ABOUT THE HORTICULTURAL THERAPY CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Learn how to create and deliver Horticultural Therapy programs that are suitable and

adaptable for all ages and abilities, and that include caring for plants – indoors and out,

connecting with nature, arranging flowers, and creating botanical arts and crafts. Help

your clients optimize their physical and mental health and improve their quality of life

through the use of horticulture as therapy.

TBG’s four-part program focuses on the core skills and knowledge recommended by the

Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association (CHTA). Although it is not delivered nor

certified by this association, it can be counted as education credits towards CHTA.

A Certificate of Completion will be issued by Toronto Botanical Garden including

documentation required by CHTA for their voluntary registration process.

This program includes 168 instructor hours (classrooms and tours) plus a minimum of

10 hours of student independent studies per module. The course is enriched with

hands-on experience in a therapeutic setting at TBG and Allan Gardens, as well as talks

by experts for specific client groups. Assignments are practical and build toward a final

program proposal and presentation.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this program, students will have demonstrated the ability

to do the following:

Explain the therapeutic benefits horticultural therapy.

Apply horticulture knowledge to develop programs.

Develop individualized therapeutic programs designed to meet personal goals

and objectives.

Create and evaluate a series of seasonal project ideas in a therapeutic

environment.

Create budgets, source plants and materials, and determine funding sources.

Communicate with clinical care teams and service providers.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM EACH MODULE

Module One - Foundations of Horticulture As Therapy

Explore the evolution of the therapeutic use of gardens and gardening! This introduction

to professional practice in Horticultural Therapy (HT) will focus on the many proven

benefits of connecting with plants. HT is planned, deliberate and documented. Examine

the therapeutic foundations used to create HT programs for diverse populations.

Horticulture includes the fundamentals needed to create successful hands-on HT

programs.

Module Two - The Therapeutic Horticulture Professional

Using horticulture as a therapeutic modality requires program planning designed to

achieve specific goals and objectives. Learn to develop programs and treatment plans

that are directly related to reducing a client’s presenting problems and symptoms.

Create HT programs that are supported and validated by documentation through

assessment, progress notes and program evaluation, and communicated to inter-

professional team members and service funders. Understand the needs of unique

populations, develop appropriate HT program proposals and explore funding sources.

Seasonal HT activities involve hands-on horticulture experience in propagation, organic

and edible gardening techniques.

Module Three - Horticultural Therapy Techniques and Settings

Session planning, with groups or one-on-one, involves adapting activities to meet

diverse needs, and developing methods to evaluate progress. Learn to create

therapeutic environments using tools and techniques that enable people of all abilities to

participate in HT activities, indoors and out, year round. Budgeting and sourcing of

plants and materials are explored. Horticulture expertise includes greenhouse

management, raised beds and container gardening, and selecting and growing plants

for creative botanical arts and crafts.

Module Four - HT Management & Community Development

Business and management skills are required to practice HT through a contracting

business model or employment opportunities. Discover how to market your program

proposals, determine funding strategies and consider grants, fundraising and resources

for program support and community development. Gain proficiency and confidence to

practice HT through the presentation of your comprehensive HT program proposal

detailing design, implementation and management. The future of HT includes

professional development and research opportunities.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

TBG is pleased to work with Margaret Nevett, a Registered Horticultural Therapist.

Margaret is an experienced and enthusiastic practitioner and educator. Her company,

Gardening For Life, provides consultation, education and individualized HT programs in

long-term care and rehabilitation facilities.

Margaret’s interest in horticulture became a passion when she joined the Toronto

Master Gardeners in 1992. She developed her skills and knowledge through studies in

horticulture at the University of Guelph, a garden design master class with international

garden designer John Brookes, and Horticultural Therapy certificate programs in

Ontario and British Columbia. Margaret also teaches Container Gardening and Edible

Gardening in the City, as part of the Certificate in Garden Design offered in partnership

with Continuing Education at George Brown College.

Margaret is dedicated to helping gardeners of all abilities keep gardening for life.