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.

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).

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

Root in Nature Team Training

Step 1: Online Training

Our online course introduces therapeutic horticulture and supports its integration into the work of allied professionals. It introduces core concepts, domains of wellness, goal-driven activity design, and key safety considerations. It then expands into practical skills in guiding activities like seed starting, plant care, and propagation, while learning to use adaptive tools, raised beds, and sensory plant experiences to support diverse participant needs.

Course Details

Choose from two options: Core Training (4 hours— description here) or Comprehensive Training (15-18 hours—description here)
Engaging video lessons
CE Credits with NCTRC & APNCC
Comprehensive Course Manual
Therapeutic Horticulture Ally Certificate
Digital Badge

Step 2: Resources & Support

Your team members will then gain access to the GrowTH Network, a professional resource and support platform for therapeutic horticulture practitioners and course graduates.

What's Included in the GrowTH Network

Sortable Activity Database with 200+ Step-by-Step Activities and more added each month
A robust Resource Library with ready-to-use tools and templates
12 Session Plans
Optional live monthly calls to enhance skills
Ongoing professional development events

Choose Your Team Training Plan

CAD ^$295 per year

Each learning seat includes:
4-hour online course
GrowTH Network access
Live ongoing support
Admin account for billing & team management

CAD ^$530 per year

10% Discount
Each learning seat includes:
4-hour online course
GrowTH Network access
Live ongoing support
Admin account for billing & team management

CAD ^$750 per year

15% Discount
Each learning seat includes:
4-hour online course
GrowTH Network access
Live ongoing support
Admin account for billing & team management

CAD ^$940 per year

20% Discount
Each learning seat includes:
4-hour online course
GrowTH Network access
Live ongoing support
Admin account for billing & team management

Each package includes one admin account for billing and team management. If the account holder will also participate as a learner, they should be counted as one of the learning seats.

What Our Learners Are Saying

"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 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!"

"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."

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

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

"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."

FAQs

What is included with GrowTH Network access?

GrowTH Network access includes our therapeutic horticulture activity database with more than 200 step-by-step activities, a resource library with 80+ ready-to-use tools and templates, regular professional development events, and monthly expert-led Practitioner Support Calls to help your team plan and facilitate meaningful sessions. Click here to learn more about the GrowTH Network.

What is the admin account for?

Each package includes one admin account for billing and team management. If the account holder will also complete the course or participate in the GrowTH Network as a learner, they should be counted as one of the learning seats and add an additional learning seat to their account.

Who should be assigned a learning seat?

A learning seat should be assigned to each person who will complete the course, access the training materials, participate in the GrowTH Network as a learner, or use the resources to support their practice.

Can we add more learning seats later?

Yes. You can add learning seats at any time as your team grows or as more staff members are ready to take the training. Additional seats can be added one at a time or in small groups, and you can choose either Core Training or Comprehensive Training seats, no matter which package you started with.

Can we transfer a learning seat if a staff member leaves?

Yes. If a team member leaves your organization, their learning seat can be transferred to another staff member so your organization can continue using the training.

Is this training self-paced?

Yes. The course is designed to be completed online and self-paced, making it easier for staff to fit the training around their work schedules.

How long will our team have access?

Access is provided on an annual basis and renews each year. This includes continued access to the course materials, GrowTH Network membership, resources, and ongoing support.

Can we choose Core Training for some team members and Comprehensive Training for others?

Yes. Your team can include a mix of Core Training and Comprehensive Training seats. This allows you to choose the right level of training for each person’s role, experience, and responsibilities. Simply select a package to start with, and as you add learning seats, you can choose either option within your account.

Why Bring 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

Therapeutic horticulture can offer sensory engagement, familiar routines, opportunities for reminiscence, and calming nature-based experiences that may support mood, connection, and quality of life.

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

With training, resources, and ongoing support, teams can plan therapeutic horticulture sessions with clearer goals, stronger safety considerations, and more confidence adapting activities to participant needs.

Ready to Explore Team Training?

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.