Applications for the 2026 program are closed.
Therapeutic Gardens Training Program
Overview
DUG’s Therapeutic Gardens Training Program is a nine-month professional development course designed to advance the understanding and application of therapeutic horticulture in educational and community settings.
Through a combination of classroom instruction and applied, hands-on experience, participants learn to design, facilitate, and maintain outdoor spaces that support mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
Grounded in evidence-based research and informed by community practice, the program provides educators, counselors, and wellness practitioners with practical strategies to integrate therapeutic garden experiences into their work, promoting mindfulness, resilience, and inclusion across diverse populations.
Who Should Enroll
Educators & School Staff
Teachers, counselors, and administrators interested in bringing outdoor learning to life. Learn how to create sensory-rich spaces that support social-emotional learning, mindfulness, and belonging within your school community.
Wellness Practitioners
Therapists, social workers, and healthcare professionals who want to integrate garden-based activities into wellness programs for youth and adults. Explore how nature can be used as a tool for healing, connection, and growth across diverse populations.
Change Makers
Community leaders, gardeners, and advocates passionate about creating healthier, more connected neighborhoods. This training provides the knowledge, practical experience, and leadership skills to use gardens as powerful catalysts for community well-being and social resilience.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of the training, participants will:
- Understand how time in nature supports emotional, physical, and social well-being.
- Learn to design garden spaces that invite all people to feel welcome, calm, and connected.
- Practice leading simple mindfulness, movement, and sensory-based activities in the garden.
- Discover ways to adapt garden experiences for people of all ages and abilities.
- Explore how to weave garden-based learning into classrooms, therapy programs, and community gatherings.
- Reflect on impact and growth through shared observation and storytelling.
”I have seen how this therapeutic gardening approach is positively impacting the mental and physical wellbeing of children in our community.
Garden Manager at Tennyson Center for Children
Course Schedule
Tuesdays | 5:00–7:30 PM | For ease and accessibility, the Classroom session locations will alternate between DUG Headquarters (Posner Center) and Zoom.
No class March 24 or March 31 (Spring Break)
The Why of Therapeutic Gardens
February 24, 2026 · In Person
- Benefits of nature, belonging, and awe
- Community agreements
The Garden as a Teacher
March 3, 2026 · Zoom
- Outdoor learning, data collection
- Integrating CO state standards
Working with Diverse Populations
March 10, 2026 · In Person
- Accessibility, trauma-informed care, communication, consent
Sensory Plants & Wayfinding
March 17, 2026 · Zoom
- Planting, signage, sensory experiences, and inclusive design
Mindfulness, Movement & Belonging
April 7, 2026 · In Person
- Nature journaling
- Sensory pathways
- Mindful facilitation
Maintenance & Stewardship
April 14, 2026 · Zoom
- Site care, engaging volunteers
- Building sustainable programs
In-Garden Practicums Schedule
Tuesdays | 5:30–7:30 PM | DUG Therapeutic Garden Sites
Hands-on learning in DUG’s therapeutic garden environments across Denver. Practicums emphasize skill-building, collaboration, and seasonal application. The locations will be shared closer to the dates.
Planting & Design Workshop
May 26, 2026
Apply design principles and plant sensory species in an active garden setting
Sensory Gardening & Wayfinding in Practice
June 23, 2026
Enhance accessibility through signage, paths, and sensory engagement
Mindfulness & Movement in the Garden
July 28, 2026
Practice facilitation of grounding, creative, and movement-based activities
Harvest & Reflection
September 22, 2026
Explore themes of growth, gratitude, and transition through community harvest
Celebration & Graduation
October 13, 2026
Celebrate achievements and share learnings from the year’s journey
Investment & Accessibility
We believe that everyone should have access to high-quality learning opportunities that strengthen our communities. To make this training equitable and sustainable, the full program cost is offered on a sliding scale of $250–$500, which includes all classroom sessions, materials, and in-garden practicum experiences.
Participants are invited to select the payment level that best reflects their personal or organizational capacity to contribute:
| Sliding Scale Option | Intended For |
| $250 | Individuals and small community groups with limited access to professional development funds |
| $350 | Educators, nonprofit staff, and small organizations able to share partial cost |
| $500 | Institutions or individuals with access to training budgets, supporting equitable access for others |
One staff member per active DUG Therapeutic Garden site may enroll for free, and additional scholarships are available to ensure that cost is never a barrier to participation.
We trust participants to choose the rate that feels right for their circumstances. Your contribution helps us sustain this program and extend access to others across the Denver community.
