Rooted in Respite butterfly monogramKatie IarcaRooted in Respite

Hands-on plant classes · Nashville & virtual

Come for the plants. Stay for the feeling.

Hands-on classes that give you a chance to slow down and get creative. Rooted in the principles of therapeutic horticulture, our classes give you a chance to get your hands in the soil and put your stress on pause.

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A group of people sitting around a long table at a plant workshop, working with small plants and moss under warm lamps
Katie Iarca smiling while holding a small potted plant

Who you're working with

Hi, I'm Katie Iarca

I'm an educator and the founder of Rooted in Respite. I hold a Horticultural Therapy Certificate from the University of Tennessee. I've led hundreds of people through hands-on plant sessions: corporate teams, community groups, and total beginners.

My motto: Plants Make People Grow.

More about my approachTake my quizBuy my book

Three ways to join

Find the class that fits your people

  • Come as you are

    COMMUNITY CLASSES

    Come as you are

    Ninety minutes to step away, get your hands in the soil, and take something home.

    See upcoming dates →
  • Give your team a real break

    Workplace & teams

    Give your team a real break

    Workshops, team-building experiences, and virtual lunch and learns for organizations.

    Explore team experiences →
  • Make the class yours

    Private groups

    Make the class yours

    Birthdays, showers, book clubs, and friend groups of eight or more, hosted your way.

    Explore private classes →

Next up

Upcoming classes and events

See the full calendar →
  • Kokedama: The Japanese Art of Moss Ball Planting

    Sat, September 12

    Kokedama: The Japanese Art of Moss Ball Planting

    6:00 – 7:30 pm · Nashville, TN

    $65
  • Vintage Tea Cup Garden

    Fri, October 2

    Vintage Tea Cup Garden

    2:00 – 3:00 pm · Nashville, TN

    $55
  • Private Class

    Sat, October 3

    Private Class

    4:00 pm · Mt. Juliet, TN

    A private, hands-on plant class reserved this date.

    Book a private class

What people say

Come skeptical. Leave lighter.

  • “Rooted in Respite provided a phenomenal experience for our team. The session was perfectly paced and truly felt like a break from the work day.”

    Syd

  • “Even as someone who 'kills every plant,' I felt successful and learned so much. My kokedama is still thriving!”

    Laura

  • “I wasn't sure what to expect from horticultural therapy, but I left feeling so much lighter. Katie's knowledge and presence are calming.”

    Tracy

See upcoming classes