Margaret Vallieres, Kingston, Ontario

All levels seem to be on the same environmental page lately, which makes the situation ripe for Horticultural Therapy (HT). I am one of Christine Pollard’s students in the new online HT certification program. We have just finished the second course, and I am finding more encouragement all the time to continue the program and apply Horticultural Therapy principles. My first success was actually finding that HT existed in Canada. The CHTA website did a great job there. Next was Christine’s program online. Online has allowed me to work through the program without the need for travel. I have even found financial sponsorship for the courses. Now I have also been approved into a multi-level government program to turn what I have into a business through the Ontario Self-Employment Benefit.

To be approved into this program, I needed to have a clear business idea, Horticultural Therapist for me of course. Then it had to go through the levels of scrutiny (jumping through the hoops).  Was I EI eligible or reach back eligible? Yes. Did I have a clear business idea? Yes. Did my employment counselor agree to this as part of a return to work plan? Yes.  Did a panel of local businesspersons agree that this was a viable business idea? Yes. Was the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities on board with the idea? Yes. I am convinced that the timing for horticultural proposals is right. Federal, provincial and municipal departments and individuals have all voiced their support for a Horticultural Therapist in the community.

So, this Tuesday I start 40 weeks of support from Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) with a 4 week in class session to get familiar with the administrative functions of a business. This is an Ontario program, but I would encourage others to look into their provincial counterparts. The different avenues for Horticultural Therapists to work in make it even easier to build a career that utilizes personal experience and skills. I am looking forward to working alongside other Horticultural Therapists to present a confident and professional vision of using Horticultural to support participants in their personal goals.  It is really an exciting time for HT.