The Bird’s Foot Horticultural Therapy Education series offers a comprehensive look at the principles and practices for the professional use of horticulture as therapy.
This five-module education series includes 160 hours of immersive study along with authentic experiential learning that focuses on the core skills and knowledge recommended for professional registration with the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association (CHTA).
This foundational course introduces students to the profession and practice of horticultural therapy and explores the diverse benefits of gardening activities in the realms of health care, education and human services.
*This course is intended to be a prerequisite for the other courses being offered in the series.
CHTA approved course worth 0.4 points toward professional registration.
This course provides students with HT/TH specific horticultural skills and knowledge as it pertains to Horticultural Therapy programming and Therapeutic Horticulture activities.
Students will explore how to grow and utilize therapeutic plants, necessary attributes of accessible and healing garden spaces and safe/adaptive gardening practices.
CHTA approved course worth 0.4 points toward professional registration.
This course provides students with practical experience in developing and delivering innovative programming throughout the year for individuals and for groups.
Discussion will include how to fully plan and budget for effective therapeutic programs, how to collect materials sustainably and best practices for program delivery.
CHTA approved course worth 0.4 points toward professional registration.
This course allows students to practice HT programming and to explore specialized techniques and settings. Students will learn various adaptations to programming, based on the diverse needs of specific populations within the healthcare and human services realms.
Discussion will include how best to tailor activities and materials to deliver effective, patient-centered programming.
CHTA approved course worth 0.4 points toward professional registration.
Students explore the practical and financial aspects of HT employment as they prepare to work as part of an interdisciplinary professional team or as a self-employed practitioner. Students will learn about working within prescribed budgets, funding resources and good general business practices.
Discussion will include ethics, professional communication and employment expectations related to pursuing a career in this field.
CHTA approved course worth 0.4 points toward professional registration.
HTC1 Syllabus - Fundamentals of Horticultural Therapy (pdf)
DownloadHTC2 - Horticulture as a Therapeutic Tool - Syllabus (pdf)
DownloadHTC3 - Horticultural Therapy Programming - Syllabus (pdf)
DownloadHTC4 - Horticultural Therapy Techniques and Specialized Populations - Syllabus (pdf)
DownloadHTC5 - Horticultural Therapy Management - Syllabus (pdf)
DownloadThe curriculum was exactly what I had been searching for: immersive study, authentic experiential learning, focusing on the core skills and knowledge recommended by the CHTA. I leave this course feeling excited, enlightened and empowered to embrace my new career in horticultural therapy. Thank you, Lynn!
I felt supported, encouraged and inspired throughout this Horticulture Therapy Course. It has provided me an energizing framework to dive into a fulfilling career as a Horticulture Therapist. Lynn has a unique ability to not only create open and energizing spaces, but to share her gift of providing whole-person care with those around her.
The course was engaging and provided me with valuable insights into the therapeutic power of plants and nature. I truly appreciated the hands-on approach that kept me motivated and eager to learn.
Lynn’s dedication to our growth—both professionally and personally—made this course a truly memorable and impactful experience.