Introduction to Therapeutic Horticulture Course

Course Summary

Introduction to Therapeutic Horticulture is a self-paced online course for professionals and aspiring practitioners who want to bring the benefits of nature into health, education, or community work.

Whether you’re a recreational therapist, activity director, educator, mental health professional, or simply curious about the healing power of plants, this course provides a clear and supportive starting point. You’ll learn what therapeutic horticulture is, why it works, and how it’s applied across diverse settings, with no prior experience or green thumb required.

Emilee Weaver, Director of Learning & Community Engagement

Watch a Course Preview

Get a glimpse inside the course with this 13-minute preview video. It brings together a series of clips from the lessons, giving you a feel for the learning style, topics covered, and the supportive approach that guides you through the foundations of therapeutic horticulture.

Course Description

Introduction to Therapeutic Horticulture is a foundational, self-paced online course designed for professionals and aspiring practitioners who want to enter the field of therapeutic horticulture or integrate nature-based approaches into their existing practice.

Through engaging, easy-to-follow lessons taught by Emilee Weaver and Katie McGillivray, HTR, you’ll explore the theoretical and evidence-based foundations of therapeutic horticulture, ethical guidelines, and professional values that shape safe and inclusive practice. You’ll also be introduced to client populations and program settings, facilitation strategies, and foundational horticultural knowledge, including how to adapt tools and techniques for diverse physical, emotional, and cognitive needs.

Rooted in research and real-life application, this course is your first step toward creating meaningful, nature-connected experiences that support growth, healing, and joy. It also serves as the prerequisite for Root in Nature’s advanced therapeutic horticulture training, helping you build a working understanding of the field and clarify your role, interests, and next steps.

By the end, you’ll know not only what therapeutic horticulture is, but also how to move forward with purpose.

What's Included

Registration fee includes:

Seven video-based lessons (69 topics) with resources
Guest speaker videos
Program and participant case studies
Five quizzes
Lifetime access to the course
Certificate of completion
Digital badge
Eligibility for CE credits (NCTRC, APNCC, TRO, and CHTA points)
Bonus: Six month free membership to GrowTH Network, our international community of therapeutic horticulture practitioners, which includes:
- A Resource Library filled with ready-to-use tools and templates
- A TH Activity Database that is sortable in multiple ways
- Expert-led monthly practitioner support calls
- Professional development events
- This offer is available to non-members only. Current GrowTH Network Members receive a 20% course discount with their membership.

Course Fee & Manual

Course Fee: $325 USD
Course Manual (optional): $25 USD

The 120 page course manual is a comprehensive PDF that captures all the main points from the course in one place. It’s designed to:

Consolidate the key concepts so you can focus on learning instead of taking extensive notes
Serve as a lasting reference, like a textbook you can return to anytime
Support open-book quiz completion
Provide a quick refresher on foundational knowledge as you move into more advanced or practice-based training
Provide a glossary of 130+ TH Terms

While not required, many students find the manual to be a helpful resource they continue using well beyond the course.

Time Commitment

The course takes approximately 10–12 hours to complete. This includes eight hours of video lessons and an additional 2–4 hours for quizzes and engaging with the resource materials.

While you’re free to set your own schedule (there’s no deadline or expiration), we recommend completing the course within 4–6 weeks to stay engaged and build momentum in your learning.

You will not be required to attend any live calls during this course – all content is pre-recorded and self-paced.

Continuing Education Credits

Pre-approved by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification – NCTRC for 12 hours
Pre-approved by the Activity Professionals National Credentialing Center – APNCC for 12 hours
Approved by Therapeutic Recreation Ontario – TRO for 8 hours of PCCs (application for 12)
Approved by the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association – CHTA for 0.3 points per 40 contact hours of instruction
Accepted by Master Gardener programs – meets the criteria for continuing education in many U.S. and Canadian programs

How it Works

After you purchase, simply sign in to your account at the top right corner of the website and you’ll find the course and manual (if purchased) under Courses → My Courses.

You’ll have lifetime access, so you can move through the lessons at your own pace and revisit them anytime.

What you'll gain:

A clear understanding of what therapeutic horticulture is, why it works, and how it’s applied across diverse settings
Knowledge of the evidence-based foundations that support therapeutic horticulture outcomes
An overview of client populations, program settings, and examples of real-world applications
Insight into basic horticultural concepts and how they connect to human health and well-being
Recognition through a digital badge and eligibility for CE credits (NCTRC®, APNCC, TRO, CHTA)
A six-month free membership in the GrowTH Network, connecting you with practitioner resources, support calls, and an international community

Meet Your Instructors

Emilee Weaver

With over 25 years in professional horticulture and 15 years dedicated to developing therapeutic horticulture and horticultural therapy programs, Emilee Weaver is a respected leader, educator, and practitioner in the field. She co-authored The Profession and Practice of Horticultural Therapy (2019), one of the first comprehensive textbooks in the discipline, and served as lead instructor and content developer for university-based therapeutic horticulture certificate programs in the U.S. Emilee’s work has spanned clinical, community, and educational settings, with a focus on the intersection of horticulture and mental health. Most recently, she has helped expand therapeutic horticulture internationally, partnering with Ukrainian and Armenian botanical gardens and clinicians supporting communities affected by war. Her lifelong love of plants began in the fern-filled forests of New Hampshire and was nurtured by her grandmother’s influence. When she’s not teaching or consulting, Emilee can be found tending her garden, chatting with her tortoises, keeping her cats out of mischief, and spending time with family and friends who continue to inspire her journey.

Katie McGillivray, HTR

Katie McGillivray is a Registered Horticultural Therapist (HTR) and member of the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association. Since 2014, she has supported therapeutic horticulture projects and programs for a wide range of populations, guided by an asset-based, client-centered, and strengths-focused approach. Katie holds a certificate in horticultural therapy from Ann Kent and completed academic studies in counselling, horticulture, agriculture, psychology, and research. Her work often connects therapeutic horticulture with community food security and food justice, areas where she continues to inspire meaningful, hands-on engagement with nature. Beyond her professional practice, Katie is an enthusiastic home cook and avid paddleboarder who finds joy in cultivating both gardens and community.

We love hearing from you!

"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. Even if you already have knowledge of horticulture therapy and are a practitioner, the training provides you with relevant information that could enhance your practice. I love the mindful moments because they allow me to take pauses and nurture myself. 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."

“This is one of the most engaging and informative online courses I have ever done. Even if I was not previously interested in the subject, I would have still very much enjoyed every aspect. The format and organization of the material flows incredibly well, and the material is clear, concise, and not lost in unnecessary filler. I highly recommend it.”

"I absolutely loved the Intro to Therapeutic Horticulture course! The format was engaging, the information was incredibly insightful, and the GrowTH network offers outstanding resources. Katie and Alexis were so welcoming and helpful, creating a supportive and enriching experience. What stood out most for me were the mindful moments incorporated into the course—they were truly transformative. Highly recommend this to anyone interested in the field!"

"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 thoroughly enjoyed participating in this course. I liked that I could work at my own pace and complete sections without feeling like I was going to forget what I learned. The quizzes at the end of each lesson were helpful. One of my favourite things about this course was being able to go through actual session plans as well as having the additional resources/readings available. I found all of the course material easy to understand and very beneficial. I will be recommending this course to colleagues!"

"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."

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

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

Course Structure

Benefits of Therapeutic Horticulture

Enhancing the Environment

Plants and nature create a calming and relaxing environment that can promote wellness and enhance the overall atmosphere of a therapeutic session.

Reducing Stress

Exposure to plants and nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels, which is beneficial for individuals who are experiencing mental health conditions or chronic illnesses.

Improving Physical Health

Spending time in nature and around plants can promote physical activity and exercise. Therapeutic horticulture activities can be incorporated into therapeutic sessions to promote physical health.

Boosting Mood

Being in nature and around plants can boost mood and help individuals feel more positive and optimistic. This can be especially helpful for individuals who are experiencing depression or other mood disorders.

Promoting Social Connections

Group therapeutic horticulture sessions can provide opportunities for social interaction and connection, as well as promote bonding and create a sense of community.

Improved Client Outcomes

Therapeutic horticulture has been shown to improve a range of outcomes for clients, including mental health, physical health, and overall quality of life. Practitioners can learn how to effectively use horticulture to improve their clients’ outcomes.

Benefits for Course Students

Specialized Knowledge

The Intro to Therapeutic Horticulture course provides specialized knowledge and skills related to using plants, gardening, and nature as therapeutic tools, which helps practitioners incorporate this into therapy sessions.

Professional Development

Training in therapeutic horticulture can be a valuable form of professional development for practitioners which enhances their skills and knowledge, making them more effective in their role.

Expanded Therapeutic Options

Through this course, practitioners can expand the range of therapeutic tools they can offer their clients and can provide clients with unique and effective therapeutic experiences.

Digital Badge & Certificate

You will receive a digital badge as well as a certificate as a Therapeutic Horticulture Ally upon course completion.

FAQs

Are more courses offered on this topic if I want to continue my learning?

Yes. After this course, you can continue in two main ways:

1. Certificate pathway (advanced training series)
This Introduction course is the entry point and prerequisite for our advanced courses in the Therapeutic Horticulture certificate pathway. By completing those courses, you can earn the TH Facilitation Certificate, the TH Program Development and Management Certificate, or both. If you complete both certificates, you’ll earn the full Therapeutic Horticulture Certificate which recognizes comprehensive training in foundational knowledge, facilitation skills, and program development.

2. Standalone professional development + mini-courses
We’re also building a wider library of thematic learning opportunities (e.g., Supporting Emotional Resilience and Action in a Changing Climate) and a growing suite of shorter courses on specific skills and practice themes.

For current offerings, waitlists, and launch dates, please view our Courses Overview page, the Root Beat newsletter, and social channels.

Will I be qualified to practice therapeutic horticulture after taking this course?

This course provides foundational knowledge, but it is not designed to prepare you to independently develop or facilitate therapeutic horticulture programs or activities.

Upon completion, you may describe yourself as a Therapeutic Horticulture Ally, with an understanding of:

the populations TH practitioners serve
the settings in which programs are delivered
how TH supports a range of outcomes across diverse environments

If your goal is to practice therapeutic horticulture (facilitate and/or develop programs), we recommend continuing into the advanced pathway courses (Facilitation; Program Development & Management).

Does this course certify me to become a horticultural therapist?

No. This course does not certify you as a Horticultural Therapist (HT).

This course provides training in therapeutic horticulture foundations. Even the full Therapeutic Horticulture Certificate pathway is designed to prepare learners to practice therapeutic horticulture—not horticultural therapy.

Horticultural therapy is a distinct clinical profession with its own training pathways and requirements; this course focuses on therapeutic horticulture as an evidence-informed practice approach.

Is there group pricing?

Yes—please visit our For Organizations or For Educators pages for corporate group rates, or contact us at courses@rootinnature.ca.

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Root in Nature was recognized for Best Performance in Social Entrepreneurship by the Ottawa Board of Trade and the Ottawa Business Journal.

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