Therapeutic Horticulture
Therapeutic horticulture (TH) is a professionally facilitated practice that uses gardening, and other plant and nature-based activities to support people in working toward their health and wellbeing goals.
Why it works
Current research validates the benefits of people-plant engagement, which include:
- Reduces stress & anxiety
- Supports cardiovascular health
- Protects and preserves mental health
- Boosts the absorption and retention of Vitamin D
- Increases social connections
- Helps to maintain a sense of purpose and worth
- Aids in the development of positive coping strategies
Populations that can benefit
- Older adults
- People with autism, developmental disabilities, ADD, or ADHD
- People living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia
- Individuals receiving end-of-life or palliative care
- People experiencing mental health challenges, including anxiety, stress, depression, or PTSD
- Veterans
- People affected by cancer or other chronic illnesses
- Individuals living with chronic pain
- People who are incarcerated or involved in the corrections system
- Individuals in recovery from addiction
- People navigating loss, grief, death, or divorce
- Members of the LGBTQ+ community
- People with traumatic brain injuries (TBI), stroke survivors, or individuals with other acquired brain injuries
Where it takes place
- Long-term care homes
- Senior Living
- Community gardens
- Schools
- Community centres
- Private homes
- Hospice
- Assisted living facilities
- Correctional facilities, halfway houses
- Online through virtual sessions
Flexible Therapeutic Horticulture Education
Root in Nature offers a range of learning options, from standalone courses to a structured pathway that leads to a therapeutic horticulture certificate.
Benefits of Therapeutic Horticulture
Enhancing the Environment
Plants and nature create a calming and relaxing environment that can promote wellness and enhance the overall atmosphere of a therapeutic session.
Reducing Stress
Exposure to plants and nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels, which is beneficial for individuals who are experiencing mental health conditions or chronic illnesses.
Improving Physical Health
Spending time in nature and around plants can promote physical activity and exercise. Therapeutic horticulture activities can be incorporated into therapeutic sessions to promote physical health.
Boosting Mood
Being in nature and around plants can boost mood and help individuals feel more positive and optimistic. This can be especially helpful for individuals who are experiencing depression or other mood disorders.
Promoting Social Connections
Group therapeutic horticulture sessions can provide opportunities for social interaction and connection, as well as promote bonding and create a sense of community.
Improved Client Outcomes
Therapeutic horticulture has been shown to improve a range of outcomes for clients, including mental health, physical health, and overall quality of life. Practitioners can learn how to effectively use horticulture to improve their clients’ outcomes.
We had eight Root in Nature sessions with a group of 10 seniors. It is wonderful activity for seniors to engage and learn how to plant and grow vegetables. Andrea is an amazing instructor and seniors had a lot of fun hands on. This group is looking forward to donating the vegetables to community food centre.
— Aging in Place Program Participant
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.
— Sue Andrew
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.Â
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 in 2022.
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 will be receiving support from radically generous Activators, including funding, connections and relationships to grow our impact.