Chicago Botanic Garden

Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden

Certificate Programs

Horticultural Therapy — Certificate of Merit Program
Learning Objectives


Upon completing the program, you will be able to do the following:

  • Explain the efficacy and unique benefits of horticultural therapy and the development of the horticultural therapy profession
  • Integrate horticultural therapy activities into your current or future practice
  • Analyze the critical issues that horticulture therapists consider when planning programs, activities, and site design
  • Design and facilitate horticultural therapy activites for individuals and groups
  • Plan programs (activities, curriculum, materials, and timelines) to meet goals and match each participant's abilities and interests
  • Select plants that will support the goals and activities of the program and its spaces
  • Design (or advise how to design) therapeutic indoor and outdoor spaces that address universal design, safety and maintenance, support programming and meet the facility's needs
  • Develop and refine methods to evaluate the effectiveness of horticulural therapy activities, programs, and spaces
  • Establish an entrepreneurial business or further improve existing business performance
  • Understand funding mechanisms and secure financial resources for programs in both corporate and charitable agency settings