AALD became officially constituted on November 22, 1996 with its first annual meeting at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in Truro. With 40 founding members, the group dedicated itself to providing quality landscape design services to Atlantic Canadians. AALD united the individual designers to provide a common voice to government and the industry, a professional public image, and the opportunity to share design ideas and educational opportunities.

Who are the members: Practicing landscape designers, landscape architects, horticulture students, and people or companies with an active interest in landscape design & horticulture.

Benefits of membership

• Directory of members
• Networking
• Educational seminars and field trips
• Newsletters and notices
• Certification
• Group advertising (eg, brochures, website, trade shows)
• Meetings (business & educational)
• Lobby groups
• Promotion of the design industry

Cora Swinamer, owner/operator of Under the Arbor Landscape Design, Head of St. Margaret's Bay, NS, is the new Chair of AALD. She has served energetically on committees and the executive of AALD for several years, and her enthusiasm is welcomed as she takes over the leadership role at AALD.