Therapeutic Horticulture, Online Courses & Professional Network

Solid Roots for Growing Practitioners

At Root in Nature™, we strengthen human health by connecting people with plants and nature through therapeutic horticulture, and we do it while empowering the professionals who make this work possible.

We know that many allied health professionals are seeking to integrate nature-based practices into their therapeutic approach, but we also recognize the real-world barriers. That’s why we’re building a different kind of path.

Root in Nature™ offers accessible, affordable, and practical training. Through our growing suite of online courses and our international community—the GrowTH Network (Grow Therapeutic Horticulture)—we help practitioners feel confident, supported, and equipped to create engaging, client-centered therapeutic gardening programs.

The Benefits of Connecting with Plants & Nature

Therapeutic Horticulture is a practice that uses plants, horticultural activities, and the garden landscape to promote well-being for its participants. There is growing research on the physical, mental & emotional health benefits of engaging people in garden and nature activities. Here are some examples:

Cognitive and Intellectual

Improves self-esteem and reduces depression
Improves sleep and cognitive issues in dementia patients
Increases engagement and improves mood

Physical

Supports cardiovascular health
Modifies progression of coronary heart disease by addressing associated anxiety and stress
Boosts the absorption and retention of Vitamin D

Emotional

Protects and preserves mental health
Helps to maintain a sense of purpose, confidence and worth
Improves mood state and fosters emotional restoration

Social

Reduces isolation by increasing social connections and interacting in a group setting
Promotes a sense of inclusion and belonging
Builds connections

Creative

Prevents boredom and provides stimulation of sensory perceptions
Boosts creativity by engaging in artistic and stimulating exercises
Fosters imagination

Spiritual

Connect to past and personal history
Generates meaning through engagement in purposeful activities
Fosters gratitude

We love hearing from you!

“The Root in Nature team shared a truly dynamic approach to Nature at work and incorporating it into your life. The science behind the recommendations were on point, very relevant to today's climate. I highly recommend the team and their presentations! I'll be signing up for their programs in the future.”

"Sarah creates a warm, welcoming environment for all residents, regardless of their prior gardening experience. She engages residents through the entire process of selecting, growing and using plants in the most creative projects that reflect all seasons and special occasions throughout the year. To step into one of Sarah’s sessions is to witness the subtleties of recreation therapy under the guise of a casual coming together of friends who share an interest in plants."

“My favourite part of the program was collecting nature items and making mandalas out of them. It was peaceful and easy to engage in as it allowed for creativity without any kind of artistic or crafting abilities. The instructor was very well versed in nature and had good answers for questions and some pretty cool fun facts.”

“I want to thank you so much for getting Dad into gardening. He loved his gardens over the years, mostly vegetables, and just loves to get his hands dirty. I was always worried about Dad at the Perley because other than his exercise classes, he didn’t join anything, even though he was once quite gregarious. Definitely keep his garden pots going.... it will give him a spark he needs."

“Sarah is a truly compassionate, caring and genuine individual. She demonstrates respect towards the feelings of others and would also demonstrate this respect in sensitive situations surrounding privacy or confidentiality. I am certain her kind nature would greatly benefit those clients who are fortunate enough to work with her. I recommend her to any family member or friend, especially a person who is in need of special care.”

Earth in your hands, peace in your mind.

Horticultural therapy consists of connecting people with plants and nature leading individuals to experience a wide range of benefits such as reducing stress and anxiety, supporting cardiovascular health, increasing social connections, and developing positive coping strategies.

Efficient, effective and all natural.

Improve the mental health of your patients or residents with engaging, affordable and easy-to-implement programs and activities. With just a couple of hours of training, you will be able to bring the power of plants to the benefit of those in your care.

Garden of knowledge.

Much like the roots of a tree, we focus on cultivating a community that is deeply interconnected and supportive. It is nourished by an extensive list of evidence-based activities, courses and seminars to help you and your practice blossom and grow.

What We Offer

The GrowTH Network

The GrowTH Network – Grow Therapeutic Horticulture – is a professional support platform for therapeutic horticulture and horticultural therapy practitioners, including trained allied health professionals. It helps you confidently build and adapt your practice with ongoing support.

Online Courses

Root in Nature offers a suite of practical, accessible online courses. From foundational training to advanced certification, each course provides evidence-informed strategies, real-world examples, and flexible learning options.

Team Training Program

Root in Nature provides virtual training and resources to empower your activity and therapy teams with the essential skills for facilitating therapeutic horticulture sessions. Following the training, we provide resources, session plans and live support, ensuring your team is ready to bring the benefits of nature into your services.

Personal Well-being

Our Nature at Work course explores how elements of nature – from biophilic design to the simple presence of plants or natural light – can significantly enhance mental, physical and emotional health. The course also highlights the role of nature in boosting productivity, sparking creativity and fostering innovation.

May Giveaway!

Enroll in the Intro to Therapeutic Horticulture course now and receive 6 months FREE in the GrowTH Network, our community hub with expert support, events, resources and a sortable activity database.

Clients & Collaborators

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Latest From the Blog

Welcoming Emilee Weaver to Root in Nature: A True Trailblazer in Therapeutic Horticulture

Thank You, Katie: Celebrating Her Contributions to Root in Nature

Four Ways to Strengthen Your Therapeutic Horticulture Practice in a Shifting Care Landscape

The Power of Research in Therapeutic Horticulture: Why Evidence-Based Practice Matters

Best Ottawa Business (BOBS) Award Winner

Root in Nature was recognized for Best Performance in Social Entrepreneurship by the Ottawa Board of Trade and the Ottawa Business Journal.

Coralus Venture

Root in Nature is grateful to be selected as one of the Ventures working on the World’s To-Do List by Coralus Activators. We receive interest-free funding, connections and relationships to grow our impact.