Population-Specific Considerations in TH: Adults

Population-Specific Considerations in Therapeutic Horticulture: Adults is a 35-minute mini-course led by Emilee Weaver that explores how therapeutic horticulture practitioners can thoughtfully support adults ages 19–65 across a wide range of life circumstances, abilities, responsibilities, and health needs.

This course examines the physical, emotional, social, cognitive, activity, and environmental considerations that influence adult participation in TH programs. Learners will explore how to design adult-focused sessions that prioritize choice, dignity, accessibility, pacing, and meaningful engagement, while recognizing the complexity adults may bring into the garden — including work and caregiving demands, chronic pain, burnout, grief, trauma histories, health changes, and fluctuating energy levels.

Through practical examples, the course highlights strategies for adapting activities, normalizing rest and self-advocacy, supporting sensory and cognitive differences, reducing physical strain, building emotional safety, and creating environments that allow adults to participate with confidence and comfort. Emphasis is placed on respectful, collaborative facilitation that honours lived experience while still offering clear structure, guidance, and support.

By the end of this mini-course, practitioners will have a stronger understanding of how to design therapeutic horticulture experiences that meet adults where they are — supporting regulation, connection, skill-building, reflection, and wellbeing during a full and often demanding stage of life.