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A Different Way of Knowing: Using Phenology to Garden Better

In an era of unpredictable weather patterns, where temperature swings and rainfall fluctuations can vary dramatically even within the same region, how can we cultivate deeper wisdom in the garden? The answer lies in phenology—the time-honored practice of observing the rhythms of nature to guide our gardening choices.

This session invites you to slow down and tune in to the subtle yet profound signals of the natural world. By studying the life cycles of plants, insects, and wildlife, you'll gain insights that no search engine or forecast can provide. Discover how to recognize nature’s cues—when the lilacs signal it’s time to plant, when the fireflies indicate soil warmth, and how pollinators reveal the health of your garden ecosystem.

Join us for an exploration of this centuries-old science, learning to work in harmony with nature’s calendar. Whether you are a seasoned gardener, a horticultural therapist, or someone who simply finds joy in the garden, phenology offers a richer, more intuitive way to cultivate resilience and connection in your green spaces.

Our speaker: Kristin Krokowski. Professor, University of Wisconsin Madison Division of Extension.

Her research and programming focus is on produce safety, farmers' markets and the success of small to medium size fruit and vegetable growers throughout Wisconsin. She is a Lead Trainer for the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Alliance Training. Kristin also provides leadership for the Wisconsin Farmers Market Association and educational programs and technical assistance to farmers’ market managers and vendors including market start-up, marketing, production, pest management, EBT (SNAP) and produce safety. She works locally and in collaboration with colleagues statewide to provide education and diagnostic services to the landscape industry and municipalities on ornamental horticulture. Kristin’s B.S is in Ecosystems Management from Sheldon Jackson College in Sitka, Alaska and her M.S is in Horticulture from Purdue University. She is an avid and sometimes successful home gardener.

 

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Horticultural Therapy Certification

After many years of thoughtful consideration, AHTA is actively developing a certification for Horticultural Therapists. While some details are still being finalized, we want to keep our members informed and share what you can expect as this important credentialing process moves forward.

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 requirements for education, professional experience, and the successful completion of a comprehensive examination.

The exam, currently in development, is based on six key domains identified through a large-scale Job Task Analysis involving input from the horticultural therapy community. These domains are:

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

The certification examination is anticipated to launch in October 2026.

Who is the Certification for?

The certification—tentatively titled Horticultural Therapist–Board Certified (HT–BC)—is designed for individuals seeking to be recognized as credentialed horticultural therapists. It is expected that HT–BC will eventually replace the current HTR designation as the primary credential in the field.

Community Meetings on the Certification

AHTA will hold several community meetings for feedback on the upcoming certification. Stay tuned for dates and times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will happen to the HTR designation? AHTA will stop accepting new HTR applications approximately three months before the launch of the certification exam. After that, all new applicants will apply for the HT–BC certification. Current HTRs may continue to use their designation. Those who wish to obtain the HT–BC credential may take the certification exam, but it is not mandatory.

Will this affect the THP designation? No. The certification exam is not expected to be required for Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner (THP) applications. The THP designation will remain unchanged.

How do I know if I’m eligible to sit for the certification exam? Eligibility requirements will include specific education and experience criteria, which will be published well in advance of the exam launch. These will align with national standards for professional certification.

Will there be study materials or prep courses for the exam? AHTA plans to provide recommended resources, sample examination questions and some guidance on the examination. The exam will be based on what practitioners are expected to know so applicants education and training should be the best preparation.

How long is the certification valid, and what is required for renewal? The certification is expected to be valid for five years. To maintain certification, individuals will be required to complete continuing education and/or demonstrate ongoing professional activity, as defined in the recertification guidelines.

 AHTA ‘Growing Impact’ Youth Wellness Campaign Update 

It has been inspiring to see how the youth campaign is connecting with people. The ‘Growing Impact’ Youth Webinar Series has drawn great attendance, with high energy and active participation throughout. With new collaborative organizations aligning with AHTA for the youth initiative, it looks like another webinar is on the horizon to add more perspective to the youth webinar series. Details soon to follow.

We’re also excited to begin spotlighting standout HT/TH events from across the country, conducted by our AHTA member base. These initiatives are being designed to support youth in strengthening their holistic well-being and essential life skills through the healing power of the people-plant connection and horticulture as a therapeutic pathway.

Sponsorship for the ‘Growing Impact’ Youth Wellness Campaign and the AHTA Annual Conference

Excitement is building for this year’s virtual AHTA Annual Conference, bringing together leaders, professionals, and changemakers globally. The ‘Growing Impact’ Youth Wellness Campaign will also be woven into key aspects of the annual conference, highlighting the critical role of reconnecting youth with nature and showcasing the powerful impact of people-plant engagement on their overall well-being.

Sponsorship opportunities are now available for both the youth campaign and the annual conference.  This is a unique chance for organizations to support transformative work while gaining meaningful visibility among a vibrant professional network dedicated to wellness, growth, and the restorative power of the people-plant connection. 

More partners and sponsors to follow! Please direct any questions to [email protected]. 

Making a Walking Stick

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Participants will make their own walking sticks to represent the help needed on their life journey

GOALS:

• Recollecting the support participants needed when journeying through difficult times in their lives
• Supportive peer interactions

MATERIALS:

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS: 

Pre-Session Preparation: Cut sticks to length and drill a hole through each about 1” from the top (or if appropriate, have participants drill holes).  Gather all other materials and place outside, perhaps around a picnic table. Have one finished walking stick for demonstration. Note: Any hardwood stick will work with this activity, however they should be dry (not green) and be free of decay.

1. Ask participants to think about times in their life’s journey that were particularly difficult and recall who or what helped them through it. Tell them they will be making walking sticks to help them on their future life journey.
2. Participants select a stick and rub it down as best they can with a scouring pad removing dirt and loose bark. The sticks are then sanded to reveal as much of the wood as they want with 60 grit sandpaper, followed by 150 grit.  Drill the hole (if not done previously) Then apply polyurethane. Having a saw on hand to cut sticks to preferred length is helpful.
3. When sticks are dry, parachute cord is cut to preference and threaded through the hole in the stick.  Beads can be added before tying off. 

APPLICATIONS FOR POPULATIONS: This activity is appropriate and enjoyed by diverse populations, however it is a fairly physical activity and requires significant strength and stamina to complete.  Some participants may not realize the physical effort required until they are part way through the activity and may need assistance to complete. The activity is most applicable for adult populations who have experienced some trauma or are recovering from addiction.  If the sticks are completed in enough time, a walk in the gardens or woods using the sticks is a good follow-up activity.

Updates from AHTA