Gardening Volunteers of South Texas
Gardening Essentials
Monday, January 19, 2026
12 noon to 3:00 p.m.
Free and Open to the Public
$5 donation appreciated

San Antonio Garden Center
3310 N New Braunfels Avenue
San Antonio, Texas

Gardening Essentials will consist of two workshop classes, with information available on water conservation along with the current SAWS programs and rebates for their customers.

Gardening Essentials: Revelations of indigenous land management

Session 1 Gregg Eckhardt: San Antonio history of water and landscaping
Landscaping is not a modern invention. Gregg Eckhardt will describe how indigenous communities utilized their relationships with native plants to sustain presentation.

Session 2: Gary Irish: An exploration of little Used South Texas Native Plants for our Gardens – Experiences and Perspectives for Their Use
Gary Irish will share plants native to South Texas that are either not known much in horticulture or I think should be used more often. Using these plants will provide three important benefits
- 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.
“Gardening on the Dry Side of Texas: Drought-Tolerant Plants and Techniques” authored by Mary Irish with Gary Irish will be available for purchase for $50 cash or check. The book has 186 plant profiles, including all those featured in the presentation.

See complete details of upcoming Gardening Essentials

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, Gardening Essentials 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 include:
• Tool Sharpening: Bring your gardening tools that need sharpening! Donations for tool sharpening sustain the Dr. Tom Harris Scholarship Fund.
• Plant Exchange: Bring in your plants to find them a new home!
• Shared Lunch Social – Meet & Greet: Bring your favorite dish to share and enjoy lunching with our group! Please list ingredients.

$5 donation appreciated
Donations made during Gardening Essentials go to the Dr. Tom Harris Scholarship Fund unless otherwise designated.