Introduction to Therapeutic Horticulture (TH1) welcomes learners into the April 2026 online non-credit course April 6 - May 18 in partnership with the North Carolina Botanical Garden. This course has no prerequisites, and learners can complete the materials at their own pace during each week of the course. TH1 is the prerequisite for other courses in this series, and is a thorough introduction to the practice. Register here: Introduction to Therapeutic Horticulture
In this course, learners explore how Therapeutic Horticulture supports human health and wellness, including physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs. The course structure supports vibrant engagement via discussion threads and assignment feedback. It provides a unique opportunity to research, discuss, and reflect on people/plant relationships. TH1 is suitable for anyone, including allied health professionals, volunteers, students and other practitioners interested in learning about and integrating this unique therapeutic method into their disciplines.
Later courses cover even more specific topics about the practice, and form a program that awards learners a Certificate in Therapeutic Horticulture in collaboration with North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina.
Lead instructor Sarah Tanke is a registered horticultural therapist with NC Botanical Garden serving as interim program manager for therapeutic horticulture, and instructor Amy Bruzzichesi is also a registered horticultural therapist as NC State Extension Therapeutic Horticulture Program Manager. Both the course and the instructors have received OUTSTANDING reviews from hundreds of students across North Carolina, 45 US states, and 28 countries!
Please share with anyone you think might be interested! We offer discounts for EMGVs, Extension Professionals, JC Raulston Arboretum volunteers, and NCBG volunteers. Discount information is listed below.
Click here for answers to frequently asked questions.
For more information or with questions, email therapeutic-hort@ncsu.edu
Seats are limited, so be sure to register soon! This course has sold out several months ahead of the start date throughout 2025. Learners will have access to the course one week before the course launch date and an additional six months after the course ends.
Pricing:
$400 Tuition
$390 for NC Botanical Garden or JC Raulston Arboretum Members
$370 for NCBG Volunteers, JCRA volunteers, Extension Master Gardener volunteers, and Extension Professionals with a discount code. Contact your Extension Agent to get the code. Your agent can obtain the code by sending an email from their work account to afbruzzi@ncsu.edu.
Payment for courses is accepted only via online payment, but there is a payment plan available to place a deposit at registration and pay the balance shortly before your course begins.