Horticultural Therapy Workshop now being offered as TWO Half Day Sessions!!

Mutual Support: The Bridging of Horticultural Therapy and Green Spaces to Build Communal Health

“I cultivate my garden and my garden cultivates me”- Robert Breault

Urban green spaces are vital to the physical and mental health of communities. For municipal employees in parks, recreation, urban forestry, and conservation authorities, understanding the therapeutic potential of horticulture and green spaces can support enhancement of communal well-being while addressing multi-faceted health challenges of today. 

This two-part, interactive workshop delves into the principles and practices of Horticultural Therapy (HT), a purposeful approach to using plants and nature-related activities to achieve goals that promote well-being for participants.

This workshop is for professionals seeking to elevate their understanding to improving individual and community health through nature-based solutions. Be prepared to broaden your perspective about the spaces you manage and the lives they impact. 

Topics that will be covered include: 

• The fundamentals of Horticultural Therapy

• Current research supporting the therapeutic application of horticulture

• Relevancy to pressing issues of today

• Applications for green professions to support human health and well-being.

Instructor Bio:

Guinevere Kern is a Registered Horticultural Therapist with extensive experience in integrating nature-based therapies into health and community settings. Her accomplishments include: 

• Designing and implementing therapeutic gardening programs for mental health and long-term care facilities. 

• Providing nature therapy services for individuals recovering from motor vehicle accidents and other trauma. 

• Completing a 1,000-hour Horticultural Therapy Internship specializing in therapeutic gardening and community development. 

• Conducting research in native wildflowers and ornamental plants at the University of Guelph’s Department of Plant Agriculture. 

• Working in diverse horticulture settings, including nurseries, greenhouses, landscaping, and organic agriculture across Canada and the United States. 

As a passionate educator and advocate for green wellness, Guinevere brings a transdisciplinary perspective to equipping professionals to deepen their understanding of the healing potential of green spaces. 

Note: This course is now provided in two half-day online seminar's.

Course Date's: February 26, February 27, 2025

Course Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

If you would like to register for this exciting new workshop, please click here