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Learn with Andy McIndoe

Gardening for Wildlife

Gardening for wildlife teaches you how to create a garden to attract birds, bees, insects and small wild animals.

Course overview

In this lesson you will learn how to make your garden wildlife friendly, but still have the garden you want. We will cover the importance of pollinators and think about the continuity of nectar and pollen supply. We will discuss whether you have to go native or whether garden varieties attract wildlife. You will also learn about the difference between making your garden a food source for wildlife versus a habitat. In this lesson we cover an introduction to meadows, prairies, lawns and ponds. And also consider whether you can discourage undesirable wildlife.

Meet Andy McIndoe

Andy McIndoe is our Chief Blogger, and teaches five courses on the site. Andy has over thirty years experience as a practical horticulturist and consultant. He has designed and advised on gardens of all sizes and was responsible for the Hillier Gold Medal winning exhibit at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower for 25 years. A regular contributor to magazines, newspapers and BBC Radio, Andy lectures widely at home and abroad. Special interests include hardy shrubs, trees, herbaceous perennials, flower bulbs, wildlife and garden design; he has authored books on all of these subjects. A keen gardener, Andy and his wife Ros have a two-acre garden in Hampshire, U.K., that is open to groups by appointment. Started from scratch fifteen years ago, the garden is naturalistic in style, with an extensive wildflower meadow and informal planting. The emphasis is on foliage to provide colour and texture.

Course description

In partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), Andy McIndoe (Chelsea Flower Show Gold record holder) will teach you how to create a beautiful garden which is a haven for wildlife.

Learn how to create a garden for wildlife and how to attract attracts birds, bees, insects, butterflies and small animals into your garden. You'll learn how to respect the environment as you design and learn new wildlife garden ideas. As you learn you'll be creating a plan for your own wildlife friendly garden.

Choose Expert option for personal feedback on your assignments and recommendations for your region

Andy will show you that a wildlife garden doesn't have to mean a wild garden. You'll be given garden design tips for small and large gardens and urban and rural settings.

You'll learn which trees, shrubs, perennials, bulbs, annuals and grasses to plant to attract insects and birds. Plus you'll find out how to naturally discourage undesirable wildlife (including slugs!)

Andy will teach you how to provide food and shelter for wildlife, and whether the garden is a place for wildlife to visit or to live.

You'll also learn how to garden to encourage wildlife, how to use garden features such as lawns and ponds and water features and how to make wildlife habitats and shelters including insect and bird boxes.

This course has been designed and approved by wildlife plant experts at the RHS, together with Andy.

You'll learn:
  • how to combine a garden you love with a wildlife-friendly garden
  • trees, plants and shrubs to choose to attract and nurture birds, animals and insects
  • adapting garden habitats - from ponds to lawns for wildlife
  • the importance of pollinators in your garden
    • The course includes:
  • 4 on-demand video lessons - presented by Andy McIndoe
  • lifetime access to the video, notes and interactive class
  • flexible classes - join and learn when and where you like
  • downloadable lesson notes
  • practical (optional) wildlife gardening assignments
  • access on your mobile, PC, Mac or laptop
  • small interactive online classroom chat online to students from around the world
    • Time to complete this wildlife garden course:

    Every student is different but in general we think the whole course will take around 14 hours to complete including:

  • Video lesson: 2 hours in total
  • Downloadable notes: 30 minutes per lesson
  • Assignment: at least 2 hours per lesson
  • Interactive classroom time: 15 minutes per lesson
  • Tutor feedback review (Expert level): 15 minutes per assignment
    • Ready to get started?

    Just add the course to your basket above - choose the 'Expert' option for personal feedback from Andy on your garden and wildlife plans.

    Any questions? Contact us by clicking on the orange speech symbol - we'd love to hear from you.

    Our Thanks to the Following Experts for their input: Helen Bostock, RHS Senior Horticultural Advisor, Dr Andy Salisbury, RHS Senior Entomologist and World renowned wildlife photographer David Tipling, who supplied some of the images contributing to these lectures.