IN-PERSON and virtual sessions
Therapeutic Horticulture
Therapeutic horticulture (TH) is a professionally facilitated practice that uses gardening, and other plant and nature-based activities to support people in working toward their health and wellbeing goals.
Why it works
Current research validates the benefits of people-plant engagement, which include:
- Reduces stress & anxiety
- Supports cardiovascular health
- Protects and preserves mental health
- Boosts the absorption and retention of Vitamin D
- Increases social connections
- Helps to maintain a sense of purpose and worth
- Aids in the development of positive coping strategies
Populations that can benefit
- Older adults
- People with autism, developmental disabilities, ADD, or ADHD
- People living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia
- Individuals receiving end-of-life or palliative care
- People experiencing mental health challenges, including anxiety, stress, depression, or PTSD
- Veterans
- People affected by cancer or other chronic illnesses
- Individuals living with chronic pain
- People who are incarcerated or involved in the corrections system
- Individuals in recovery from addiction
- People navigating loss, grief, death, or divorce
- Members of the LGBTQ+ community
- People with traumatic brain injuries (TBI), stroke survivors, or individuals with other acquired brain injuries
Where it takes place
- Long-term care homes
- Senior Living
- Community gardens
- Schools
- Community centres
- Private homes
- Hospice
- Assisted living facilities
- Correctional facilities, halfway houses
- Online through virtual sessions
Flexible Therapeutic Horticulture Education
Root in Nature offers a range of learning options, from standalone courses to structured pathways that lead to therapeutic horticulture certificates.
We had eight Root in Nature sessions with a group of 10 seniors. It is wonderful activity for seniors to engage and learn how to plant and grow vegetables. Andrea is an amazing instructor and seniors had a lot of fun hands on. This group is looking forward to donating the vegetables to community food centre.
— Aging in Place Program Participant
I want to thank you so much for getting Dad into gardening. He loved his gardens over the years, mostly vegetables, and just loves to get his hands dirty. I was always worried about Dad at the Perley because other than his exercise classes, he didn’t join anything, even though he was once quite gregarious. Definitely keep his garden pots going.... it will give him a spark he needs.
— Sue Andrew
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.Â
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 in 2022.
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 will be receiving support from radically generous Activators, including funding, connections and relationships to grow our impact.