Training & Resources for Organizations

Growing Wellness Together

Elevate your program with therapeutic horticulture

Root in Nature provides virtual training and resources to businesses, charities & not-for-profits to empower your activity and therapy teams with the essential skills for facilitating therapeutic horticulture sessions.

Following the training, we provide resources, session plans and live support, ensuring your team is ready to bring the benefits of nature into your services.

A few companies that trust us

Common Problems

Social isolation and loneliness: 1 in 4 older people experience social isolation resulting in serious health implications (World Health Organization, 2024).
Limited activity opportunities: Residents in care homes “do nothing” 65% of the time (Tak et al., 2015).
Staff engagement and training options: Less than 1/3 of employees feel engaged and energized by their work (Gartner, 2023).
Spending 90% of time indoors: Connecting with nature has mental and physical health benefits (Parks Canada, 2014).

Here's How We Help

Connect people with plants and nature indoors or outdoors

Enhance skills and engagement of staff through our virtual, self-paced course

Improve quality of life and reduce stress through the benefits of therapeutic horticulture

Provide ongoing resources, activities & support

The Root in Nature™ Team Training Program

Step 1: Online Training

Our Intro to Therapeutic Horticulture virtual, self-paced course teaches how to facilitate, adapt and evaluate therapeutic horticulture sessions while providing foundational horticulture and safety training.

Course Details

CE Credits with NCTRC for 8 hours
Completed in 4 -8 hours
Primarily video content
5 Modules & Quizzes
63 Topics
Course Manual
Therapeutic Horticulture Ally Certificate
Digital Badge

Step 2: Resources & Support

Full access to the GrowTH Network, a professional resource and support platform for therapeutic horticulture practitioners and course graduates. This network contains an activity database with more than 150 activities, as well as 12 ready-made therapeutic horticulture session plans.

What's Included in the GrowTH Network

12 Session Plans
Sortable Activity Database
Free live monthly support calls
Free ongoing professional development events
A Resource Library, including:
- Intake & Evaluation Forms
- Visual cues
- Site Safety Assessments
- Therapeutic Garden Elements Assessment

Feedback from Course Students

"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."

"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. I found this training fantastic!"

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

"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."

"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."

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

Benefits of Bringing Therapeutic Horticulture to Your Organization

Improved Client Satisfaction

Training staff in therapeutic horticulture equips them to provide engaging, meaningful activities that enhance residents’ quality of life. This leads to higher levels of satisfaction among clients, contributing to a positive reputation for the facility.

Enhanced Staff Skill Set

Providing staff with specialized training in therapeutic horticulture not only broadens their skill set but also increases their job satisfaction by enabling them to contribute more significantly to the residents’ wellbeing.

Increased Engagement and Socialization Among Residents

Activities centered around gardening and nature stimulate interaction and cooperation among residents, fostering a sense of community and reducing feelings of isolation.

Market Differentiation

Offering unique therapeutic programs such as horticulture distinguishes the facility in a competitive market, attracting potential residents and their families who are seeking innovative care options.

Reduced Behavioral Symptoms in Dementia Patients

Implementing nature-based therapies has been shown to decrease agitation and improve mood in dementia patients, leading to a calmer environment and potentially reducing the need for medication.

Cost Efficiency in Activity Planning

Horticultural activities can be cost-effective, utilizing the facility’s outdoor spaces and natural resources, thereby offering a sustainable option for resident engagement without the need for expensive materials or outings.

Supports Staff Wellness

Engaging in gardening and nature activities alongside residents can have therapeutic effects on staff as well, reducing job-related stress and burnout, and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

Improved Outcomes

Engaging in gardening and nature activities alongside residents can have therapeutic effects on staff as well, reducing job-related stress and burnout, and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

Interested in learning more?

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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.