Ann Kent, HTM, is a horticulturist and a Registered Horticultural Therapist with more than three decades of experience in therapeutic horticulture, horticultural therapy, and restorative garden design. Her business, Catkin Gardens, is located in Vancouver, British Columbia. 

Ann provides horticultural therapy programs and services for a variety of clients including private individuals and long-term care facilities in Vancouver, BC. A popular instructor, Ann also teaches several horticultural therapy education programs in Vancouver and on Vancouver Island. Over the past three decades she has taught continuing education programs in horticulture, garden design, and floristry for institutions such as Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Vancouver Island University, Vancouver Board of Parks, and Vancouver School Board.

An active member of the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA), Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association (CHTA), and Thrive in the UK,  Ann holds a Master's level designation (HTM) for her professional registration with the AHTA. She is currently the Chair of the CHTA and a regular contributor to its newsletter.

The Horticultural Therapy Professional Development Program, now in its sixth year, provides comprehensive Horticultural Therapy training that includes a Horticultural Therapy Certificate, seasonal Therapeutic Horticulture workshops, and opportunities for HT internships. Since 2009, the program has been offered in Nanaimo as well as in Vancouver, BC.

Courses continue year round. For a downloadable summary of courses offered in the spring of 2012, please see:

•   Horticultural Therapy Certificate_Vancouver & Nanaimo_Spring 2012_Ann Kent HTM (PDF, 29k)  

Courses in the HT Certificate are usually offered in two modules, comprised of two Friday and Saturday days of instruction, making it very convenient for those who are working. Occasionally, to assist students traveling from elsewhere in Canada or from overseas, a four day intensive study program is offered.

Each course stands alone and can be taken in either Nanaimo or Vancouver. Some students elect to take one or two courses, others opt for the full Certificate. For more further information about horticultural therapy education and training, and course dates for 2012, please see the HT Certificate page.

For more information about horticultural therapy, therapeutic horticulture, and gardening  in British Columbia, please explore the Interesting Links pages.

To contact Ann Kent about the HT Certificate program or about her availability for horticultural therapy consulting, restorative garden design, or teaching, please email horticulture@catkingardens.ca