Bees are Nature's Pollination Machines!

Beginning with a brief history of humans and bees, explore why honey bees have taken the forefront of our attention for so long. However, the bees that need our help are the 4,000 species of wild native bees in North America (and 20,000 or so species around the world!) Learn about the lives of these pollination machines through an exploration of common North American species and the habitat each requires for nesting and survival.

Pest Control and Pollination

Wasps are some of the most essential insects in our ecosystem, accounting for around 50% of insect-on-insect predation. Discover how these dynamic creatures offer some of the best pest control possible to your garden while offering secondary pollinator services at the same time! Similar to native bees, there are around 4,000 species of wasps in North America. The vast majority of wasps are solitary and many couldn't sting you even if they tried. Learn why wasps are essential components of a garden and the surrounding environment.

From Eating Everything to Extraordinary

As we all know, the caterpillar comes before the butterfly or moth, you can’t have one without the other! Learn about the fascinating life cycles and essential roles of butterflies and moths, from egg to adult. Take a crash course on common host and nectar plants, and explore ways to attract and support these beautiful creatures in your garden through a review of common North American species and their necessary habitat.

Flies, Birds, Beetles, Bats, Ants, Rodents, Reptiles and More

Bees and butterflies tend to get all the attention, but there are tons of other beneficial wildlife you should look to support as a part of the ecosystem around you. Each animal plays an essential role in the environment and by ensuring your property caters to a wider number of creatures, your space will attract even more backyard helpers. Enjoy an overview of many common creatures found in our landscapes and what you can do to make sure they not only survive but thrive.

Size, Shape, and Scope Matters

Not all plants are created equal! Explore the best ways to discern the strongest plants for your region and to support and attract the widest variety of wildlife. Review bloom shapes, leaf chemicals, best planting practices, and more to support and attract different species. In addition to general practice, this course takes a deep dive into the best care for native plants, how to tackle invasive plants, and delves into which plant cultivars you should definitely avoid.

Pesticides, Soil Health, and Rising Co2 Levels

Some of the biggest issues our global ecosystem faces lie beneath the surface or lurk invisibly around us. Learn how various types of pesticides are wreaking havoc not only on the creatures and plants they come into contact with but what is happening when those pesticides combine inside animals and within our soil, sometimes even leaching into the water table and surrounding areas. In addition, take a brief look at how rising Co2 levels are affecting the environment, from plant growth to insect health.

Nature Focused Landscaping

Combining all of the lessons learned, get an inside look at how to approach transitioning and transforming your space into an oasis for local beneficial wildlife. This course provides students with a basic understanding of how to start designing their spaces with wildlife in mind, with advice on which steps are the most important to take first depending on your outdoor situation.

Explore common invasive plants in the Southeastern region, the best methods to remove them from landscapes, and native options to replace them.

Establish an overview of common drainage problems found in and around gardens, along with their most likely causes. Review multiple techniques to slow, control, and minimize stormwater runoff used in combination with native plants.

Introduce students to the use of IPM plans for the home, garden, and larger-scale operations, with examples of plans to use for each. Review the differences between cultural, mechanical, chemical, and other pest management approaches.

Enjoy a detailed review of the best hand tools to use in your yard, while also exploring industry tips and tricks that can make the job faster and safer for your plants.

Review methods and specific plants to be used as companion plants. Whether as trap plants, deterrent plants, plants to boost soil health, or more, explore a list of some of the most powerful companion plants and also a list of plants you should avoid planting together if possible.

Overview of techniques to create a garden space that is welcoming to pollinators, with adequate forage and nesting sites, while also being full of plants that can be used by humans to soothe ailments. A garden full of plants as beneficial to pollinators and wildlife as they are to you.

This course will teach students how and when to relocate a social wasp nest after it has been constructed, giving the gardener a chance to keep these important pest controllers around while also moving the wasps out of heavily human-trafficked areas.

Spriggly's Course for Kids

This bonus course for kids can be purchased separately, or as a part of the Gardening for the Planet Course Series!  Enjoy an interactive book reading of Spriggly's children's book,  Finding Home: A Story of a Mason Bee, followed by dynamic video lessons featuring movement activities, call and response, downloadable activities, and more. 

Triple N System: Native Plants, Native Pollinators, No Pesticides

This course offers a brief overview of the topics expanded on throughout the entire series and provides an opportunity for you to meet your instructors, Brannen Basham and Jill Jacobs, owners of Spriggly's Beescaping.