A Brief History and Overview

Historically, landscape and nursery professionals of the Gateway region had been meeting informally for many years. The organization as it is now known was actually founded in response to Congress' passage of the National Industrial Recovery Act of 1933, an emergency measure designed to encourage industrial recovery and help combat widespread unemployment stemmed from the great depression.

Concerned about the advent of the 40-hour workweek, tradesmen gathered in the Clayton Courthouse for their first official meeting in 1933. There were 20 original members.

The first officers included:

• President: Anton Vandereem of Wilbur Nursery
• Vice President: Ludwig Baumann of City of St. Louis Forestry Department
• Treasurer: H.E. Ward of Ward Horticultural Company

Throughout the years, the organization has become a community leader in both education and service for the enhancement of the metro-St. Louis landscape.
Our membership represents a variety of specialists including business professionals, landscape contractors, land care professionals, garden center retailers, professional gardeners, educators, municipal managers and allied professions. The members of the Landscape & Nursery Association are green industry professionals who are able to provide their customers, clients and employers with the finest products and services currently available. The organization now represents a membership of over 125 industry or related organizations.

Presidential History

The successes and continued strength of the Landscape and Nursery Association of Greater St. Louis is the result of the diligent efforts of past and current presidents. A PDF file containing LNAGSL PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY is available below.