There have been flower shows and educational venues produced by the Vermont Nursery & Landscape Association (formerly known as the Vermont Association of Professional Horticulturists and Vermont Plantsmen’s Association) since it’s inception in 1964.
They have not always been held in Chittenden County but have been in the Eastern part of the state as well as Barre, Vermont.
Most of the early shows were small. Several were held in local malls (Champlain Mill & University Square) in order to capture the local traffic.
The decision to move to The Sheraton was a major undertaking by the board because it meant that this was now considered an important part of the life of the organization. For the first time the organization had a place to showcase horticulture in Vermont and for many smaller members of the organization to participate and meet the public in a meaningful way that they might not otherwise be able to in their usual seasonal businesses.
The public responded to this breath of spring and to the creative themes and flocked to the Flower shows.
Each year the displays were fresh and new and each year there were speakers that continually raised the level of knowledge of horticulture in Vermont and the North East in general.
In 2006 the Flower Show moved from the Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center to the Champlain Valley Exposition. It is a much bigger venue and has allowed us to expand and grow the Vermont Flower Show.
Fun Facts about the Vermont Flower Show – 2023
15,000 sq ft of indoor landscape
14,500 Bulbs
Over 1,000 perennials
600 bales of peat moss
Almost 500 trees & shrubs
400 square feet of sod
180 cubic yards of mulch
100 recycled Christmas trees
10 pieces of heavy equipment
6 big trucks
4 tractor trailer trucks
1 upcycled kiddie pool
18 months of planning and over 2,000 hours of volunteer time for DESIGN and CONSTRUCTION to create this experience
thousands of dollars of IN-KIND PLANTS/PRODUCTS donated by VNLA/Green Works members and supporters
4 days of setup
Less than one day for cleanup!
The VNLA has sponsored some type of flower show for over 30 + years.