to help with the project. This followed a similar activity carried out in the spring to clear the debt.

* 2003 October 25 – Business meeting at the University of Vermont Horticultural Research Center to
vote on proposed dues increase; the small number of members present voted to pass the proposed     increase. Jane Lavanway, Executive Director, resigned her position. The Board of Directors,     subsequently, advertised for an Administrative Secretary.

* 2003, December 12 – Urban and Community Forestry Meeting at the Vermont Technical College at Randolph Center; presentations: Tree Roots and Soil Compaction by Dr. Tom Smiley, Bartlett Tree Co.; Consequences of Drought Stress on Tree Health by Dr. Philip Wargo, Retired, USDA Forest Service; New England Pest Management Update by Dr. Tom Smiley; Emerald Ash Borer; And You Thought ALB Was Scary by Dennis Suoto, USDA Forest Service; Trees for Tough Conditions by Dr. Mark Starrett, University of Vermont; co-sponsored with the Departments of Agriculture and Department of Urban and Community Forestry and the University of Vermont Extension System.

•    2004 Winter workshops: A Vermont Certified Horticulturist Review was held in Montpelier on January 19; John Padua, Cobble Creek Nursery, Monkton, presented information of trees and shrubs and Scott Pfister, Agency of Agriculture talked about pesticides. Nine people attended. On January 28, a landscape design workshop was held at the University of Vermont Horticulture Farm. Charlie Seigchrist of Barber Farm Landscape Design, Inc., Jericho presented a program for 21 attendees.

•    2004, February 11 – Winter meeting at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center, Rutland; theme was “The Business of Business.” presentations: Creating Lasting Environments & Relationships Through Innovation and Professionalism by George Pellettieri of Pellettieri Associates, Warner New Hampshire; under the headline of Managing Risk in the Horticulture Industry/The Business Safety Net, a panel of Cort Jones, Chittenden Insurance Group addressed Worker’s Compensation Insurance and Small Business Insurance; Bob Parsons, University of Vermont addressed Estate Planning and Property Transfer; Scott Meyer, Project Work Safe addressed OSHA Green Industry Requirements; and Jay Gallons and Sam Colburn, USDA Risk Management Agency addressed Crop Insurance; Steve Nedde, IMIS, spoke on the topic Managing Information Systems; a panel on Improving Your Business included Scott Gordon of Pine Hollow Nursery, Bonnie MacCullough of theVermont Agency of Agriculture; Scott Pfister of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Phil Bushey of P J Bushey Landscaping and Greenhouse, and Mike Johnston of Yankee Kingdom; there were 33 exhibitors and 100 members and guests in attendance.

•    2004, February 27 to 29 – Vermont Flower Show at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center, South Burlington; theme was Water, Willows and Wizards; new this year were hands-on-workshops, a wizard parade and guided tour for the blind and visually impaired. For the first time an event coordinator, Delaney Meeting and Event Management, handled arrangements with exhibitors and many other details.

•    2004, Twilight meetings:
July 14, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. – George Africa’s Vermont Flower Farm, Peacham
August 3, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. – All-American Selections with Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension
Nursery and Greenhouse Specialist, Waterfront Park, Burlington

* 2004, August 18 – Summer meeting and trade show at Pine Hollow Nursery in North Clarendon; catered lunch; business meeting. The auction led by Frank Thomann of Charter Oak Landscape & Nursery Sales raised $706. Owner Scott Gordon and Robin Gordon Taft of Pine Hollow Nursery hosted tours of the nursery; Sally Dunkleman, Cobble Creek Nursery, Monkton, demonstrated Planting, Pruning and Ball and Burlapping Skills; Bonnie MacCulloch, Agency of Agriculture, spoke on Insect Pests and Diseases Potentially Threatening Vermont Plantings.

•    2005, February 9 – Winter meeting and trade show at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center, Rutland; bylaws were revised at the business meeting; keynote speaker was Paul Tukey, editor of People, Places & Plants Magazine; 180 people attended including students and instructors from Vermont Technical College. Membership is 169 as of spring 2005     including 18 new members.

•    2005, March 4 to 6 – Vermont Flower Show at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center, South Burlington; the theme was Art of the Garden; Keynote speaker was Gordon Hayward of Putney; other attractions included: gardening presentations by horticulturists, a giant mosaicculture of a painting, sculptures, and musicians, a mime and story tellers in the children’s room, and a tour for the blind and visually impaired; Delaney Meeting and Event Management firm handled many details; more than 7000 people attended. Many businesses donated materials for the auction held at the end of the show.

•    2005 Twilight meetings:
June – Poker Hill Gardens, Underhill to view Phil Cook’s collection of Japanese iris
July 21 – Cider Hill Gardens, Windsor
August 12 – Burlington Waterfront Park, Leonard Perry’s All American Selections garden

2005, August 10 – Summer meeting and trade show, New Haven Gardens & Nursery, New Haven; barbeque lunch and the first silent auction (raised $648); Presentations: Bruce Baker – sales, customer service and merchandising in two different presentations; Dr. Julia McDaniel, chiropractor, demonstrated how to avoid injuries; Bonnie MacCulloch, Department of Agriculture and Ann Hazelrigg, University of Vermont Extension System discussed insect and disease problems and controls; Hydrograss Corporation and Greenhaven staff demonstrated hydroseeding. Tim Parsons and Peter Norris of Greenhaven led tours of the garden center; 122 exhibitors and people attended.

2006, February 8 – Winter meeting and trade show at the Capitol Plaza Hotel and Conference Center, Montpelier. Awards were announced and new officers were elected to the VAPH board at the annual business meeting. Dr. Harold Pellett, Executive Director and founder of the Landscape Plant Development Center in Minnesota gave two presentations: “New Woody Plants—Are They Adapted” and “Landscape Plants of the Future.”. Dr. Leonard Perry and Dr. Mark Starrett of the University of Vermont gave presentations on their research projects which the VAPH helped fund. A plant identification contest of 20 assorted trees, shrubs and perennials was won by Charles Siegchrist of Barber Farms Landscaping. Afternoon sessions included presentations by Tim Schmalz, Vermont State Pathologist, who spoke on “Important New Pests and Pathogens, their control, and general IPM applications in the horticulture industry.” Dave Hamlen, Hamlen’s Garden Center, and Mike Busher, T. J. Boyle & Associates, gave slide show presentations on landscape design and installation. The were 135 attendees; 26 vendors and six Vermont Certified Horticulture exam takers.

* 2006, February 24–26 – The Annual Vermont Flower Show, “Around the World” was held for the first time at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction. There were 7200 attendees. The daily cost of admission was $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and $2 for children (ages 3-12). A three-day pass was available to adults for $25. The central display was “The Alpine Garden” which was complemented by numerous smaller displays throughout the hall including an English garden and an Asian garden. One hundred exhibitors and non-profit displays featured gardening products, services and information. Adrian Bloom of England was the keynote speaker on “Creating a Year Round Garden, for Large and Small Gardens.” A number of gardening lectures were offered during the show which attracted many people. The train exhibit was particularly attractive to children as was the Children’s Activity Room. The Floral Competition and Art Display featured some outstanding arrangements and framed artwork.

• 2006, March 15 – Workshop on “Pruning Old and Neglected Apple Trees” was held at the University of Vermont Horticultural Research Center in South Burlington. Terry Bradshaw of the University of Vermont apple research team led about 40 participants through a slide presentation and hands-on demonstration.

• 2006, August 9 – The annual summer meeting was held at Rocky Dale Gardens in Bristol with owner Ed Burke and his staff as hosts. There were 156 attendees; 18 vendors and two Vermont Certified Horticulturist exam takers.  Speakers and their topics were David Lane, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture – “Ornamental Horticulture in Vermont”, and Martin Bemis, Jamaica Gardens, – “I’ll Show You Mine.” Ann Hazelrigg of the University of Vermont Plant Diagnostic Lab discussed and exhibited problem diseases encountered during the season. Debby Bergh, a professional facilitator, led members through exercises aimed at determining the future priorities for the association. After a barbeque lunch, Dr. Leonard Perry, University of Vermont, moderated a panel discussion entitled “How to Bridge the Communication Gap.” Panelists were Terry Boyle of T. J. Boyle and Associates and Adam Portz of SE Group, Charlie Plonski of NE Nursery Sales, Dick Hopwood of Siteworks and Peter Norris of Greenhaven Gardens. Tim Schmalz, Vermont State Pathologist spoke about the pest and pathogen issues of the growing season. Karen Bates, Department of Environmental Conservation and Catherine Seidenberg of Arcana spoke about water quality protection issues and how these issues can be addressed in landscaping. Andy Burtt and Dr. Mark Starrett  displayed their University of Vermont weed control research. The Rocky Dale staff gave ongoing tours of the gardens throughout the day.

* 2007, February 19 – Winter meeting and trade show was held at the Capitol Plaza in Montpelier. There were 128 attendees; 26 vendors and seven Vermont Certified Horticulturist exam takers. Brad Roeller , Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook N.Y. gave two presentations: “Evaluating Organic Solutions to Landscape Problems” and “Environmental and Biological Indicators Which Determine Deer Browsing Selection and Intensity.” Emma Melvin, University of Vermont Extension/Lake Champlain Sea Grant Program offered a program on “Rain Gardens.”  Drs. Mark Starrett and Leonard Perry, University of Vermont, gave research reports on projects partially funded by this association. Tim Schmalz, State Pathologist discussed pesticide accreditation and plant problems. There was a roundtable discussion on “New vs. Tried and True Plants.”

* 2007, March 9-11 – Vermont Flower Show was held at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction. Eight thousand people attended the show. The theme, “A Walk on the Wild Side,” was achieved by a meandering walkway through a spruce swamp and a wetland with a pond and stream. A homestead area was filled with the scent of lilacs in the air. Working with lighting technician Bill Kneen, Rebecca Lindenmeyr of Linden Landscaping & Design, the show’s designer, created an inspiring environment. Numerous gardening and associated topics were presented to many people. The train exhibit and children’s activity room delighted children and parents. The many exhibitors provided a variety of educational opportunities as well as offering their products and services. A steering committee of 17 people planned and organized the event, but dozens of others helped. Four and a half days of set up by many volunteers and local business people created the show. The Price Chopper Supermarkets  was the “Iris “ sponsor and contributed a media campaign and sold advanced tickets in several stores. During the show volunteer interpreters from associated organizations were strategically placed to direct people and answer questions.

•2006 Summer Twilight Meetings:
July 18 – Martin Bemis, Jamaica Gardens led a tour of Hildene, the historic home of Robert Todd Lincoln in Manchester.

July 26 – Robin Coleburn and Paul Wieczoreck (Champlain Valley Landscaping) led a tour of Robin’s extensive gardens in Charlotte including a formal garden, conifer, annual, perennial,     shrub and tree gardens as well as a unique collection of bird houses.

September 13 – The Paquette family of Williston led a tour of the Paquette Full of Posies nursery, greenhouses and garden center.

•2007, August 8 – The summer meeting was held at the Walker Farm in East Dummerston and hosted by proprietors Jack and Karen Manix and their staff. There were 116 attendees, 17 vendors and no Vermont Certified Horticulturist exam takers. Gordon Hayward was featured speaker in a landscape design workshop later followed by a tour of his gardens. Vermont Agency of Agriculture specialists, Jon Turmel, State Entomologist, Tim Schmaltz, State Pathologist and Matthew Wood, Pesticide Coordinator gave presentations. Jack and Karen Manix gave tours of the nursery and greenhouses. A buffet barbeque lunch was served in the barn with seating in the tent where presentations were made. A silent auction of items brought by members raised funds for the organization.

•2007 Summer Twilight Meetings:
July 26 – Berg Residence Garden, Walpole, New Hampshire. Fifteen people were treated to an inspiring display of extensive gardens. Head gardener, Vicki Ferreniea gave details on plantings and maintenance of the gardens.

August 14 – Garden Tour at Sarah and Ted Montgomery’s home in Charlotte. This unique home is part of Ten Stones Community which was     established in the 1990s where homes are     located close together, but sharing a large undeveloped area. A large green ash tree grows through the garden room ceiling. The garage roof is planted with sedum for aesthetic and insulating properties.

September 11 – SculptureFest Tour, Woodstock. Ten members braved a gloomy forecast and enjoyed a property featuring large and small sculptures placed around the grounds. Herb Ferris of Windsor who works on large permanent pieces in wood and stone and Kevin Wiberg of Huntington who does smaller movable works in wood and porcelain discussed their creative processes.

2007 – Other events sponsored:

Vermont Certified Horticulturist Review held at the University of Vermont Horticulture Research Center, South Burlington. Andrew Burtt of Old Nash Farm Nursery & Landscape and Ann Hazelrigg of University of Vermont Plant Disease Laboratory conducted the review.

Winter Pruning Workshop by Paul Morgan of Morgan Mt. Organic Gardeners in Middletown Springs.

Author’s Endnote:

Hopefully, this history of the Vermont Association of Professional Horticulturists offers a picture of the professional organization that has grown with the culture of the times. Vermont citizens are the beneficiaries of the educational and experiential achievements of the Vermont Association of Professional Horticulturists and its members. The members are increasingly asked to answer questions from citizens, to speak before groups and to provide advice, all of which demonstrates the confidence that the public has gained in the Vermont horticulture profession. As a professional horticulture educator in Vermont for the last 38 years I have witnessed great improvement in the quality of horticultural products and services. This includes better quality greenhouse and nursery plants, better landscape design and planting practices, better landscape maintenance, improved growing mixtures for container-grown crops, more efficient use of labor and more efficient business management practices. I believe this reflects the benefits of the VAPH and bodes well for the future of professional horticulture in Vermont.

10/26/05; revised 2007

1    Information for this history was gleaned from the organization’s newsletters, The Potting Bench and The Dirt, from it’s annual Yearbook and from the Green Mountain Grower, Extension Service publication for professional horticulturists. Many but not all issues of these publications are available in print form in the University of Vermont Special Collections in the Bailey/Howe Library. Many issues of the Green Mountain Grower are available on microfilm in the Bailey/Howe Library Research Annex. The author’s reference library contains some of the issues missing from the Bailey/Howe Library. Information and advice was received from former and present members of the organization. Opinions and choices made by the author are based on his 29 years at the University of Vermont Plant and Soil Science Department while working with the organization, attending its meetings and being an Extension advisor and former teacher of many of its members.??