Newsletters & Blog

We hear from recreational therapists, horticultural therapists, and other allied health professionals all the time who are being asked to do more with less. Less time. Less money. Less support. And still—you show up. You adapt. You make it meaningful. We wrote this blog to validate how hard you’re working and to offer some real, practical ways to strengthen your therapeutic horticulture practice in these uncertain times.

Horticultural therapy and therapeutic horticulture enhance mental, physical, and emotional well-being, reducing stress and improving motor and cognitive skills. To sustain their growth and credibility, strong research is essential to support their role in health and wellness.

A 7-step guide to help you plan and design therapeutic garden. Drawing from the expertise of Bird’s Foot Design Studio and Trellis, as well as our Therapeutic Horticulture courses.

A 7-step guide to help you plan and design therapeutic garden. Drawing from the expertise of Bird’s Foot Design Studio and Trellis, as well as our Therapeutic Horticulture courses.

As we approach the end of the year, I’m settling into my annual ritual of reflecting on the past year, and sharing those reflections with you!

In this article, we will explore the benefits and challenges of virtual therapeutic horticulture, best practices for facilitators and examples of successful virtual TH activities. We will also introduce Root in Nature’s new program, Gardening for Wellness.

On this World Mental Health Day, we want to share how practitioners can integrate mindfulness with plants into therapeutic sessions. Whether your clients are struggling with stress, anxiety, or simply need grounding, using plants in mindfulness exercises offers a nurturing and natural way to reconnect with the present moment.

The aging population is rapidly growing, with many older adults seeking ways to enhance their quality of life. Did you know that therapeutic horticulture (TH) can significantly improve both physical and emotional well-being for older adults? This blog explores the myriad benefits of therapeutic horticulture for older adults, detailing how various professionals can integrate it into their practices to promote overall health and happiness.

In this article we discuss how we are empowering therapeutic horticulture professionals through our CTHP™ certification and the GrowTH Network. It features Amy Gina Gutzmann’s inspiring journey in the field and highlights the importance of ongoing education, community support, and advocacy. Discover how Root in Nature is helping practitioners make a real impact by connecting people with the healing power of plants.

The International People Plant Symposium 2024 (IPPS) was held in Reading, UK from July 10th to 12th, 2024, brought together a diverse group of professionals and enthusiasts to explore the profound impact of horticulture on human health. The event was hosted at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Reading, Berkshire, UK, and featured keynote addresses by esteemed researchers and professionals, including Dr. Rachel Bragg, OBE, and Dr. Sue Stuart Smith, author of “The Well Gardened Mind.” Their insights, along with contributions from over 40 presenters, highlighted the diverse ways horticulture can support health and well-being. Alexis Ashworth, Katie McGillivray and Kristin Topping (of Sweetlife Flora) were delighted to attend and are pleased to share these collective reflections with you.

As a dedicated therapeutic horticulture practitioner, you understand the importance of continuous learning and professional growth. Our Advancing Skills in Therapeutic Horticulture Course offers a pathway to a Certified Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner (CTHP™) Certification. This certification will enhance your therapeutic horticulture knowledge and accelerate your career by acknowledging your expertise and dedication to the field.

Every month we spotlight a member of the GrowTH Network in The Root Beat newsletter. This month we are featuring Therapeutic Horticulture practitioner, Rebecca Reimer.…

From the gentle act of seed saving, the mindful practice of companion planting and the resilience found in the face of change during transplanting, each step of plant care offers a moment for reflection, growth, and connection that ultimately promotes self-care. Led by experienced instructors Katie and Kristin, our new course, Mind, Body & Soil™ will guide you through the rich tapestry of gardening practices, inviting you to cultivate not only a flourishing garden but also a deeper connection to yourself, and the natural world In this article, we take a look at the different topics covered in our Mind, Body & Soil™ including the phases of seed starting, growth, and transplanting and explore how these activities contribute to your own self-care.

Sensory gardens are therapeutic landscapes designed to engage the senses—sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing—creating a unique environment that fosters a deep connection with the natural world. These gardens, filled with carefully selected sensory plants, are not just visually appealing; they allow for moments of healing, comfort, play and sensory exploration. 

By engaging with soil, plants, and the outdoors, children and youth can explore the enriching experiences that nature uniquely provides, fostering growth and learning in a way that screens simply cannot replicate. In this blog post we dive into how gardening can be a powerful tool for personal growth and well-being, especially for children and youth.