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Gardening Essentials Classes

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GVST Gardening Essentials Class - 3rd Monday Each Month

Free and Open to the Public

 
The Next Gardening Essentials Class is June 16, 2025 

Doors open to public at 11:30 am

  • San Antonio Garden Center - 3310 N New Braunfels Avenue San Antonio, Texas 78209

  • (​Adjacent to the San Antonio Botanical Garden)​​

  • We appreciate you and look forward to seeing you - No Registration Required

  • Donations made during Gardening Essentials supports the Dr. Tom Harris Scholarship Fund

​​"Gardening Essentials"

Gardening Essentials Class - June 16, 2025 

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Session 1 "Plants with Purpose" with author Monika Maeckle

 

Plants with Purpose 

  • Can you eat it? - Does it have a fun story?

  • Make tea from it? - Does it provide a unique landscape service?

  • Does it serve wildlife? - Does it taste good or provide a health benefit?

  • Is it low maintenance? Oh, and is it attractive?

 

These are the questions Monika Maeckle asked of each plant included in her most recent book, Plants with Purpose: Twenty-five Ecosystem Multitaskers. To qualify, the plant had to answer YES to at least three besides attractiveness. Beauty alone is no longer reason enough to choose a plant that will occupy valuable real estate in your landscape. We owe functional plants–plants that do more than look good–to the ecosystem.

Native plant champion and best selling author/biologist Doug Tallamy called the book "a delightful read."

Join us for a lively session as Maeckle shares the wealth of wisdom—foraging tips, recipes, craft projects, ethnobotany and pollinator insights--included in the book. Maeckle's books Monarch Butterfly Migration Its Rise and Fall, and Plants with Purpose: Twenty-five Ecosystem Multi-taskers will be available for signing and purchase following event. Forms of payment accepted for book purchases are cash and credit card.

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Session 2: Native Plant Seed-Processing workshop with Craig Bruska,

Seed Committee Chairman of Native Plant Society of Texas

 

Native Plant Seed Processing Workshop with Craig Bruska

Take home seeds from some of the 25 species featured in Monika Maeckle's presentation at the end of the class. Craig Bruska will lead a collaborative workshop on processing ripe seeds of these plants, with envelopes and label sheets provided by San Antonio River Foundation. Enjoy sharing stories of plants, seeds and gardening as we prepare the seeds for planting.  

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Volunteer for the Upcoming Class

 

GVST is using SignUp to help organize our upcoming Gardening Essentials Classes:  "We can always use your help" Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:​​​

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  1. Click the Signup Link or use our volunteer page to see our options on SignUp:   

  2. Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.

  3. Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.

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Note: GVST & SignUp does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact us and we can sign you up manually - (gvst2002@gmail.com).

General Information about the Classes

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this in-person event is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their gardening knowledge or skills. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from expert gardeners and fellow gardening enthusiasts, who will share their knowledge and tips on various gardening techniques. From choosing the right plants for your garden to proper soil preparation and maintenance, we’ll cover all the essentials you need to know to help create a thriving garden.

 

The GVST Gardening Essentials classes are typically held on the third Monday of each month. We try and cover important topics that will help you establish and maintain a beautiful and water efficient landscape. The classes are always informal, interactive and fun. Here are the basics.

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  • Presentation(s) is from 12:30 2:45 p.m. 

  • You can bring a brown bag lunch /snack (or contribute and participate in the pot luck buffet).

  • We have door prizes at each class. A $5 donation is appreciated to support that activity.

  • You can have your gardening hand-pruning tools sharpened ($3 ea.)

  • We host pass-along plants & sell tables. You're welcome to bring plants and seeds to share with the group.

  • There are always knowledgeable gardeners there to ask and answer questions.

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For more information about the Gardening Essentials Classes, please email us at  gvst2002@gmail.com or  info@gardeningvolunteers.org.

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