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!

"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.”

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.

Programs & Services

Horticultural Therapy - Live & Virtual

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.

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.

Clients & collaborators

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.