Therapeutic Horticulture | Training Hub | Growth Platform

Cultivating wellness
Root in Nature strengthens human health by connecting people with plants and nature through therapeutic horticulture, while serving as a training hub and professional growth platform for practitioners in the field.
We offer in-person therapeutic horticulture services in Ottawa and virtual therapy world-wide, along with a growing suite of e-Learning courses and a robust international community called GrowTH (Grow Therapeutic Horticulture).
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!
Earth in your hands, peace in your mind.
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.
Programs & Services
Horticultural Therapy - Live & Virtual


e-Learning Courses
We offer a suite of virtual courses, some live and some pre-recorded and self-paced. These include Intro to Therapeutic Horticulture, Nature at work, Advancing Skills in Therapeutic Horticulture, Peer Reflection for Professionals, Coping with our Changing Planet and Intro to Therapeutic Horticulture for Children & Youth.
GrowTH Community
GrowTH – Grow Therapeutic Horticulture is a supportive online international community of horticultural therapists, practitioners, and other professionals delivering plant and nature-rooted sessions. Currently we have members from every continent (excluding Antarctica!).


Employee 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. In 2024 we will be licensing this course for companies to use in their employee well-being packages.
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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.

Introducing The GrowTH Community
In a world where stress and mental health issues are on the rise, Root in Nature is on a mission to strengthen human health through the power of plants and

Making Natural Easter Egg Dyes
If you’re looking for a way to incorporate more sustainable and natural practices into this season without sacrificing your traditional activities, consider making your own dyes from fruits and vegetables!

Nature as a Workplace Ally
Enhancing health and productivity at work through connection to the natural world. As we transition out of what feels like a never-ending pandemic period, team members are expecting something very

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.