Therapeutic Horticulture Foundations & Facilitation Course

Course Summary

Therapeutic Horticulture Foundations & Facilitation introduces the foundational concepts of therapeutic horticulture alongside the skills needed to facilitate TH programs across diverse settings. The course explores what therapeutic horticulture is, who it serves, and how it is applied, while covering the core principles that guide effective practice. You’ll learn to assess participant needs, design or adapt supportive environments, and develop nature-based activities aligned with health and wellbeing goals. Along the way, you’ll build essential horticultural knowledge and learn how to adapt tools, tasks, and techniques to support people with a wide range of physical, cognitive, emotional, and sensory needs.

As the course progresses, the focus shifts to intentional, hands-on facilitation skills. You’ll learn how to structure sessions, select and sequence activities, and align horticultural tasks with therapeutic outcomes for both group and individual work. Safety and inclusion are integrated throughout, with guidance on recognizing and proactively preventing TH-specific risks. The course equips you with a clear understanding of the field and a flexible toolkit for designing, facilitating, and tracking therapeutic horticulture experiences with confidence.

Emilee Weaver, Director of Learning & Community Engagement

Watch a Course Preview

Get a glimpse inside the course with this course preview video. It brings together a series of clips from the lessons, giving you a feel for the learning style, topics covered, and the supportive approach that guides you through the foundations of therapeutic horticulture.

Course Description

Therapeutic Horticulture Foundations & Facilitation provides the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to facilitate therapeutic horticulture (TH) activities in a wide range of settings. The course covers the core concepts that guide TH practice—how to adapt or design therapeutic environments, identify participant needs, and create nature-based activities that support health and wellbeing goals.

You’ll build fundamental horticultural skills and learn how to adapt tools, techniques, and tasks to support people with diverse physical, cognitive, emotional, and sensory needs.

As the course progresses, you’ll be introduced to advanced facilitation strategies that help you deliver intentional, structured sessions. You’ll explore activity selection and sequencing, aligning horticultural tasks with therapeutic outcomes, and effective approaches for both group and individual facilitation.

Safety is woven throughout the curriculum, with guidance on recognizing and managing risks across environmental, physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and horticultural domains. You’ll learn how to create inclusive, secure spaces where participants can engage meaningfully and confidently.

Rooted in research and real-world application, TH Foundations & Facilitation equips you to design, facilitate, and track the outcomes of therapeutic horticulture sessions. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the field’s principles and a versatile toolkit for creating impactful, goal-aligned, nature-based experiences.

What's Included

Registration fee includes:

Eight video-based lessons (80 topics) with resources
Guest speaker videos
Program and participant case studies
Six quizzes
Lifetime access to the course
Certificate of completion
Digital badge
Eligibility for CE credits (NCTRC, APNCC, TRO, and CHTA points)
Bonus: Six month free membership to GrowTH Network, our international community of therapeutic horticulture practitioners, which includes:
- A Resource Library filled with ready-to-use tools and templates
- A TH Activity Database that is sortable in multiple ways
- Expert-led monthly practitioner support calls
- Professional development events
- This offer is available to non-members only. Current GrowTH Network Members receive a 20% course discount with their membership.

Course Fee & Manual

Course Fee: $425 USD
Course Manual (optional): $25 USD

The 179 page course manual is a comprehensive PDF that captures all the main points from the course in one place. It’s designed to:

Consolidate the key concepts so you can focus on learning instead of taking extensive notes
Serve as a lasting reference, like a textbook you can return to anytime
Support open-book quiz completion
Provide a quick refresher on foundational knowledge as you move into more advanced or practice-based training
Provide a glossary of 130+ TH Terms

While not required, many students find the manual to be a helpful resource they continue using well beyond the course.

Time Commitment

The course takes approximately 18 hours to complete. This includes 15 hours of video lessons and an additional 2–4 hours for quizzes and engaging with the resource materials.

While you’re free to set your own schedule (there’s no deadline or expiration), we recommend completing the course within 4–6 weeks to stay engaged and build momentum in your learning.

You will not be required to attend any live calls during this course – all content is pre-recorded and self-paced.

Continuing Education Credits

Pre-approved by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification – NCTRC for 18 hours (*application pending)
Approved by the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association – CHTA for 0.3 points per 40 contact hours of instruction
Accepted by Master Gardener programs – meets the criteria for continuing education in many U.S. and Canadian programs

How it Works

After you purchase, simply sign in to your account at the top right corner of the website and you’ll find the course and manual (if purchased) under Courses → My Courses.

You’ll have lifetime access, so you can move through the lessons at your own pace and revisit them anytime.

What You'll Gain:

An understanding of TH principles and examples of how they are applied intentionally across diverse settings
Foundational facilitation and horticulture skills to design and lead structured, goal-aligned TH activities that support health and wellbeing goals
Knowledge of how to adapt environments, tools, and tasks to support diverse participant needs.
Confidence in recognizing and managing safety considerations across several key TH-specific safety domains.
Recognition through a digital badge and eligibility for CE credits (NCTRC®, CHTA)
A six-month free membership in the GrowTH Network, connecting you with practitioner resources, support calls, and an international community

Meet Your Instructors

Emilee Weaver

With over 25 years in professional horticulture and 15 years dedicated to developing therapeutic horticulture and horticultural therapy programs, Emilee Weaver is a respected leader, educator, and practitioner in the field. She co-authored The Profession and Practice of Horticultural Therapy (2019), one of the first comprehensive textbooks in the discipline, and served as lead instructor and content developer for university-based therapeutic horticulture certificate programs in the U.S. Emilee’s work has spanned clinical, community, and educational settings, with a focus on the intersection of horticulture and mental health. Most recently, she has helped expand therapeutic horticulture internationally, partnering with Ukrainian and Armenian botanical gardens and clinicians supporting communities affected by war. Her lifelong love of plants began in the fern-filled forests of New Hampshire and was nurtured by her grandmother’s influence. When she’s not teaching or consulting, Emilee can be found tending her garden, chatting with her tortoises, keeping her cats out of mischief, and spending time with family and friends who continue to inspire her journey.

Katie McGillivray, HTR

Katie McGillivray is a Registered Horticultural Therapist (HTR) and member of the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association. Since 2014, she has supported therapeutic horticulture projects and programs for a wide range of populations, guided by an asset-based, client-centered, and strengths-focused approach. Katie holds a certificate in horticultural therapy from Ann Kent and completed academic studies in counselling, horticulture, agriculture, psychology, and research. Her work often connects therapeutic horticulture with community food security and food justice, areas where she continues to inspire meaningful, hands-on engagement with nature. Beyond her professional practice, Katie is an enthusiastic home cook and avid paddleboarder who finds joy in cultivating both gardens and community.

We love hearing from you!

"I think that this training has been the best training in Therapeutic Horticulture that I have done. The course provides you with the necessary foundation to provide your clients with good quality Therapeutic Horticulture sessions. Even if you already have knowledge of horticulture therapy and are a practitioner, the training provides you with relevant information that could enhance your practice. I love the mindful moments because they allow me to take pauses and nurture myself. I found this training fantastic!"

"This course has been exceptional and provides a wide array of information related to the practice of HT. It provides a unique opportunity to learn about and engage with the HT modalities. The information is laid out clearly and provides opportunity for reflection and application of what you are learning."

“This is one of the most engaging and informative online courses I have ever done. Even if I was not previously interested in the subject, I would have still very much enjoyed every aspect. The format and organization of the material flows incredibly well, and the material is clear, concise, and not lost in unnecessary filler. I highly recommend it.”

"I absolutely loved the Intro to Therapeutic Horticulture course! The format was engaging, the information was incredibly insightful, and the GrowTH network offers outstanding resources. Katie and Alexis were so welcoming and helpful, creating a supportive and enriching experience. What stood out most for me were the mindful moments incorporated into the course—they were truly transformative. Highly recommend this to anyone interested in the field!"

"If you want an easily digestible AND quality understanding of the practice of therapeutic horticulture and horticultural therapy, this is the course! It was well organized, concise, easy to move through, and rich with information. The information is insightful and will help strengthen your skill sets in this field."

"I thoroughly enjoyed participating in this course. I liked that I could work at my own pace and complete sections without feeling like I was going to forget what I learned. The quizzes at the end of each lesson were helpful. One of my favourite things about this course was being able to go through actual session plans as well as having the additional resources/readings available. I found all of the course material easy to understand and very beneficial. I will be recommending this course to colleagues!"

"Clear, concise, with the ability to complete at your own pace, three of my favourite things in an online course! A great intro to TH/HT guided by experienced and knowledgeable instructors. Thank you for this course, I look forward to more of your offerings!"

"I loved the diversity of people included in the videos of this course. It has been my own experience that very little breaks down barriers between people quite as well as horticulture activities."

"Beautiful course that inspired and encouraged me to dig deeper and expand my horticulture therapy practice."

"Well planned course with excellent facilitation, great examples and resources such as videos, articles, documents and library."

Course Structure

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 and improve balance and endurance. 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 TH sessions can provide opportunities for social interaction and connection, improved communication skills/development, as well as promote bonding and create a sense of community.

Improved Client Outcomes

TH has been shown to improve a range of outcomes for clients, including mental health, physical health, and overall quality of life, including when integrated by allied health professionals.

Benefits for Course Students

Specialized Knowledge

This course provides knowledge and practical skills for using plants, gardening, and nature as therapeutic tools. It supports practitioners in designing, adapting, and facilitating TH activities within their roles and practice settings.

Professional Development

Training in TH is a meaningful form of professional development that strengthens practitioners’ skills and knowledge, enhancing their effectiveness in practice. Where applicable, this course may also support continuing education (CE) requirements.

Expanded Therapeutic Options

Through this course, practitioners can expand the range of therapeutic tools they can offer their clients and can provide clients with unique and effective therapeutic experiences.

Digital Badge & Certificate

You will receive a digital badge as well as a certificate as a Therapeutic Horticulture Ally upon course completion, which can be used on social media, websites or resumes.

FAQs

Are more courses offered on this topic if I want to continue my learning?

Yes. After completing Therapeutic Horticulture Foundations & Facilitation, you can continue your learning in two main ways.

1. Certificate pathway (advanced training series)
This course provides a strong foundation and can be used as a stepping stone into our advanced therapeutic horticulture training. You may choose to continue into courses focused on advanced facilitation and on program development and management. Completing these advanced courses leads to certificates in TH Facilitation and TH Program Development & Management. Practitioners who complete both earn the full Therapeutic Horticulture Certificate, reflecting comprehensive training across foundational knowledge, facilitation skills, and program design.

2. Standalone professional development and mini-courses
You may also choose to continue through shorter, topic-focused learning opportunities. These include thematic courses such as Supporting Emotional Resilience and Action in a Changing Climate, along with additional mini-courses designed to deepen specific skills or explore focused practice areas without committing to a full certificate pathway.

For current offerings, waitlists, and upcoming launch dates, please visit our Courses Overview page, the Root Beat newsletter, and social channels.

Will I be qualified to practice therapeutic horticulture after taking this course?

Yes—with important context. Therapeutic Horticulture Foundations & Facilitation is designed to equip you to integrate therapeutic horticulture into your existing professional role. After completing the course, you can confidently design and facilitate therapeutic horticulture activities and sessions within appropriate settings, using plants and nature as intentional, goal-aligned therapeutic tools.

However, this course does not confer the professional title of Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner. Graduates may describe themselves as a Therapeutic Horticulture Ally who hold specialized training in TH, reflecting their training in foundational TH principles, facilitation strategies, safety considerations, and inclusive practice across diverse populations and environments.

If your goal is to deepen your practice further—particularly in advanced facilitation, program development, or management—we recommend continuing into the advanced pathway courses in TH Facilitation and TH Program Development & Management. These courses build on the Foundations & Facilitation curriculum and support more complex program leadership and design roles.

Does this course certify me to become a horticultural therapist?

No. This course does not certify you as a Horticultural Therapist (HT).

This course provides training in therapeutic horticulture foundations and facilitation. Even the full Therapeutic Horticulture Certificate pathway is designed to prepare learners to practice therapeutic horticulture—not horticultural therapy.

Horticultural therapy is a distinct clinical profession with its own training pathways and requirements; this course focuses on therapeutic horticulture as an evidence-informed practice approach.

Is there group pricing?

Yes—please visit our For Organizations or For Educators pages for corporate group rates, or contact us at courses@rootinnature.ca.

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