Newsletters & Blog

Root in Nature will be releasing a series of blogs that explore the intersections of therapeutic horticulture and allied fields. Each piece will highlight how plant- and nature-based practices can support the unique goals of different professions. Social work is the starting point for this series, reflecting the essential role it plays in supporting individuals, families, and communities.

Starting a therapeutic horticulture (TH) program can feel like planting seeds in unfamiliar soil – filled with anticipation, hope, and, let’s be honest, a bit of uncertainty. Whether you’re developing a new initiative in a long-term care home, school, community space, or healthcare setting, the journey often follows a set of recognizable emotional and operational stages.

Dunham House is a residential treatment facility located on 85 acres in Quebec’s Eastern Townships. It provides a calm, natural setting designed to support adults recovering from mental health challenges and addiction. Through its one-month and six-month dual-diagnosis programs, Dunham House offers evidence-based therapy alongside innovative, nature-based activities, one of the most impactful being its therapeutic garden program, which helps residents build skills, confidence, and connection through hands-on gardening.

Garden signs play a key role in fostering the connection between people and plants, while also enhancing the overall experience of garden users and visitors. From wayfinding signs that offer direction to plant identification signs that spark learning and curiosity, garden signage can promote engagement, accessibility, safety and therapeutic outcomes. We explore various types of signs to consider adding to your therapeutic garden, along with examples and information about their purpose and benefits.

We are beyond thrilled to welcome Emilee Weaver to the Root in Nature community. For over 25 years, Emilee has been cultivating not only plants, but possibility. With a rare blend of professional horticulture expertise, social work and horticultural therapy education, and deep passion for accompanying people on their healing and learning journeys, Emilee has spent her career building horticultural therapy (HT) and therapeutic horticulture (TH) programs that span diverse clinical and community settings.

Change is a natural part of growth, and as we continue to evolve at Root in Nature, we want to take a moment to recognize the incredible contributions of our Courses & Community Lead, Katie McGillivray, HTR. As of May 30th, Katie will be stepping away from her role with the GrowTH Network. While we’ll miss her in this capacity, we’re thrilled that she’ll continue teaching the Advancing Skills in Therapeutic Horticulture course. Her continued presence as an educator ensures her knowledge and passion will keep supporting practitioners on their learning journey.

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.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of structured gardening programs in recreational therapy and explore activities you can add into your practice. We’ll dive into the social and therapeutic benefits of therapeutic horticulture, both indoors and outdoors, and discuss its integration with other therapeutic methods for overall health and well-being.

Dear friend of Root in Nature, December in Canada naturally inspires reflection, with the beautiful first snowfalls and the quiet serenity they bring. As someone who thinks more about the future than the past, I find the changing of the calendar year an invigorating time full of new possibilities and ideas. Those closest to me are subjected to my old-school vision boards on New Years Eve each year!

In this blog post, we’ll explore the remarkable benefits of nature at work and creating a biophilic office or workplace that not only enhances your work life but also contributes to a greener, more sustainable future. Plus, stay tuned for an exciting announcement at the end about our upcoming e-learning course, Nature at Work, launching in just one week!

In this blog post we dive into the importance of taking photographs in your therapeutic practices as well as the ethical best practices which you should consider.

The approach of fall and winter provides a unique set of challenges and opportunities for therapeutic horticulture practitioners. Whether you’re looking to master the art…

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.

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.

In a world where stress and mental health issues are on the rise, Root in Nature is on a mission to strengthen human health through…

If you’re looking for a way to incorporate more sustainable and natural practices into this season without sacrificing your traditional activities, consider making your own…