The horticulture industry offers numerous unskilled and semi-Skilled job opportunities for qualified handicapped individuals. A mail survey of 557 private Virginia ornamental horticultural businesses was conducted to document the employment of handicapped persons and to investigate employers' perceptions of mentally handicapped workers. A response rate of 60% was obtained. Forty-two percent of the respondents reported employing mentally, physically or emotionally handicapped persons. Primary businesses which have employed mentally handicapped workers were associated with grounds maintenance, nursery/garden centers, and golf courses. Overall the employers' perceptions were favorable of the general work habits and entry-level horticultural skill competencies of mentally handicapped persons. This indicated a potential for employment / Master of Science