Therapeutic Horticulture Archives - Care Farming Network

Gardens Lend Support Across the Lifespan: Resource Library Updates

Sarah Sorci — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 17:24:45 +0000

This month, we’ve added two resources to the Resource Library showcasing the supportive role gardening can play from youth to end of life–including lending support when we are grieving.

YOUTH SENSORY GARDENING MANUAL: American Horticultural Society

In their Youth Sensory Gardening Manual, the American Horticultural Society looks at what sets a sensory garden apart from other gardens, discusses sensation and the eight senses, and explores strategies to design an inclusive sensory garden for children.

The manual is accessible for anyone who works with children or is seeking a resource on sensory gardening. Medical professionals who work with children and people working with neurodivergent children will find the manual particularly helpful.

ARTICLE: “Horticultural Therapy Enhances End-of-Life Care”

In this article, the Horticultural Therapy Institute shares how horticultural therapy methods in the grieving process have proven successful in reducing anxiety and depression associated with grief.

Colleen Griffin, HTR follows Carrie McCann, MSW, a bereavement counselor working for Hospice. To address gaps in end-of-life care, Carrie founded Moonset & Co., where she provides non-medical support for loved ones before, during, and after a loss. Carrie weaves together embodied wellness practices with grief education and consulting to serve clients.

Read the article to learn more about Carrie’s work and using nature as a guide in the healing process:

About the American Horticultural Society:

Founded in 1922, the American Horticultural Society is one of the oldest and most respected national horticultural nonprofit organizations in North America. Uniting more than 22,000 members, from budding beginners to horticultural professionals and partner organizations, the AHS fosters a diverse community committed to advancing gardening knowledge and practices.

Learn more about the American Horticultural Society by visiting their website.

About the Horticultural Therapy Institute (HTI):

As a small 501(c)3 non-profit organization, HTI provides education and training in horticultural therapy to those new to, or experienced with, the practice of using gardening and plants to improve the lives of others. They reach students from across the U.S. and internationally, striving to help their students positively impact their own communities and the profession of HT.

Learn more about the Horticultural Therapy Institute at their website.

The post Gardens Lend Support Across the Lifespan: Resource Library Updates appeared first on Care Farming Network.

Root in Nature: Therapeutic Horticulture Research Database and Videos

Sarah Sorci — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 19:52:45 +0000

Root in Nature offers a wealth of therapeutic horticulture resources and professional development materials. This month, we highlighted three in the CFN Resource Library:

VIDEO: Therapeutic Horticulture vs. Horticultural Therapy: What’s the Difference?

Emilee Weaver, Director of Learning & Community Engagement at Root in Nature is often asked, “What is the difference between horticultural therapy and therapeutic horticulture?”

In this short video, Emilee helps us understand what these practices have in common and what makes them distinct:

WATCH THE VIDEO

YOUTUBE CHANNEL: Therapeutic Horticulture Training Videos

At the Root in Nature YouTube channel, you’ll dive into the world of therapeutic horticulture with tips, tools, and techniques to transform your approach to care. Whether you’re a recreation therapist, activity manager, or someone passionate about nature-based wellness, these videos will inspire and empower you:

YOUTUBE CHANNEL

RESEARCH DATABASE: Horticultural Therapy & Therapeutic Horticulture

The Horticultural Therapy / Therapeutic Horticulture Research Database by Root in Nature is a comprehensive, organized collection of research studies focused on the benefits, methodologies, and applications of horticultural therapy (HT) and therapeutic horticulture (TH). It serves as a resource for researchers, practitioners, educators, policymakers, and funding organizations interested in evidence-based applications of HT/TH.

RESEARCH DATABASE

Not sure where to start? Visit the Root in Nature homepage to take a short quiz and find resources tailored to your needs on your therapeutic horticulture journey.

About Root in Nature

At Root in Nature, we strengthen human health by connecting people with plants and nature through therapeutic horticulture, and we do it while empowering the professionals who make this work possible.

We know that many allied health professionals are seeking to integrate nature into their therapeutic practices, but we also recognize the real-world barriers. That’s why we’re building a different kind of path.

Root in Nature offers accessible, affordable, and practical training. Through our growing suite of online courses and our international community—the GrowTH Network (Grow Therapeutic Horticulture)—we help practitioners feel confident, supported, and equipped to create engaging, client-centered therapeutic gardening programs.

Graphic courtesy of Root in Nature

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