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About VNLA
The Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association (VNLA), originally established in 1932 as the Virginia Nurserymen’s Association (VNA), is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization and is membership-based, state trade association for garden centers, nursery growers, landscape designers, installation and maintenance contractors, greenhouses and green industry suppliers. The VNLA encourages dialogue and collaboration between the state’s green industry organizations to encourage a unified message and enhance the positive economic and environmental impact of Virginia’s nursery and landscape design professionals.
Mission
Enhance, promote and advocate for Virginia’s nursery and landscape industry.
Vision
Strive to unify, strengthen and promote the green industry, while advancing industry best practices and
principles that help keep Virginia green and growing.
VNLA's History
The Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association (VNLA) has nearly a century of history supporting Virginia’s green industry. It began in 1932 as the Virginia Nurserymen’s Association (VNA), a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade group for nursery growers, garden‑center operators and landscape contractors. Its founders wanted a unified voice for an emerging industry and the early association nurtured collaboration among growers, designers and suppliers. Over the next few decades the VNA hosted field days, plant auctions and an annual convention. As the industry diversified beyond nurseries, the organization rebranded in 1998 to the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association (VNLA), reflecting the inclusion of landscape contractors, designers and garden‑center retailers.
- Trade‑show beginnings – MANTS: In 1970 the Maryland and Virginia associations launched the Mid‑Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS); West Virginia joined as a partner in 1972. The first MANTS was held in Williamsburg, VA in 1971 with 64 exhibitors and quickly grew into a premier industry show. MANTS became VNLA’s primary funding source and today draws more than 900 exhibitors and attendees from across the U.S. and overseas to Baltimore, MD. A highlight of MANTS is the awarding of research grants and recognition of industry achievements.
- Certification and education: VNLA launched the Virginia Certified Horticulturist (VCH) credential in 1978. The certification is recognized statewide, allows professionals to stamp landscape‑design plans and qualifies them to provide scientific horticultural advice. By 2018 the program had celebrated 40 years of educating more than 3,000 horticulturists.
- Permanent Research Fund: In 1983 VNLA’s board created a Permanent Research Fund with contributions from board members. The fund, Virginia Nursery & Landscape Research Foundation, supports horticultural research by investing contributions and using the returns to finance projects.
- Name change and modern era: In 1998 the association formally changed its name to VNLA to acknowledge the broader membership base. The association continues to grow, celebrating milestones such as the VCH program’s 40th anniversary in 2018 and MANTS’ 50th anniversary in 2020.
VNLA Today
Overall, VNLA has grown from a small group of nurserymen into a comprehensive trade association representing Virginia’s green industry. We combine a rich history, spanning early plant auctions, the creation of MANTS and the establishment of permanent research funds with a forward‑looking strategy that blends advocacy, education, research and sustainability to keep Virginia “green and growing”
- Advocacy and Legislative: VNLA serves as “the voice” of Virginia’s green industry, advocating for legislation that supports horticulture and small businesses. Its legislative affairs committee educates elected officials, tracks state and federal bills and mobilizes members when issues arise. The association partners with AmericanHort’s Lighthouse Program, giving members tools to contact legislators and stay informed on national issues.
- Education and Certification: Beyond the VCH credential, VNLA provides continuing‑education programs, micro‑sessions at field days and professional development workshops. Certified horticulturists gain recognition as trained professionals, are qualified to stamp design plans and can offer sound, scientific advice to clients. The certification promotes pride, career advancement and networking opportunities within the green industry.
- Research and Scholarships: Through the Research Fund, VNLA finances original research projects and scholarships. The research grants—usually $5,000–$25,000—support studies on cultivation techniques, pest management, water conservation and new technologies. VNLA has funded more than $400,000 in research projects and strictly applies all donations to research without taking overhead. The association also administers scholarships such as the Albert James “Bert” Shoosmith Scholarship ($1,500 awards for undergraduate students), the C.W. Bryant Scholarship ($750) and others that honor industry leaders.
- Environmental Stewardship: Promotes environmental stewardship by advancing sustainable landscape and nursery practices across the Commonwealth. Through education, industry resources, and advocacy, VNLA helps disseminate best-management practices that support water conservation, soil health, pollinator habitats, responsible plant selection, and long-term environmental sustainability. The association also supports conservation initiatives and encourages members to implement practices that enhance Virginia’s natural resources while strengthening healthy, resilient communities.
- Events and Networking: In addition to MANTS, VNLA hosts annual Field Day events with hands‑on demonstrations, equipment showcases and tours. Field days provide continuing‑education credits and create networking opportunities for nursery growers, landscape contractors and allied suppliers. The association also sponsors regional workshops, a summer garden tour and awards that recognize environmental stewardship, distinguished professionals and young leaders.
- Community and Outreach: VNLA fosters collaboration across the green industry by linking members with partners such as Virginia Tech, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and regional nursery associations. The association maintains an active newsletter and digital presence, offers career resources and encourages members to engage in community service, workforce‑development initiatives and environmental education.
