This workshop will help you learn about ways to care for your soil in all types of landscapes. Take a walk down the organic fertilizer and amendment aisle with Eco Centro's knowledgeable team as they describe how to prepare and maintain healthy, viable hydrophilic soils for a vibrant garden. This well-developed workshop will help people […]
Come to Mitchell Lake at night to help us celebrate National Moth Week! National Moth Week is a worldwide community science project celebrating moths’ beauty, diversity & ecological importance. Moths are nature’s secret night pollinators and a great food source for many birds. As we search our lights around the porch for moths, we will […]
Join Jake Aalfs for another stroll through his San Antonio yard to explore native flora and fauna. Four years ago to the day, Jake presented at our monthly meeting on Zoom, his yard and plant care philosophy. Now we look back and compare how the yard has evolved and answer the questions of what has […]
"Bringing the Natural World Home Using Native Plants: A Personal Journey" Educator and naturalist Craig Hensley has long been an advocate for converting residential biological deserts to natural habitats. In 2018, he and his wife, Master Naturalist Terry Lashley, began a quest to convert most of their yard in Boerne to native plants with the […]
Bexar County Master Gardener Candy Roach will present on the proper techniques to propagate specific plants. Candy will recommend which plants are easiest to propagate along with the various methods to use for different plant types. Most of the plants that Nancy uses are native or adapted plants, and she will explain why these plants […]
Composting is one of the best ways to reduce our own waste, produce new life for plants, drastically improve soil quality, increase moisture retention, and so much more. Closing the waste loop is critical to becoming more sustainable, and it is super easy to do! Participants will learn about various composting methods that can be […]
Get outside in celebration of World Nature Conservation Day and enjoy free entry all day at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center. Participate in the conservation of our natural world, and take home native plant educational material to learn what plants would work best to attract birds and pollinators to your space.
Roses are red, violets are blue, do those thorny beauties mystify you? Green Spaces Alliance is ready to talk roses! Join us as we go over fundamentals of growing and maintaining roses in San Antonio. What care is needed, what can you expect, and which varieties are best for our local climate? Join us to […]
Design and implement landscapes that work! Learn valuable techniques to develop landscapes that are made to last and function sustainably with local ecosystems. A properly designed sustainable landscape should be beautiful and eco-friendly, while saving resources and requiring minimal maintenance. Keep water on your property, reduce localized flooding, manage stormwater flows, design for conservation and […]
Beat the heat with a bird-friendly iced coffee in Mitchell Lake’s Visitor Center! Learn how the coffee that we sell in our gift shop benefits birds and wildlife. While we sip, we’ll discuss some ways to make your own space more inviting for birds with native plants and water features.
Texas summers can make our gardens look dry and tired, leaving gardeners wondering if their plants will recover. The great news is that with proper pruning techniques, drought tolerant and native perennials can bloom again in the fall just in time for fall pollinators! Care and safe use of pruners and hand tools will be […]
Learn native plant landscaping techniques by joining members of the community at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center as they work in the area around the Visitor Center. MLAC depends on amazing volunteers to help manage the habitat; tasks can involve trail maintenance, removal of invasive species, and planting native plants for birds and butterflies depending on […]
Gardening is one of the most exciting and rewarding lifestyle changes one can implement. But where do you start? There is so much to know and learn. In this workshop we will will start with the basics. Learn about the most common types of gardens, soil types, amendments, how to conserve water while gardening and […]
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this in-person event is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their gardening skills. Gardening Essentials includes two presentations on the third Monday of every month. You'll have the opportunity to learn from expert gardeners and fellow gardening enthusiasts, who will share their knowledge and tips on various […]
This is a basic introduction to water conservation in the home landscape. Bexar County Master Gardener, Lynn Cox, will explain how much to water trees, shrubs, plants, and turf, as well as the proper and most water efficient methods to applying water. Lynn will demonstrate how to test the soil moisture using a long shafted […]
Feeling overwhelmed when tasked with plant selection for your landscape? Our local nurseries are chock full of every plant you can imagine, but if you’ve finally narrowed your focus to creating a water-wise habitat; why not start with tried-and-true native plants? This workshop is designed to get you going on a solid plant list for […]
Join us this fall for an engaging and informative workshop on how to enhance your garden with native plants! Fall is the ideal time to plant native plants, thanks to the cooler temperatures that benefit both gardeners and plants alike. As the heat of summer wanes, the milder weather makes gardening more enjoyable and less […]
Asexual plant propagation is the process of creating new plants from an existing plant. Join Bexar County Master Gardener Bill Swantner as he shares tips and techniques for several of the many methods of asexual plant propagation.
Explore many sustainable gardening practices in the San Antonio Botanical Garden on this seasonally changing walking tour. Learn about native plants, rain gardens, and sustainable architecture. Explore more ways to conserve our local resources through sustainable practices. $15 ($10 SABOT members.) Registration open until tour fills.
Beneficial insects do more than just pollinate. Many are predators, parasitoids, and recyclers. Join AgriLife Extension Entomologist Molly Keck as she shares the identification and food sources of beneficial insects, with a heavy focus on predators, parasitoids and recyclers.
With so many plants to chose from how do you narrow it down? Join David Rodriquez, AgriLife Extension Service Horticulturist, as he shares his favorite top ten landscape plants for the Bexar County and surrounding area and how to grow them. David Rodriguez has been involved in the San Antonio and Texas Gardening/Landscaping scene for […]
Shade and ornamental trees are the most valuable plants in your landscape and live the longest. Getting them off to a good start and caring for them properly will extend their lives and provide your landscape with trees that are both functional and beautiful. Join Lynn Cox, BCMG, as she explains the best recommendations and […]
Think roses are hard to grow? Think again! Join Bexar County Master Gardener Candy Roach as she shares what makes a rose an Earth-Kind rose and why you should consider adding them to your garden. She will cover their planting and care needs plus introduce you to a wide array of beautiful roses that are […]
Hardy, native, wildlife-friendly, beautiful! These are just some of the traits that have gardeners wild about wildflowers! Join Bexar County Master Gardener Kathy Breniman as she shares tips and techniques that will help you establish your own wildly wonderful wildflower garden.
Fall is the perfect time for working in the vegetable garden or preparing for spring wildflowers! Taste something delicious and fresh in the Outdoor Teaching Kitchen and stop by activity tables featuring leaf pile jumping, water conservation, amazing Texas native trees, and planting activities! Fee: Adults $22, children 3-13 $15, SABOT members free.
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 […]
(Rescheduled to the 3rd Saturday this month.) Learn native plant landscaping techniques by joining members of the community at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center as they work in the area around the Visitor Center. MLAC depends on amazing volunteers to help manage the habitat; tasks can involve trail maintenance, removal of invasive species, and planting native […]
What does it take to create a haven for hummingbirds? Join Green Spaces Alliance and the San Antonio River Authority so you can learn how to host hummingbirds naturally in your yard or container garden. Presenter Lee Marlowe will highlight the best native plants and practices that attract and support hummingbirds during this virtual lunch […]
Grow your understanding of best practices for starting a backyard composting effort. Learn about different methods, systems, and water-saving effects that make residential composting beneficial. We'll use our senses to identify what healthy compost can be and do for our gardens. Turn your home's food scraps into a resource!
Are you looking to cook high quality hot compost? If so, this online workshop is for you: join Eco Centro for a deep dive into a super effective, time tested method for producing high quality hot compost. We'll get into the process, science, feedstocks, inoculants, ""pro tips"", and much more.
Butterfly gardens are carefully created habitats that provide food and shelter for butterflies as well as vibrant plants. Cultivating a lively garden for butterflies to provide seasonal delight is easy and entertaining. Join us as and learn about the plants that butterflies are attracted to in San Antonio and how to design a habitat with […]
Grow your understanding of best practices for starting backyard composting. Learn about different composting methods, tools and systems that make residential composting possible. Learn to use your senses to identify healthy compost and gather an understanding of how compost can be used in a home garden. Get ready to turn home food scraps into a […]
Gardening in Bexar County often means identifying, understanding, amending, and protecting our soil that can range from beach sand to a thick “gumbo” clay soil. Poor soil can be amended to maximizes water usage while minimizing fertilizer & pesticide usage. However, even the richest soil needs protection from the brutal sun, oppressive heat, and wind. […]
Two local authors will share their personal journeys of interest in butterflies that grew into research quests and sharing what they discovered along with the methods of utilizing native plants and methods to reduce utilization of natural resources including water conservation. Merry Langlinais will share her photographs and observations of butterflies and native plants together; […]
Texas weather is tough on lawns. Dig in and learn how to redesign a home lawn and landscape. Make it ready for the heat of summer and water restrictions. Fee: $17 ($12 for SABOT members). Registration ends when class fills. Instructor: John Hamilton, Conservation Educator, San Antonio Botanical Garden
Celebrate Día del Árbol: Texas Arbor Day Celebration at Mission Marquee Plaza (3100 Roosevelt Ave) on Saturday, November 2 from 9 a.m. - noon. This free event celebrates San Antonio’s urban forest with interactive demonstrations, crafts, shows, nature activities, and tree care resources and info. Over 1,000 1-gallon trees will be given away while supplies […]
Join Michael Eason, Associate Director of Conservation and Collections for this workshop where guests will learn about the Flora of East Texas, including intriguing common and rare native and adapted plants of the region. Come ready to learn curious tidbits on pollination biology, etymology, seed dispersal, and biogeography. The class may include an outdoor learning […]
Butterfly gardens are carefully created habitats that provide food and shelter for butterflies as well as vibrant plants. Cultivating a lively garden for butterflies to provide seasonal delight is easy and entertaining. Join us as and learn about the plants that butterflies are attracted to in San Antonio and how to design a habitat with […]
Join Eco Centro for the newest addition to the propagation series presented by Rose Flores, Director. This workshop will dive into the anatomy and physiology of woody-stemmed native plants and what steps and materials you will need to propagate them. Participants should be ready to get their hands dirty with some hands-on demonstrations. This workshop […]
Join us for an educational workshop focused on fall and winter bird feeding and the fascinating world of avian observation! Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or just starting out, this workshop will provide you with valuable insights into attracting and caring for our feathered friends during the colder months with supplemental food and native plants. […]
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 […]
Join Michael Eason, Associate Director of Conservation and Collections for this workshop where guests will learn about Flora of Coastal Texas, including intriguing common and rare native and adapted plants of the region. Come ready to learn curious tidbits on pollination biology, etymology, seed dispersal, and the biogeography of the plants of each ecoregion. The […]
Make a difference for the birds and join Mitchell Lake staff and other members of the community to help manage our garden habitat! This can involve trail maintenance, removal of invasive species, and planting native plants for birds and butterflies, depending on the tasks of the day. All training provided. This is a great way […]
(NEW DATE!) Winter brings a chance to assess and perform some pruning on our shrubs/trees around the yard. Come learn the basics of tree maintenance! In this workshop, homeowners will learn the basic techniques of pruning trees in their own yards in the winter months. Participants will learn to 1) identify the basic parts of […]
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 […]
Bees are some of our most important pollinators in Texas. However, the loss of habitat, pesticide use, and other causes have put pressure on their population. Join Candy Roach, Bexar County Master Gardener to learn how you, as a home gardener, can make a difference for these special pollinators.
In January's special edition of Gardening Essentials, faith-based groups will share how they have invited the public to share their spaces by turning lawns and parking lots into gardens, trails and community spaces where non-church members can thrive with them: "CIELO Gardens: Cultivating Cultural Connections and Affordable Nutrition" will be presented by Jen Yáñez-Alaniz, CIELO […]
Many garden plants may be sleeping in January, but your soil shouldn't be! Winter is a critical time to ensure that your garden soil is ready for spring planting. Join Green Spaces Alliance to learn how to make the most of the cold weather. Guests will be guided through a hands-on exploration of the basic […]
In this workshop we will cover the basic materials needed to start seeds of plants native to this region, as well as a few techniques to ensure your seeds have the best environment germinate. We will discuss some common mistakes new gardeners make, how to create your own propagation station, and what to do once […]
Open to the public! San Antonio Exotic Plant Collective's plant swap and sale is a community-building event. Be ready to spend your evening meeting and talking to a growing community of exotic plant enthusiasts. Bring your plants and cuttings to trade at our swap table. Local Growers and plant vendors will line the event hall, […]
Gardening in Bexar County often means identifying, understanding, amending, and protecting our soil that can range from beach sand to a thick “gumbo” clay soil. Poor soil can be amended to maximizes water usage while minimizing fertilizer & pesticide usage. However, even the richest soil needs protection from the brutal sun, oppressive heat, and wind. […]
February is a great time to start germinating seeds and splitting plants. But how can you grow things successfully from seed, and which plants can be readily propagated? Join Green Spaces Alliance for a one-hour workshop to learn how you can start prepping your spring plantings now. Guests will learn about the basic science behind […]
Our region’s unique climate and soil poses numerous challenges for home gardeners. Earth-Kind Landscaping techniques use research-proven practices to overcome these challenges. In this Bexar County Master Gardener landscape workshop, Lynn Cox will share methods to provide for a beautiful and resilient home landscape while preserving and protecting the environment. This session will take place […]
Make a difference for the birds and join Mitchell Lake staff and other members of the community to help manage our garden habitat! This can involve trail maintenance, removal of invasive species, and planting native plants for birds and butterflies, depending on the tasks of the day. All training provided. This is a great way […]
What can compost do for your garden? How do you know what to compost? What does the composting process look like? Get answers to these questions and more at this upcoming workshop! Local expert Matthew Chandler will teach guests about the composting process and its benefits using Beacon Hill Community Garden's newly built composting bays.
Shade and ornamental trees are the most valuable plants in your landscape and live the longest. Getting them off to a good start and caring for them properly will extend their lives and provide your landscape with trees that are both functional and beautiful. Master Gardener, Marybeth Parsons will explain how to care for trees […]
Robin Norton of Rainbow Gardens will hold two workshops relating to "Accessible Gardening". 1: Join us for an informative class designed to explore a variety of gardening solutions that make growing plants and cultivating green spaces accessible to individuals of all ages and abilities. Whether you are a gardener using a wheelchair, someone with limited […]
In this fun and engaging workshop, participants will explore the principles of Permaculture, designed specifically for the Texas climate. Learn how to design resilient, sustainable gardens that thrive in the Lone Star State’s unique conditions, using water-saving techniques, drought-resistant plants, and natural pest control. Plus, enjoy a Texas-inspired food demo showcasing local, seasonal ingredients from […]
Humans have been harvesting and saving seeds for millennia. How can modern gardeners continue the practice today, and why is it an important component of a sustainable home or community garden? Join Green Spaces Alliance to learn about seed saving, from its historic roots to its increasing relevance in the modern era. Guests will be […]
Learn how to grow new plants and help conserve Texas native plant species with the Native Plant Society of Texas through this two-hour propagation class! We’ll start by discussing the different ways plants can be propagated, then dive into a hands-on session using Texas native plants you can take home to grow. Promoting the use […]
Landscape designer Luke Hoy presents how to grow confidence and understanding of the garden design process. In this presentation and hands-on workshop, participants can discover how to translate inspiration into a design plan by combining design visualization skill building and horticultural recommendations. Come ready to explore personal inspirations and to make them into a garden […]
Gardening is one of the most exciting and rewarding lifestyle changes one can implement. But where do you start? There is so much to know and learn. For this in-person workshop we will start with the basics: Learn about the most common types of gardens, soil types, amendments, and we will answer as many questions […]
Get ready to "bee" the boss of your landscape when SAWS Spring Bloom bursts on the scene Saturday, March 8! This year's event is all about "bee-ing" mindful of your water use – and learning how the plants you choose for your landscape can save water and help pollinators thrive. SAWS is ready to help […]
Learn how to use your leaves, grass clippings and vegetable scraps to strengthen the soil in your garden, beds, and lawn. Join Bill Swantner, Bexar County Master Gardener as he reveals the tips, techniques, and benefits of backyard composting. Butch will also discuss the various methods and requirements for backyard composting.
Earth-Kind Landscaping uses research-proven techniques to provide for a beautiful and resilient landscape while preserving and protecting the environment. Lynn Cox, Bexar County Master Gardener, will share these principles and explain about our region’s unique climate and how it affects gardening as well as how to implement the methods in an individual landscape.
Ground covers can be an important element in your home landscape. They can serve as a “living mulch”, retaining moisture, suppressing weeds, and moderating soil temperatures. They provide an alternative to turfgrass, particularly when it is in shade. And they can provide habitat for your butterflies, bees, and other pollinators! Join Lynn Cox, Bexar County […]
How can mushrooms help us live more sustainably? Eco Centro is offering a 3-part engaging, hands-on workshop series taking you on a fungal journey in 2025. In Part 1, you will be introduced to how fungi functions in nature and its potential to combat environmental challenges, enhance soil quality to promote plant growth, decompose organic […]
Learn how to create a pollinator patch or pocket prairie that can help local native flora and fauna while conserving water. Join avid native plant gardener and restoration ecologist Lee Marlowe as she teaches the basics for planning, designing, installing, and maintaining a little patch of pollinator paradise. Fee: $20 ($15 SABOT members). Advance registration required.