Therapeutic Horticulture Training for Educators

Empowering Through Partnership

Are you looking to enrich your school’s curriculum with a transformative approach to nature education?

Root in Nature is dedicated to helping educators integrate the incredible potential of therapeutic horticulture into your school. Our comprehensive training equips educators with the skills to safely facilitate horticultural activities, empowering them to enhance nature-focused learning experiences for their students.

Why Therapeutic Horticulture Education?

Therapeutic horticulture goes beyond traditional gardening. It’s a holistic approach that integrates the healing power of nature with educational practices, benefiting both students and educators alike.

By incorporating therapeutic horticulture into your school’s curriculum, you’ll not only enhance academic learning but also nurture emotional well-being and cultivate a deeper connection to the natural world.

How We Equip Your Educators

Integrate therapeutic horticulture into the curriculum across various subjects, fostering interdisciplinary connections and experiential learning

Adapt and tailor therapeutic horticulture strategies to meet the diverse needs of students

Understand therapeutic horticulture principles, benefits, concepts, techniques and strategies within the context of educational settings

Select appropriate plants and materials for therapeutic horticulture activities, considering sensory stimulation and safety

Program Details

Training Through the Intro to Therapeutic Horticulture Course

This virtual, self-paced course teaches how to facilitate, adapt and evaluate therapeutic horticulture sessions while providing foundational horticulture and safety training. Students will finish this course with the skills to facilitate activities with individual clients and small groups.

Course Details

CE Credits with NCTRC for 8 hours
Completed in 4 -8 hours
Primarily video content
5 Modules & Quizzes
63 Topics
Course Manual
Therapeutic Horticulture Ally Certificate
Digital Badge

Optional Continuation for Educators: The GrowTH Network

GrowTH – Grow Therapeutic Horticulture is professional growth and resource platform for therapeutic horticulture practitioners and course graduates. This is an international and interdisciplinary space for those practicing therapeutic horticulture.

Resources & Support

12 Session Plans
Sortable Activity Database
Free live monthly support calls
Free ongoing professional development events
A Resource Library, including:
- Intake & Evaluation Forms
- Visual cues
- Site Safety Assessments
- Therapeutic Garden Elements Assessment

Feedback from Course Students

"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!"

"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."

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

"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."

"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."

Benefits of Therapeutic Horticulture Education for Schools

Academic Enhancement

Therapeutic horticulture improves cognitive skills and critical thinking, leading to enhanced academic performance across subjects.

Positive Impact on Student Wellness

Offering therapeutic horticulture as part of the curriculum not only educates students but can also positively affect their mental and emotional well-being, promoting a healthier learning environment.

Innovative Teaching Methods

Integrating therapeutic horticulture into the curriculum introduces educators to innovative and practical teaching methods, providing hands-on learning experiences that are likely to enhance student engagement and retention of material.

Leadership in Educational Trends

Adopting therapeutic horticulture training positions the institution as a leader in education, keeping pace with or even setting new trends in educational practices.

Community Engagement

Garden initiatives strengthen community ties and support for the school, enhancing its reputation and relevance within the community.

Sustainability and Responsibility

Teaching sustainability through horticulture instills values of responsibility and environmental stewardship, preparing students for the future.

Social and Emotional Development

Collaborative gardening projects promote teamwork, communication, and empathy, contributing to students’ social and emotional growth.

Inclusivity and Customization

Therapeutic horticulture education can be tailored to meet the diverse needs of students, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all learners.

Interested in learning more?

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.