IN-PERSON and virtual sessions

Therapeutic Horticulture

Therapeutic Horticulture is a practice that uses plants, horticultural activities, and the garden landscape to promote well-being for its participants. There is growing research on the physical, mental & emotional health benefits of engaging people in garden and nature activities.

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

Seniors
Autism, Learning disabilities, ADD, ADHD
Alzheimer’s Disease/other Dementias
End of life, palliative care
Developmental or physical disabilities
Mental Health, mental illnesses, anxiety, stress, depression, PTSD
Veterans
Cancer or other illnesses
Chronic pain
Corrections
Addictions
Loss, death, grief, divorce
Fears and phobias
Sleep disorders and sleep problems
LGBTQ+ community
TBI, Brain injury/strokes
Everyone!

Where it takes place

Long-term care homes
Retirement homes
Community gardens
Schools
Community centres
Private homes
Hospice
Assisted living facilities
Correctional facilities, halfway houses
Online through virtual sessions

In-Person Therapeutic Horticulture

Sessions are available in Ottawa, Ontario for individuals or groups of up to eight people:

$195 per half-day (3 hour) session
$145 per 1.5 hour session
Session materials not included

Virtual Horticultural Therapy

Mind, Body & Soil is a virtual, hands-on, small-group therapeutic horticulture series. In five weekly one-hour sessions, you will explore these topics:

Kitchen gardening: saving seeds, assessing the self and the environment & building a safe space
Emotions & choices in the garden: companion planting, colour theory & emotional naming
Seed starting & choosing plants: seed starting along with a demo, assessing the garden space & goal setting
Plants & people: plant care, self care, communication & listening skills
Transition & change: transplanting & handling change

"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. "

"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."

— 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

Daughter of resident at The Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre

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.