July 2026 Newsletter

What's Included in This Month's Newsletter

President’s Message: What Is on the Other Side of Change?

As many celebrate Independence Day this month, I find myself reflecting on a simple question:

What if our nation’s founders had decided that the challenges of forging a new, independent country were simply too great to undertake?

History is often shaped by individuals willing to embrace uncertainty in pursuit of something better. The signers of the Declaration of Independence could not predict the outcome of their bold decision. What they possessed was courage, conviction, and a vision for a future they believed was worth cultivating.

Meaningful progress has always required people willing to imagine new possibilities. As horticultural therapists, educators, students, researchers, and advocates, we understand that growth rarely happens overnight. Every seed we plant, every garden we nurture, every individual we serve, and every new idea we pursue begins with hope, followed by patience, persistence, and care.

It is no coincidence that nature also played a meaningful role in the lives of some of our nation’s founders. Thomas Jefferson often turned to gardening as a place for reflection and renewal during times of tremendous pressure and responsibility. While serving as President, he created garden designs and later devoted extraordinary care to the landscapes of Monticello, recognizing that tending the land at his home also nurtured the mind.

Likewise, Dr. Benjamin Rush—a signer of the Declaration of Independence, widely recognized as the father of American Psychiatry, and an advocate for more humane approaches to mental health care—recognized the restorative value of meaningful activity, fresh air, and engagement with nature. Long before today’s growing body of research, his work reflected an understanding that human well-being is deeply connected to the natural world, particularly plants. 

Their stories remind us that the relationship between people and plants is not a modern discovery. It is timeless. Across centuries and cultures, plant-rich settings have offered nourishment, healing, purpose, beauty, restoration, and hope. They have been places where communities gather, personal development takes root, and resilience quietly grows.

As members of the American Horticultural Therapy Association, we have the responsibility to preserve and strengthen this enduring people–plant connection. By advancing high standards in the field, mentoring future practitioners, expanding research, and sharing the impact of our work, we help ensure that the people-plant relationship continues to enrich lives for generations to come.

This year marks a truly historic chapter in the continued growth of our profession. The introduction of AHTA Board Certification represents more than a new credential. It reflects our collective commitment to strengthening the profession and its future. Like any significant professional milestone, it naturally brings questions and a period of adjustment. Yet it also creates opportunity to strengthen professional credibility, elevate public awareness, promote excellence in practice, and expand recognition within healthcare and interdisciplinary settings. 

As former President John F. Kennedy once said:

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”



Perhaps that leaves us with one final question: What is waiting for us on the other side of change? We cannot know every answer. The signers of the Declaration of Independence certainly could not. But they understood that meaningful progress begins with the courage to embrace uncertainty in pursuit of something better. 

As we begin this next chapter at AHTA, may we embrace change because of what it makes possible. Imagine a future where horticultural therapy is more visible, more widely understood, more deeply integrated into healthcare, education, and community settings, and more accessible to all. Every meaningful advancement in our profession has begun with people willing to cultivate something greater. This moment invites us to do the same.

With Gratitude, 

Kelly Warnick, HTR, JD

President, American Horticultural Therapy Association

WOW! Early Bird Pricing Has Been EXTENDED Through July 31! !

Good news! You now have a little more time to secure the best rate for the 2026 AHTA Annual Conference in San Francisco—but don't wait too long!

More than half of the conference spots are already spoken for, and attendance is intentionally limited to create an immersive, connected experience. From the San Francisco Botanical Garden to the Gardens of Alcatraz, Plants & Paws, the Resilience Lab, free professional headshots, and a powerful closing circle in the redwoods of the AIDS Memorial Grove, this is shaping up to be an unforgettable conference.

Come for all three days—you are NOT going to want to miss this!

🎟️ Register by July 31 to lock in Early Bird pricing and reserve your spot in the Grove.

2026 AHTA Conference Keynote Speaker | Jennifer Jewell

Award winning author and podcast host, Jennifer Jewell will be joining us in San Francisco! Jennifer will serve as our keynote speaker and participate in several additional activities at the October event. Stay tuned for conference registration details.

Jennifer Jewell is the host of the national award-winning weekly public radio program and podcast Cultivating Place: Conversations on Natural History and the Human Impulse to Garden. The author of The Earth in Her Hands, 75 Extraordinary Women Working in the World of Plants, Under Western Skies, Visionary Gardens and What We Sow: On the Personal, Ecological, and Cultural Significance of Seeds.

Jewell’s greatest passion is elevating the way we think and talk about gardening, the empowerment of gardeners, and the possibility inherent in the intersection between places, environments, cultures, individuals, and the gardens that bring them together beautifully–for the better of all the lives on this generous planet. Cultivating Place has several times been recognized by Garden Communicators International as Best On-Air Talent and Best Overall Broadcast Media. 

In 2021, The Earth in Her Hands was honored by the Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries with their Award for Excellence in Biography, and Under Western Skies received a Golden Poppy winner for the Glenn Goldman award from the California Alliance of Independent Booksellers. The members of CALIBA present The Golden Poppy Book Awards to recognize the most distinguished books written by writers and artists who make California their home.

AHTA  Community Meeting

Summer Book Club and Jennifer Jewell Book Giveaway - Members Only

In anticipation of AHTA’s Conference in October, the summer virtual book club will feature a book written by keynote speaker, Jennifer Jewell. The book, The Earth in Her Hands, 75 Extraordinary Women Working in the World of Plants, showcases women in the US and beyond working in assorted fields that revolve around plants. Each insightful profile includes the person’s work, her landscape, and her plant story. Clare Cooper Marcus is one of the amazing women included in this book.



The zoom book club for AHTA members will meet on August 13 at 7 pm EST. The giveaway of this book will be randomly drawn from those signed up for the zoom on August 3rd. Please join us!

Webinar Work Team- Looking for Speakers

The webinar work team is looking for speakers for 2026. Please let Holly Harrison or Danielle Stojan know if you have any suggestions, recommendations or would like to teach one. The work team for 2026 includes, Mike Maddox with Danielle Stojan and Holly Harrison as co-leads. The webinar work team planning meetings are the 1st Tuesday of the month at 6pm Central Time. For 2026 webinars, we are tentatively planning on May 26, September 29, October 27, & November 24.

Spread the Word: Share Your HT Events with AHTA



Have an upcoming horticultural therapy event? We’d love to help you spread the word! The new AHTA events website is a great way to share your workshops, trainings, and gatherings with like-minded people who care about plants and people. Send your event details and promotional photos to info@ahta.org and help grow awareness, connection, and participation across the HT community.

Dreaming of 2028: Where Should We Meet Next?

As we plan for our next in-person conference in 2028, we're looking for members who may be interested in helping host the event in their region. While we'll gather virtually in 2027, now is the time to start exploring potential locations for 2028—ideally in the central U.S. as part of our conference rotation.

Do you know of a city with inspiring gardens, educational programs, great conference facilities, and opportunities for our community to connect and grow? We'd love to hear your ideas!

Submit a location suggestion or express interest in hosting here:



Questions? Contact Conference Chair April Ellis at aprilellislcsw@gmail.com. Together, let's cultivate the future of AHTA! 🌱

 🌿 Countdown to the HT–BC Certification Exam

Cultivating the future of horticultural therapy — together

The countdown to the certification exam for the Horticultural Therapist–Board Certified (HT–BC) credential continues. The American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) is pleased to have announced the launch of its first professional credentialing exam, scheduled to take place 3 months from now — in October 2026.

Launching in Fall 2026, the Horticultural Therapist- Board Certified (HT-BC) credential will set the gold standard for excellence in horticultural therapy. Developed in partnership with psychometric experts and grounded in comprehensive Job Task Analysis, this certification validates real-world competence and elevates professional credibility across the field.

Here are some important updates!

• Applications for the HTR have stopped being accepted July 1, 2026
• Applications for the HT-BC are now open July 1, 2026
• Exam Candidate Handbook is ready for review and on our website. https://www.ahta.org/htbc-getcertified
• First HT-BC exam window is October 31 through November 14, 2026.
• For all current HTRs and HTMs AHTA is offering a special inaugural examination fee of just $75.00! After the inaugural examination, the fee will increase to $450 for AHTA members and $595 for non-members.
• For all non-HTRs and HTMs (New applicants) AHTA is offering a special introductory pricing of $250.00 for the first examination cycle only! After that it will be $450.00 for members and $595.00 for nonmembers
• “Credentialing the Profession of Horticultural Therapy” recording of webinar is now available on the AHTA website home page www.ahta.org !Or click this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF7l8bQdE-g
• Thinking about the HT-BC Certification? Whether you’re ready to apply or beginning to explore certification, join us for an interactive community meeting on August 11, 2026 at 4:00 pm PST, 7:00 pm EST, a live Q&A!
• Did you know that the HT-BC examination can be taken internationally? Awesome news!

🍃 What is the AHTA Certification?

The AHTA Certification is a formal recognition that an individual has met established professional standards in horticultural therapy. It assures employers, clients, and the public that certified professionals possess the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to practice effectively and ethically.

The certification process includes: - Defined education requirements - Verified professional experience - Successful completion of a comprehensive examination

Certification vs Certificate - A certificate is awarded upon completion of an educational program (e.g., AHTA-accredited horticultural therapy courses) - Certification is a formal, third-party evaluation process that includes eligibility requirements, testing, and ethical standards.
✅ A certificate does not equate to professional certification

🌱 Exam Content: Core Domains

The HT–BC examination is based on six key professional domains identified through the large-scale 2022 Job Task Analysis:

1. Horticulture
2. Treatment Planning
3. Program Planning & Activity Design
4. Managing Human Resources
5. Business Practices, Safety & Ethics
6. Professionalism & Scholarship

These domains reflect the essential knowledge areas for effective horticultural therapy practice. Please see the Exam candidate handbook for more specifics on the knowledge areas. https://www.ahta.org/htbc-getcertified 

🌼 Who is this Certification For?

The Horticultural Therapist–Board Certified (HT–BC) is for:

• Professionals ready to elevate their credibility and be formally recognized as credentialed horticultural therapists—raising the bar for the entire profession.
• HTRs, HTMs, and allied professionals with licensure or certification in Human Sciences or Horticulture who want to align with the emerging gold standard.
• Practitioners committed to excellence, ensuring they are fully equipped to deliver high-quality, research-based therapeutic interventions.

🌳 Why Certification Matters

Certification supports both individual professionals and the field as a whole:

• Professional Credibility – Verifies expertise and ethical practice
• Standardized Practice – Aligns professionals with best-practice guidelines
• Demonstrated Competence – Combines education, skill development, and experience
• Stronger Recognition – Builds public awareness and professional identity
• Ongoing Growth – Requires continued learning and engagement

Together, certification strengthens the roots of horticultural therapy for future generations.

🌷 Frequently Asked Questions

What will happen to the HTR designation? 

Current HTRs and HTMs may continue using their designations. The HT–BC credential is required for new applicants. 

Will this affect the THP designation? No. The Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner (THP) designation will remain unchanged.

How do I know if I’m eligible for the HT–BC exam?
Eligibility will include education and experience criteria like HTR requirements, with an additional pathway for those in allied professions. These pathways align with national standards for professional certification. Specific eligibility info: https://www.ahta.org/board-certification 

Will there be study materials or prep courses for the exam? 

AHTA has a Candidate Exam Handbook with recommended resources and guidance found on https://www.ahta.org/htbc-getcertified .The exam will be based on what qualified practitioners are expected to know through training and experience.

How long is the certification valid?
  The HT–BC is expected to be valid for five years. Renewal will include continuing education and ongoing professional activity. Check out: https://www.ahta.org/htbc-renew for more information. 

🍂 Ready to Apply?

Step One: Find out your eligibility requirements according to our 3 Pathways for eligibility! 

• Pathway 1: Already a HTM or HTR registered with AHTA?
• Pathway 2: Educational and Professional Experience
• Pathway 3: Already certified or licensed in a Horticultural or Human Science profession?

Step Two: Read over the Candidate Handbook

Step Three: Apply!

Please note that:

The first window of the examination is from October 31 to November 14, 2026. For this first exam window AHTA is offering a discounted price!

For HTMs and HTRS registered with AHTA the discounted price for the first exam window is $75.00!

For all new candidates (Non- HTM or HTR) the discounted price is $250.00!

After this first window the candidate’s cost will be $450.00 for AHTA members and $595.00 for nonmembers. 

Act now! Be the first to apply and succeed in becoming HT-BC!

We at AHTA are here to help; Contact info@ahta.org for any questions or needed support!

Thank you for your interest in advancing the profession of horticultural therapy!

 We encourage all to regularly visit the AHTA website for updates. https://www.ahta.org/htbc-getcertified 

Thank you for being a vital part of the growing field of horticultural therapy.

2026 Annual Conference Sponsorship Opportunities 



Step into unique signature experiences at the AHTA Annual Conference. Each experience is purposefully designed to engage attendees  and carry forward into practice long after the conference ends. Sponsor or collaborate to bring these experiences—and their impact—to life! 

Explore AHTA’s 2026 Annual Conference Signature Experiences: Plants & Paws, Pioneers & Pathways, and the Resilience Lab. Visit AHTA’s website and access our AHTA Annual Conference Partnership & Sponsorship Guide here.

 A Sneak Peek at Our Signature Annual Conference Experiences in the Making! 

Planning for the 2026 AHTA Annual Conference is in full swing! Through the generous support of our sponsors, we are creating a collection of signature experiences for our conference attendees, designed to inspire learning, foster connection, and celebrate our profession. 

Here’s a first look at what’s taking shape:

Opening Reception & Moth Hour — Sponsored by HT Institute
Join colleagues from across the profession for an evening of connection, celebration, and community as we kick off an unforgettable conference together. Stay tuned for the unique experience we are creating.

Plants & Paws — Sponsored by Ball Horticultural Company
We have been spending time with therapy dogs, their handlers, and allied partners exploring the powerful connection between people, plants, and animals. Fascinating research is reinforcing the value of this interdisciplinary approach, and we cannot wait to bring it to you at the conference!

Resilience Lab — Sponsored by University of Florida
This experience will explore how building resilience supports both brain and cardiovascular health, while highlighting how it can be fostered through meaningful connections with the natural world. The experience will also feature insights from Jennifer Jewell, who will spend part of the conference engaging with attendees in The Resilience Lab.  

Pioneers & Pathways — Sponsored by The Olympia Collective
We are reaching out to trailblazing leaders across the profession to share their personal reflections, historical perspectives, and inspiring stories that honor our past and provide inspiration and guidance for emerging professionals. In addition, learn about HT-BC here! 

Professional Portrait Studio — Sponsored by Riva Mental Health
Update your professional headshot while attending the conference and leave with a polished portrait to support your professional profile, career development, and future opportunities.



Stay tuned to future newsletters, our social media channels, and the AHTA website as we continue to share behind-the-scenes updates and exciting announcements. Consider this your sneak peek. There is much more to come!

See you at the conference! 

Outreach & Strategic Partnerships

 To better reflect the expanding scope of its work, the AHTA Sponsorship Work Team has been renamed to Outreach & Strategic Partnerships. While sponsorship remains a vital component of the team’s work, we are expanding the team’s role to officially include public engagement and strategic partnerships that broaden opportunities for the profession’s visibility and impact in serving communities.

This evolution also reflects what we have heard from our members. Time and again, members have identified increasing public awareness of both our professional field and AHTA as an important priority. By broadening the team’s focus, we are intentionally creating new pathways to engage organizations, professionals, and communities that share our commitment to health, wellness, and nature-based interventions.

We are grateful for the many organizations and interdisciplinary partners who are in collaboration with AHTA on many important initiatives, and we look forward to welcoming new organizations for future, impactful projects.

If interested, please reach out to us at partnerships@ahta.org to explore how we can advance our shared goals together.

Alphabet Garden

 Prepared by:

Karen Haney, M.A., HTR

Florida Horticulture for Health Network

Excerpted from University of Florida Therapeutic Horticulture Activities Database 2026

DESCRIPTION: Participants will plan & plant an alphabet garden using plants/names beginning with the letters of the alphabet.

This multi-session activity can be undertaken by the same group of participants over a series of sessions or it can be divided and shared with other groups or grade levels (classes) with facilitator assigning specific tasks to each group. These types of themed gardens are popular and relevant for school gardens, social service agency gardens, and extension office demonstration gardens. Step by step instructions are listed in THAD Alphabet Garden (research plants, list 26 alphabet letters on chalkboard, gather plant prior to session, plan for installation and maintenance). 

Therapeutic horticulture goals for physical challenges will depend on participants. For example, if participants have cerebral palsy or use wheelchairs with lower body paralysis, handling and planting specimens may occur in raised beds or elevated containers (boots attached to fence at waist height) expanding the functional movement of upper torso, hands and arms. For people with mobility challenges, walking in the garden area during and after the garden installation can offer opportunities to navigate uneven surfaces, consider and practice strategies for moving light items (some plants, signage, water can) and build confidence in public spaces like gardens. Additional therapeutic goals are identified in THAD Alphabet Garden.  

NOTES OR OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: It can be challenging to find plants A-Z that will thrive in a specific garden zone. Some plants may be viable in certain seasons and not year-round. Some of the more challenging letters/plants: J (juniper, joe pye-weed), K (kohirabi, kangaroo paw), Q (quince, queen Anne’s lace), X (xerophyte plants, xeriscape plants), and Z (zebra grass, zoysia grass) (Tilley, 2022). Having laminated photos of plants, labelled clearly with name and alphabet letter can be an option. Or using garden related items like rain barrel, hose or watering can may substitute for some letters.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS: Facilitators are responsible for knowing poisonous and toxic plants and plant parts (more detail in THAD).

Lesley Fleming, HTR leads the Nova Scotia and the Florida Horticulture for Health Networks, leads THAD initiative, and writes extensively on topics related to HT/TH and horticulture for health. 

Kathy Oliver, Program Assistant, Residential Horticulture at UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension.  

HTR Internship Sites and Intern Supervisors Information Updates

AHTA receives numerous requests for information from students in Horticultural Therapy educational programs and applicants for the Horticultural Therapist – Registered regarding the internship requirements for registration. A list of internship sites that meet the requirements for HTR internships, as well as the list of approved Intern Supervisors, are available on the AHTA website. We ask for your help to update those lists.

If you are part of a program that is currently on the list of Intern Sites, AHTA members please check your program and contact information on the AHTA website Internship Sites. If you need to make updates, contact the AHTA office at info@ahta.org .

If you know of a program that is already hosting HTR interns and is not listed, or you are part of a program that would like to be listed as an internship site, please go to the Internship Site Questionnaire on the Horticultural Therapy Internship webpage, under the Professional Registration tab. If you have been a HTR for at least 1 year and would like to be listed on the website as an Intern Supervisor, please complete the application at Intern Supervisor Application.

If you have any questions, please contact the AHTA OFFICE.

AHTA Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture

The AHTA Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture had been approved for the OpenAccess Model and is now available on Google Scholar. Did you know that you can access the copies of the AHTA Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture by going to Google Scholar, putting in the “AHTA Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture” in the search window and to narrow down your search add the volume number from the AHTA list of Journal. Click HERE to learn more. While considering publishing in the AHTA Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture consider that as members of AHTA there is no charge for the Article Processing Charge (APC) while nonmembers pay $300. Another great way to become a member! Hoping to see more submissions that will go out to all! 

AHTA HTR Database Search Option

AHTA HTR Database Search Option AHTA has a Horticultural Therapist Registered (HTR) Directory feature on our website. This feature allows companies or the general public to search for HTRs near them. The benefits for HTRs may include employment, consultation work, presentation /information sharing opportunities, advocacy for the profession of horticultural therapy and more! Click Here for the HTR Database.

Become a Member

Not a member of AHTA? Join today! AHTA's membership is comprised of Individuals who are passionate about the unique benefits of horticultural therapy as a therapeutic modality. Members are committed to the growth of the profession. Membership in the AHTA will keep you up to date on the latest in horticultural therapy news, as well as give you access to outstanding educational and networking opportunities.               

Did you know? AHTA members benefits include free webinars and free article processing fees for the AHTA Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture! Another two new reasons to join!