Cultivating Wellness

Root in Nature connects people with the healing power of plants to improve their mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.

The benefits of Horticultural Therapy

Horticultural Therapy 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.

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
Stimulates creativity by engaging in creative exercises
Fosters imagination

Spiritual

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

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.

Intro to Therapeutic Horticulture Course

This virtual, self-paced course teaches how to facilitate, adapt and evaluate therapeutic horticulture activities. It also provides foundational horticulture and safety training and equips students with the skills to facilitate activities with individual clients and small groups.

Programs & Services

Horticultural Therapy

Nature at Work

Nature at Work is a one-hour live virtual seminar that helps you navigate the intersection of human health and nature. Current research validates the power of nature to restore and improve mental and physical health, as well as to spur creativity and innovation.

Garden Club

Garden Club is a six week program that teaches youth how to grow food while promoting mental, social, and emotional wellbeing. Activities include seed planting, transplanting, nature crafts, scavenger hunts, harvesting and more!

Mind, Body & Soil

Learn to kickstart your garden while cultivating inner balance and tranquility with our five weekly one-hour courses.

Join the Community

GrowTH – Grow Therapeutic Horticulture is a supportive online international community of horticultural therapists, practitioners, and other professionals delivering plant and nature-rooted sessions.

Clients & collaborators

We love hearing from you!

"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."

“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.”

“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.”

About us

Root in Nature connects people with the healing power of plants to improve their overall mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.

Our online GrowTH community provides members with access to a database of activities, events and resources, as well as a place to connect with horticultural therapists from around the world.

Latest from the blog

A Comprehensive Guide To Hazardous & Poisonous Plants In Therapeutic Settings

This guide will illuminate the lesser-known characteristics of some common plants, explore what you should do if a participant comes into contact with poisonous plants and safety tips you should implement in your therapeutic practice.

‘Intro To Therapeutic Horticulture’ – Everything You Need To Know About The E-Learning Course

Discover the transformative world of therapeutic horticulture with our comprehensive and self-paced online learning course, designed for recreation therapists and other allied health professionals seeking to harness the profound potential of plants and gardening in their therapeutic approach.