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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 August 17, 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 - August 17, 2026 

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​Monday, August 17 hear Dr. Shaun McCoshum at San Antonio Garden Center on his most recently published book "Natural Habitats and Wildlife Gardening: Inviting Nature into Your Backyard) (limited availability).

Please feel free to order from your favorite bookseller and bring a copy.  

Forms of payment accepted: Venmo, cash. $30 per book

Session 1: Ecological processes regulate habitats in healthy ecosystems. Native plants are an essential part of habitats that support insects and animals, but vegetation alone does not provide the necessary resources for most creatures to complete their life cycles. During this talk, natural regulating processes of habitats and resource creation are broken down with easy ways we can mimic those events in our own yards.

(15-minute break)

Session 2: Creating robust habitats in our gardens should include ecology to turn your backyard into a thriving haven for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. How to integrate key resources into gardens will be presented. Examples for specific species will also be provided throughout the talk to illustrate ways we can recreate vibrant, gorgeous, natural habitats in your own yard while appealing to neighbors and friends.

San Antonio Garden Center

3310 N New Braunfels Avenue in San Antonio

https://www.gardeningvolunteers.org/gardeningessentials

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​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!

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

  2. 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).   

  3. We have great door prizes at each gathering.

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

Volunteer to help during 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.

  • 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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