Courses Overview
Root in Nature offers a range of learning options, from standalone courses to structured pathways that lead to therapeutic horticulture certificates.
Flexible Therapeutic Horticulture Education
- All courses are fully online and accessible to practitioners worldwide
- Learn at your own pace or through guided pathways leading to TH certificates
- Choose the depth and format that fits your current goals and role
- Practical, research-informed learning grounded in real-world TH practice
Two Core Learning Pathways
Option 1:
Certificate Pathway
A structured, comprehensive journey for those pursuing in-depth TH practice
If you’re ready to build a strong, comprehensive foundation in therapeutic horticulture practice, the Therapeutic Horticulture Certificate Pathway offers a complete, guided learning experience that moves from foundational principles through to advanced facilitation and program development.
Who is this pathway for?
This pathway is designed for those who want a deeper understanding of TH practice and program administration, supported by expert feedback, clear milestones, and intentional skill-building.
This pathway is ideal if you:
- have no prior experience working with plants or people
- are an allied health professional, educator, activity coordinator, or wellness practitioner who has a genuine interest in developing or integrating meaningful, nature-based practice into your work
- looking to build practical and advanced skills amongst a network of peers and expert instructors
- wanting the most comprehensive level of TH training possible that still fits within your schedule
What will I learn?
You’ll Learn:
- Therapeutic horticulture theory and practice
- How to design and/or oversee the creation of therapeutic gardens & environments
- How to align and document nature-based activities with participant goals and outcomes
- Development, facilitation, and adaptation strategies for diverse populations, using real world examples
- How to design, propose, and manage TH programs
- General and TH-specific horticulture and gardening skills
- How to choose and integrate traditional and adaptive gardening tools
How does the learning experience work?
This guided, structured pathway combines online learning with instructor check-ins and clearly defined milestones. You’ll progress through each module with expert support, reflection points, and opportunities for feedback, ensuring you stay on track as you deepen your therapeutic horticulture practice and build confidence in real-world application.
What will I receive?
This pathway leads to defined TH certificates, including:
- TH Advanced Facilitation Skills Certificate (2 courses)
- TH Program Development & Management Certificate (2 courses)
- Advanced TH Certificate (3 courses)
Option 2: Foundations & Facilitation Course
A self-paced introduction for those building skills and confidence in practice
If you’re ready to build upon existing professional experience, strengthen your understanding of therapeutic horticulture, and begin integrating nature-based activities into your work, this single course offers a streamlined, one-stop option with a stronger focus on facilitation skills than on program development and management.
Who is this pathway for?
This option is well suited to those who want to begin in a more flexible, self-paced way or integrate TH learning alongside existing professional commitments.
This pathway is ideal if you:
- are an allied health professional, educator, activity coordinator, or wellness practitioner who may already have an established site or population in which they’d like to integrate TH
- are looking to build practical TH skills without committing to a peer cohort-based program
- are wanting a shorter, flexible learning experience that fits around your existing knowledge, schedule, and responsibilities
What will I learn?
- Therapeutic horticulture theory and concepts
- Key properties of inclusive, therapeutic environments
- How to align horticultural tasks with therapeutic intent
- How to create and adapt goal-driven, person-centered therapeutic horticulture activities
- Real-world examples that demonstrate how TH can support emotional, physical, social, cognitive, and wellbeing goals
- General horticulture and gardening skills
- A variety of adaptive gardening tools commonly used in the field
How does the learning experience work?
This fully online, completely self-paced course gives you the flexibility to learn whenever it works for you. Through practical, real-world examples and guided modules, you’ll explore how therapeutic horticulture is applied and facilitated across diverse settings—building skills you can immediately bring into your own practice.
What will I receive?
Graduates receive a completion certificate and digital badge as a Therapeutic Horticulture Ally.
Pathway Comparison Chart
| Feature / Experience | Certificate Pathway | Foundations Course |
|---|---|---|
|
Primary Purpose
|
Comprehensive, structured pathway for those making TH a core part of their professional work |
Skill-building for those adding TH to an existing role or exploring the field |
|
Learning Style
|
Blended model:
|
100% self-paced and independent with no deadlines |
|
Live Virtual Classes
|
 (Courses 2 & 3 only) |
 |
|
Mini-Quizzes
|
|
|
|
Facilitator-reviewed Assignments |
(Courses 2 & 3 only) |
|
|
Peer Learning |
High—facilitated group learning and shared reflection
|
Minimal—optional self-directed application
|
|
Time Commitment |
Structured dates and milestones, 10-12 hours for Introduction, 30-32 hours for each Advanced course |
Flexible, learner-paced, 12 hours total |
|
Level of Support |
Guided learning, feedback and facilitation |
Self-guided with clear resources |
|
Outcome
|
|
Completion certificate & digital badge as a Therapeutic Horticulture Ally |
COURSE LIST
Core Therapeutic Horticulture Courses
Therapeutic Horticulture Foundations & Facilitation
Therapeutic Horticulture Foundations & Facilitation provides the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to facilitate therapeutic horticulture (TH) activities in a wide range of settings.… See more
Introduction to Therapeutic Horticulture
Introduction to Therapeutic Horticulture is for professionals and aspiring practitioners who want to bring the benefits of nature into health, education, or community work. Through… See more
Advanced Therapeutic Horticulture Facilitation Skills
Advanced TH Facilitation Skills provides the core knowledge and hands-on horticultural skills needed to confidently facilitate indoor and outdoor therapeutic plant- and nature-based programming. You’ll… See more
Advanced Therapeutic Horticulture Program Development & Management Skills
Advanced TH Program Development & Management Skills builds on the Introduction to Therapeutic Horticulture course to help you design, grow, and sustain therapeutic horticulture programs… See more
Thematic & Professional Practice Courses
Supporting Emotional Resilience and Action in a Changing Climate
This course is designed for people who support others through the emotional realities of climate change. It offers practical tools for responding to eco-anxiety, grief,… See more
Mini Courses
Essential Gardening Tools for Therapeutic Horticulture Programs
More than a technical overview, this course reframes gardening tools as valued members of the therapeutic team that reflect how we care for ourselves and… See more
Nature at Work
This course explores how elements of nature – from biophilic design to the simple presence of plants or natural light – can significantly enhance mental,… See more
Not sure where to start?
- I want a structured, step-by-step journey and defined certificates → Certificate Pathway
- I want flexible learning to apply in my current role that focused more on the facilitation of activities than program development/management roles → Foundations / Standalone Courses
- I want to explore specific topics or expand skills → Mini-courses & Thematic Learning
What is the format of these courses?
All courses are delivered fully online. The advanced courses are cohort-based, combining self-paced lessons with scheduled live, interactive sessions and opportunities for peer interaction and shared reflection. This structure supports professional learning while accommodating busy schedules.
Who are these courses designed for?
These courses are designed for health professionals, allied health practitioners, educators, community practitioners, and others who want to intentionally integrate therapeutic horticulture into their work. The Introduction course serves beginners, while the advanced courses support deeper application — facilitation-focused practice and program design, delivery, and sustainability.
Are these courses suitable for beginners?
Yes. The Introduction to Therapeutic Horticulture course is designed for learners who are new to therapeutic horticulture and want foundational knowledge. The advanced courses build on that foundation and are best suited for learners who have completed the Introduction and are ready to apply TH concepts in practice or program settings.
I'm not sure where to start- how do I choose the right course?
A quick way to choose is to start with what you need right now:
A structured, step-by-step journey with defined certificates: choose the Certificate Pathway
Flexible learning you can apply in your current role (with a focus on facilitating activities): choose Foundations & standalone courses
A focused deep dive to expand a specific topic area or skill set: choose mini-courses & thematic learning
If you’d like help deciding, you’re welcome to schedule a call with Emilee Weaver (Director of Learning & Community Engagement).
How does the Certificate Pathway work?
The Root in Nature Therapeutic Horticulture Certificate Pathway provides a structured learning sequence that begins with the Introduction to Therapeutic Horticulture course and then offers two advanced directions: Advanced TH Facilitation Skills and Advanced TH Program Development & Management Skills. The pathway is flexible — after the Introduction, you may choose to take one advanced course or both. Completing both advanced courses earns the full Therapeutic Horticulture Certificate.
Can I take individual courses without pursuing a certificate?
Yes. You can enroll in and complete courses as standalone learning experiences based on your interests or professional needs. If you choose to pursue an advanced certificate later, please note that the Introduction to Therapeutic Horticulture course is the prerequisite for the advanced certificate courses (Facilitation and Program Development & Management). After completing the Introduction course, you may take either advanced course on its own, in either order.
CONNECTION TO LEARNING & RESOURCES
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