Dates and locations announced for the 2012 Fundamentals Of Horticultural Therapy classes
Perkins School
for the Blind
Watertown, MA
October 11-14, 2012
Anchor Center
for Blind Children
Denver, Colorado
November 1-4, 2012
Elkus Ranch
Half Moon Bay, California
November 15-18, 2012
More about Fundamentals of Horticultural Therapy
Learn how to combine a passion for gardening and helping people through the innovative field of horticultural therapy. Join students from across the country to learn more by enrolling in the first class in the certificate program, Fundamentals of Horticultural Therapy this fall in one of three locations. To complete a full certificate in HT plan to attend three additional classes. Each will be offered in Colorado and California in 2013.
Horticultural Therapy
Institute News
Linking People and Plants
A Garden of Hope
The restorative power of plants shines in horticultural therapy programs
by Hazel Jennings ~ photographs by Al Parrish
Article from Horticulture Magazine.
Click to read PDF
HT Program generates publicity
Past HTI student, Annie West from North Carolina had news coverage of her HT program. She anticipates more publicity as the program donates plants for 15 community gardens including Friendship Trays which serves 800 meals daily to the elderly and disabled. To date they have planted 5600 plants and are ramping it up for fall crops. See the article at: Click here: Jail North inmates bloom where they are planted for now - CharlotteObserver.com
HTI Connections in Costa Rica
In December, the Centro Nacional De Educacion Especial Fernando Centeno Guell, in San Jose, Costa Rica, hosted a two-day seminar on horticultural therapy. Presented by Rebecca Haller, of the Horticultural Therapy Institute, the seminar attracted over 50 professionals from across Costa Rica – representing special education, mental health, and corrections, as well as housing and services for older adults with memory loss/dementia. In addition to lectures and lively discussions, participants were treated to hands-on activities in the school’s innovative gardens. Since 2002, Andrina Escalante, a dedicated teacher at the school, has led efforts to create and use several themed gardens to benefit children with developmental disabilities. They are remarkable and valuable plant-filled spaces, prompting children and staff to connect with nature in the heart of the densely built urban area of San Jose.
This first-ever HT training event was received with great enthusiasm and energy, and prompted the establishment of a “commission” on HT to further communication and work in this field. They represent a devoted, professional, and eager group – who are passionate about the importance of people-plant-nature connections. Thanks to Andrina, Karla and Damaris, and all who helped to make the seminar a success! Watch the slide show
Horticultural Therapy Institute wins award
HTI director, Rebecca Haller, HTM and program coordinator, Christine Kramer won the 2009 Publication Award from the American Horticultural Therapy Association for their book, “Horticultural Therapy Methods: Making Connections in Health Care, Human Service, and Community Programs”. The award was presented at the 37th annual American Horticultural Therapy Association conference in Pasadena, CA. The book serves as a reference for using horticulture for therapy and human development by describing processes and techniques for practice. The book is available at the AHTA website, www.ahta.org.
Healthcare Design 09
HTI Director, Rebecca Haller, HTM recently attended the Healthcare Design 09, a conference held in Orlando, Florida in November.
The conference gave us all plenty to think about with trends in the design of healthcare facilities. Evidence-based design was shared and promoted in order to encourage successful outcomes in healthcare facilities. The myriad benefits of views of nature - both real and in art - were described and touted in several sessions and exhibits. Teaming up with Bruce Hendee and Angela Milewski, of BHA Design in Fort Collins, Colorado, we led a round table discussion about horticultural therapy and healing gardens. Discussion focused on therapeutic healthcare gardens that are designed for treatment purposes (HT) and the need for research to build a body of knowledge about effective design.
