Advanced Therapeutic Horticulture Training

Enhanced Advanced Courses Coming in 2026

We’re evolving our advanced training for therapeutic horticulture professionals.

Root in Nature’s Advancing Skills course was retired to make way for a refreshed, expanded advanced-level course offering, part of an exciting new certificate track launching in 2026.

These upcoming courses are designed to build on the foundation established in our Introduction to Therapeutic Horticulture course, supporting practitioners ready to deepen their facilitation skills, strengthen program design, and grow their leadership in the field.

Emilee Weaver, Director of Learning & Community Engagement

This enhancement is thanks to the ongoing work of our Director of Learning & Community Engagement, Emilee Weaver, who has been thoughtfully upgrading and expanding our advanced curriculum.

If you’d like to be the first to know when our new advanced courses open for enrollment, join the waitlist below.

We love hearing from you!

"The Advancing Skills in Therapeutic Horticulture course was an incredibly enriching and inspiring experience, one that exceeded all of my expectations. As someone passionate about integrating nature into therapeutic practices, I found this course to be both comprehensive and practical, with the added benefit of an outstanding instructor, Katie McGillvray." (cont'd)

"Katie’s approach to teaching was exceptional. She consistently built upon ideas and concepts throughout the course, allowing us to explore both the foundational and advanced aspects of therapeutic horticulture in depth. Her ability to engage and encourage participants was truly remarkable—she created an open, supportive learning environment where ideas were freely shared and enhanced. Katie's expertise was evident in every session, and she always found ways to challenge us to think more creatively and critically about how horticulture can be used as a therapeutic tool."

"The Advancing Skills in Therapeutic Horticulture was an exceptional course filled with valuable information that supported my learning and provided me with greater knowledge of therapeutic horticulture practice, skills, activity planning, session organization and an enhanced sense of confidence in providing therapeutic horticulture activities. This course is well organized and the materials are presented in an engaging way. Katie was also very supportive in answering questions and connecting me to resources throughout the duration of the course!"

"This course has enabled me to offer more than just gardening to my residents. It has taught me how to deliver best practices in therapeutic horticulture. The knowledge that I have gained alongside the credential of CTHF, will place me in a position to promote the beautifully vibrant field of therapeutic horticulture in dementia care that is practiced in an assisted living and memory care setting."

"I am excited to be completing my Certified Therapeutic Horticulture Facilitator training offered by Root in Nature! Katie is a great instructor and the course is really well organized. I am grateful not only for the guidance of their clear code of ethics, but also that in order to stay certified & to grow into this field successfully, we need to continue the connections and the learning opportunities available within the supportive GrowTH Network."

"This course has built my confidence and knowledge base with incorporating horticulture as a modality for health and healing to a diverse population."

Benefits for Course Students

Deepened Expertise

Students will gain an in-depth understanding of advanced therapeutic horticulture techniques, specialized applications, and nuanced approaches in therapeutic horticulture.

Increased Marketability

The CTHF™ certification enhances your marketability to potential clients and employers by showcasing your dedication to your profession and your ability to meet recognized standards of excellence

Professional Recognition

The CTHF™ designation is a mark of excellence and expertise in therapeutic horticulture. It signals to employers, colleagues, and clients that you possess a high level of knowledge and skills, setting you apart as a leader in the field.

Enhanced Credibility

Certification establishes you as a credible, professional and competent practitioner. This increased credibility can help build trust with clients and colleagues, empowering you to initiate and sustain professional relationships.

Professional Network

Certification and the GrowTH Network connect you to a wider network of professionals in the field, facilitating opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning.

Professional Development

Maintaining certification requires ongoing education and engagement with the latest best practices and research in therapeutic horticulture. This commitment to ongoing learning empowers you to remain at the forefront of the field.

We partner with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification® (NCTRC®) to offer digital badges for NCTRC-approved micro-credentials. These secure, web-enabled credentials showcase verified achievements and reflect NCTRC pre-approved continuing education content aligned with NCTRC Standards and the Job Analysis. Open to professionals across various fields, these badges highlight your commitment to excellence and professional growth.

See you in the GrowTH Network!

GrowTH – Grow Therapeutic Horticulture is a professional resource and support platform for therapeutic horticulture practitioners and allied health professionals with training in the field. Your course fee includes a one-year membership.

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.