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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 January 19, 2026 

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​​

  • Water saving tips & key water-saving strategies during each class

  • 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 Class - January 19, 2026 

​​​​Session 1: Gregg Eckhardt, “Landscapes and Water: A Historical Perspective”.

 

This will be a discussion on how landscapes were maintained in the past and present with the focus on water conservation.

Gregg Eckhardt is an environmental scientist with years of experience in environmental modeling and analysis, water resource planning and development, state and federal permitting, and water treatment.  He is a Registered Environmental Manager and a licensed water and wastewater operator in Texas at the "A" level.  He has undergraduate degrees in English and Geography, and a Master of Science degree in Natural Resources from the University of Texas at San Antonio.  He serves on numerous local boards and committees and has served several State appointments to scientific and educational panels. Outside of work, he is very active in community education, providing lectures and web-based learning curriculum on regional water resources and environmental history.

​​​​​​​​​Session 2:   Gary Irish, “Little-used Native Plants of South Texas.”

Gary will discuss native plants that can provide perennial additions to our landscapes while illustrating reduced watering needs and preserving our natural resources.  

Using these plants will provide important water conservation benefits such as:

  • Lower water bills because they are naturally adapted to our environment

  • Ecologically beneficial to our wildlife because the wildlife are adapted to these plants for food and shelter

  • Their ability to define a local aesthetic for our gardens which helps us strengthen our sense of place and living in our natural environment.

​GVST monthly Gardening Essentials classes:

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this in-person event is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their gardening 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 create a thriving garden.

 

Gardening Essential Extras!

  1. No tool Sharpening until further notice.

  2. Plant Xchange: Bring in your plants to find them a new home!

  3. Potluck Social – Meet & Greet: Bring your favorite side dish or dessert to share and enjoy lunching with our group!  The GVST Hospitality team will provide the main dish (vegetarian option always available).   

  4. We have great door prizes at each gathering.

  5. Always informative and fun with "WaterSaving Gardening Tips".​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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 (https://www.gardeningvolunteers.org/volunteer) 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).

  • San Antonio Water System  (SAWS) program and rebate information will be available at this event for SAWS customers.

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

  • No tool Sharpening until further notice.

  • 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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