
Program Manager, HT Institute
2024 Summer Newsletter
Horticultural Therapy is making an impact on people’s lives.
Read more about how it’s happening.
HTI Director’s Note: New Credential Offered by AHTA
By Rebecca Haller, HTM

Have you finished your horticultural therapy courses and want to apply your training in the field right away? Do you wish to earn HTR status, yet see that as a rather long-term project? Well, while you are working on that, you could soon apply for a credential as a Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner (HTP).
To qualify, you need to complete all nine credit hours of HT coursework, practice therapeutic horticulture (TH) for at least 500 hours and be a member of AHTA at the Associate level. Note that hours spent in TH work will apply towards the standards for HTR in the future.
You are encouraged to continue with your quest to become registered as an HTR through enhancing your skills and knowledge in the areas of horticulture/plant science as well as the social sciences and finding a mentor to advise you and supervise an internship. Regardless of your plan to pursue HTR or THP, here really is no substitute for practicing the knowledge learned in HT classes in an actual program – one that you find or create. So get out there and do it!
New Certificate Series Begins this Fall

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 Fundamentals of Horticultural Therapy this fall at Elkus Ranch in Half Moon Bay, CA. Oct. 30-Nov. 2, 2024. At the non-profit Horticultural Therapy Institute, our mission is to provide 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. The remaining three classes in the HT Certificate program in 2025 will be held in California and Colorado.
The HT Institute has provided education in the field for over 20 years and is a leader in HT education. The director, Rebecca Haller, HTM is also one of the authors and editors of both major textbooks in horticultural therapy. The format of classes meets student’s unique learning style and are offered both face-to-face and online (synchronous). To begin the certificate program, enroll in one of the following sections of the Fundamentals of HT class. The Fundamentals of HT class cost is $950 or $760 for full-time college students. Classes fill quickly. www.htinstitute.org or call 303-388-0500.
Fundamentals of HT section I: Oct. 21-24, 2024 (online, mountain standard time)
Fundamentals of HT section II: Oct. 30-Nov. 2, 2024 (Half Moon Bay, CA)
Fundamentals of HT section III: Dec. 4-7, 2024 (online, mountain standard time)
Program Profile:
Promoting Social Engagement with Plants
By: Carol O’Dowd

This summer Carol O’Dowd, Trauma/Transition Therapist and Coach, combined her training in Horticulture Therapy from HTI with her counseling education and experience as part of the maintenance crew at Fresh Aire Enterprises, Inc. Inspired by Women in Green (WIG) Chair of the Association of Landscape Contractors of Colorado Char Chacon of Designscapes Colorado, Carol recruited WIG members as volunteers to use horticultural therapy in classes at MorningStar Senior Living in Arvada, CO.
MorningStar residents enjoyed playing in the dirt and sharing their memories of plants during the inaugural class. The residents agreed spending time with plants was not only beneficial but healing. We all laughed at how, regardless of age, playing in the dirt was fun. We reviewed some of the research that has confirmed
how bacteria absorbed through the skin of the hands when gardening triggers a release of serotonin in the brain. With serotonin being a natural antidepressant, it is no wonder that gardeners digging in the dirt without gloves, experience a lift in mood along with a boost to their immune system. Modern science, after thousands of years, is verifying that caring for plants is also caring for self.

Caring for self involves interacting with community. Horticultural therapy is about maximizing the benefits gained when people interact with plants as well as each other. As Rebecca L. Haller and Christine L. Capra explain in their book, Horticultural Therapy Methods, “Horticultural activities have the potential to be highly effective means for improving social interaction.” The priority goal for the sessions being hosted at MorningStar Residents’ was to promote social interaction.
The horticultural therapy practices residents have enjoyed has involved potting plants in small pots as container gardens for their residences, making sachets from dried plant materials, and creating small flower arrangements for the dining hall tables. The smiles, chatter and laughter as residents left each class were evidence that working with plants and plant material in small groups had achieved the goal. The residents leave the sessions talking and carrying their plants or projects made of plant materials with them. The staff has reported that they are sharing their experiences in the classes which has stimulated discussion among residents in both the assisted living and independent living apartments. We and the residents are looking forward to tending outdoor raised bed gardens as well as using herbs and tea leaves to host an afternoon tea or two.
With the talk and laughter being shared because of the horticultural therapy activities, the residents, the volunteers and the staff at MorningStar are inspired to see the class turned into an ongoing program. The ALCC Women in Green have been inspired to explore ways to support the joyful connecting with plants through the rest of the year at MorningStar.
Carol is a recent Horticultural Therapy Institute graduate working in Colorado.