Why I’m Writing This Blog
I often find myself looking for answers to questions like: What does a day—or a week—in the life of an HTR look like? How do we get contracts? How much should we charge?
There aren’t always clear answers, and a lot depends on your own path.
This blog is my way of sharing my perspective, stories, tips, and reflections from my work as a Registered Horticultural Therapist (HTR).
While this first post may be long, future articles will be short and practical and hopefully easy to read without feeling overwhelmed.
A Little About Me
I grew up on a leafcutter bee farm, a lucky child in an agricultural family under the wide-open Alberta sky. Those instilled in me a deep love of observing nature, playing in nature, and the simple joy of digging up potatoes with your mother on a cool Autumn evening.
From a young age, I was drawn to supporting people. My first experience volunteering in long-term care (LTC) in grade 12 revealed my love for working with seniors. I even remember my first job nervously calling bingo on the microphone. I hated that part, but I quickly learned that I love working with the elderly.
This brought me to Recreation Therapy, studying at Lethbridge College and Dalhousie University. Living alone in a new city with no friends was challenging, but I met the ocean, and the joy of stumbling upon a community garden, and the love of farmer’s markets! This was perhaps when I began noticing, more tangibly, how immersion in nature could support wellbeing, calm the mind, and inspire reflection, a theme that would follow me into my career.
“This was perhaps when I began noticing, more tangibly, how immersion in nature could support wellbeing, calm the mind, and inspire reflection, a theme that would follow me into my career.”
Discovering Horticultural Therapy
I first heard the words “horticultural therapy” at a Healthy Aging conference in Calgary, presented by Janet Melrose, the Calgary Cottage Gardener and an HTR. In that moment, I realized:
- I had already been unknowingly practicing horticultural therapy in small ways, shaping recreation therapy programs around gardening and nature-based activities.
- I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do.
I promptly moved to Nanaimo to study horticulture, earned my Level One Horticulture Technician certificate, and began building part-time work, contracts, and experience that would lead me toward becoming an HTR.
Horticultural therapy combines my love of nature with my heart for supporting people. And what a privilege that is.
What is Horticultural Therapy?
Horticultural therapy (HT) is a professional practice using plants, gardening, and nature-based activities to support therapeutic goals in all domains.
It’s different from recreational gardening or therapeutic horticulture (TH) in that HT is:
- Goal-directed: Each activity is designed to meet individualized therapeutic outcomes.
- Planned and assessed: Practitioners use structured approaches, documentation, and measurable results.
- I also practice TH- but we will get to that in another blog post!
Why I’m Sharing This
Through this blog, I hope to:
- Share what I’ve learned about running HT programs, building contracts, and navigating the field.
- Offer insights into the healing power of nature.
- Provide tips, resources, and inspiration for those curious about horticultural therapy careers or nature-based therapy programs.
If you’re interested in developing horticultural therapy programs or want guidance on goal-setting, contracts, and program design, I offer courses and resources designed to support new and emerging practitioners. You can explore them here.
