David Abrego

SPECIALTY: Conservation

ABOUT:

David Abrego is a conservation consultant for SAWS. David, a native of Panama, likes to spend his time surrounded by plants and fruit trees. So if you can’t find him at home, he’s probably working in a greenhouse. David is also an arborist and an irrigation technician.

Know your soil type

Soil should be loose, well-drained, and rich in organic matter and nutrients. But what can you do if yours isn’t? Healthy soil is the basis of everything in the landscape and garden. But in South Central Texas, soils can be far from ideal. Fortunately, our Find-a-Plant pages include filters for soil types — if you […]
How to water established trees

It’s natural to be concerned for our shady friends in this scorching heat. Rest assured they’re pretty tough, but you can help them weather the drought. It’s a question that comes up during any prolonged drought. How can I help minimize stress for big established trees during high heat and lack of rain? The size […]
Summer is a good time to prune oaks

While it’s always a good idea to paint fresh wounds with oil or latex paint, the searing heat this time of year helps protect against oak wilt. The scorching weather of recent weeks has a bright side: it provides a great opportunity to give our oak trees a little trim. While it’s always a good […]
The long and short of mowing

How often you mow and how short you cut the grass can determine how much water you save — or waste. With recent rains, turf grass is still growing fast in south central Texas. If you haven’t started mowing yet, now is a good time check the height of your mower blades. That’s because unless […]
Transplanting 101: From pot to plot

Got new plants but don’t know how to get started? Follow our easy planting guide to get your flora flourishing. With spring underway, many of us are coming home from the plant nursery with leafy green infants. When adding a new plant to the landscape, you want to plant it correctly to get it off […]
Rehabilitating frostbitten fruit trees

Even the hardiest citrus trees struggle to survive days of ice, snow and frigid temperatures. Those that do can benefit from a little TLC from you. There are many plants that can survive cold conditions, but there are times when weather is worse than anticipated and extreme freezing temperatures wreak havoc on our plants. That’s […]
The best fruit trees for San Antonio

There are several fruit trees that are well-adapted to our climate. Choose wisely and you’ll be enjoying the fruits of your labor before you know it. If you’ve had the privilege of tasting fruit collected with your own hands, you know it’s worth the time and effort of planting a fruit tree. Of course, being […]
Help your plants power through winter

Prepare and protect. Those are the tasks to tackle now, especially if you have tender, non-native plants. Winter is coming, and it could be moderate or severe. Regardless of the extremes, it’s important to be prepared and protect tender plants, especially non-native species that require an extra degree of warmth to help them survive. What […]
Don’t be blindsided by a big water bill

Recently moved into a house with an in-ground sprinkler system? Make a beeline for the irrigation controller and turn it off. Whether you just bought a brand-new home or one that’s new-to-you, there’s one often-overlooked detail that can quickly alter the joy of new homeownership: the in-ground irrigation system. Many homes around San Antonio come […]
Choose Your Water Hose Wisely

Garden centers stock an endless array of hose colors, lengths and materials. Our guide will help you find the right fit for your landscape needs. Because there are endless options on the market, choosing the appropriate water hose for your garden can be a daunting task. Your personal landscape needs can help narrow down the […]
Texas (Tough) Persimmon

This sun-loving perennial beauty bears sweet black fruit in late summer for you and the wildlife to enjoy. Many times, nature is not balanced and gives many virtues to a single plant. This is exactly what happened to Texas persimmon. This perennial shrub (or small tree) is extremely drought tolerant and an excellent choice for […]
Love Your Oaks? No Pruning After Valentine’s Day!

If you’ve got freshly cut oaks with unpainted wounds, beware. A fungal fiend could feast on your trees. There’s not much time left to prune your oak trees this winter, especially if you want to minimize the chance of oak wilt. Caused by the fungus Bretziella fagacearum, oak wilt is a disease that affects the […]
Don’t Let the First Water Bill Surprise You

Recently moved into a house with an in-ground sprinkler system? Make a beeline for the irrigation controller and turn it off. Whether you just bought a brand-new home or one that’s new-to-you, there’s one often-overlooked detail that can quickly alter the joy of new homeownership: the in-ground irrigation system. Many homes around San Antonio come […]
Citrus SOS

Only time will tell how much post-freeze care our subtropical fruit trees will need. Before you count them out, there are a few factors to consider. All of us citrus tree lovers are concerned about the damage recent record-low temperatures may have caused our trees. In the past, milder winters allowed citrus trees to grow […]
Of Moss and Mistletoe: The Facts Behind the Folly

Ball moss or mistletoe hanging out in the canopy of your yard won’t necessarily kill your trees, but it’s good to know the difference between these often-misunderstood plants. With the loss of tree leaves during winter, strange plants inhabiting tree canopies become more apparent. While some are unattractive and completely harmless, others can do some […]
The Glorious Garden: A Chat with Ms. Bee

Conservation consultant David Abrego bids farewell to the fantasy garden. But not before creating a buzz. Toads, lizards, spiders and all sorts of insects each play a vital role in the landscape. Thankfully in this garden, insects and other garden creatures hadn’t been wantonly destroyed by careless application of pesticides. It was evident in all […]
The Glorious Garden: Soil and Water’s Perspective

Conservation consultant David Abrego’s exploration of a real-life fantasy garden continues. This time he dives deep into a conversation with two vital elements. A healthy soil is the basis of everything in the landscape and garden. It was quite evident that this glorious garden I was exploring was rooted in fertile ground. Every tree boasted […]
The Glorious Garden: A Tree’s Perspective

Lush, lovely gardens brimming with intoxicating fragrance and foliage aren’t just mere fables. Join our conservation consultant David Abrego as he explores a real-life fantasy garden. Once upon a time there was a beautiful garden — it was like something out of a fairy tale. But this was no fantasy garden. This was very real […]
Space-Challenged Landscape? Contain Yourself

Beyond just conserving space, container gardening also offers portability and creative freedom. Plus it makes light work of replacing summer selections with winter color. Not everyone has yard space for a grand garden. But you can work with what you’ve got. A container garden is a great alternative for small spaces. More than just conserving […]
What’s the Secret to Gardening?

When it comes to gardening, many of us are stumped by all that it entails. But really, gardening isn’t so mysterious. There are many garden-related tasks and topics that stump people. But truthfully, many are actually quite simple to tackle. Here are a few questions I’m often asked when I’m working in the field. I […]
A Waterful Wish for Your Yard in 2019

In a perfect world, every landscape would have the right plants and use very little water. Give your yard a shot at perfection — consult a SAWS conservation expert! A new year usually means a fresh start. That applies to your landscape, too My wish for 2019 is that before starting your landscape project, you […]
Get One-On-One Coaching

Wondering how a free landscape consultation from SAWS actually works? Conservation consultant David Abrego takes you on a virtual tag-along to show you just how beneficial it can be. If you’re new to San Antonio — or this newsletter — you may not have heard that SAWS offers free consultations to check your irrigation system […]
Meet Your Water Meter

Our conservation-consultant-turned-investigative-reporter David Abrego is digging up more dirt for you. This time, he goes face-to-face with the water meter. Many people don’t realize it, but they have easy access to a pretty powerful tool for managing their water use. I’m talking about your water meter. And whether it’s located in your front yard, backyard […]
If Landscapes Could Talk: An Interview With the Garden

What would your landscape say about this fierce drought that’s taken hold of the city? One of our conservation consultants decided to do a little digging to find out. Extreme heat and dry conditions are sticking around for now and the foreseeable future. And many plants are struggling as a result. So I thought this […]
Summer Is Pruning Season for Oaks

While it’s always a good idea to paint fresh wounds with an oil or latex paint, the heat at this time of year actually helps protect against oak wilt. The really hot weather of July and August is a good opportunity to give our oak trees a little trim. While it’s always a good idea […]
Flower Bed First Aid

A healthy garden can defend itself without the need for chemical treatments. But if you discover something is ailing it, define the problem before you treat it. We share the planet with millions of beings, including tiny ones that are invisible to the naked eye. It benefits us all to act with responsibility. So before […]
Jeepers Creepers

Vines are the perfect plants to soften the look of garden structures like pergolas, walls or frames. If you want to soften the look of garden structures like pergolas, walls or frames, or if you simply want to create privacy or shade, vines are the perfect plants to give that unique touch. Vine Structure Vines […]
Last Chance to Prune Oaks, Too Early for Perennials

Know what to prune and when. Every cut you make signals a plant’s dormant cells to initiate new shoots; pruning too early can put tender new growth at risk during a late frost. Planning on pruning this winter? It’s helpful to know what to prune and when. If you’ve already got the loppers out, remember: […]
Easy-to-Add Living Space for Your Landscape

Building a flagstone patio is a lot like putting together a puzzle. It’s also an entertaining project for the whole family. Just follow our simple steps. Do you enjoy putting together puzzles? Building a flagstone patio requires you to put into practice everything you learned about puzzles as a child, with a couple of exceptions. […]
How to Care for your Trees in Winter

Winter is the perfect time to tend to your trees. Follow these simple TLC tips. Although the winter season in San Antonio isn’t very distinct, it’s still necessary to give your trees preventive care to safeguard their health and longevity. Pruning Winter allows us to see the structural details of the tree more clearly after […]
Wild, Versatile Rosemary

Whether planted in pots, or used as a border or ground cover, rosemary will serve you well in your landscape (bees love it!) and kitchen (it adds fabulous flavor to foods!) Rosemary, derives from Latin for “dew of the sea,” is a plant of the Lamiaceae family and one of the most popular herbs in […]
Sprout Some Drama

Gulf muhly grass is easy to grow and has a unique resistance to our temperatures and soils. And with color ranging from pink to purple and every shade in between, it makes for a dramatic display in a fall landscape. There are certain feelings of peace and tranquility that are hard to describe — such […]
Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora secundiflora)

Mountain laurel withstands reflected heat, thrives in poor alkaline soils, and only needs a little bit of water in return. These traits make it a great choice for xeriscape gardens. Did you know Texas mountain laurel is a member of the bean and pea family (Fabacea)? These plants are ideal for fixing problems related to […]
Summer Landscape Maintenance

The summer season can be rough on your plants and trees, but following a few simple rules will help make life easier for your green friends. Summer landscape maintenance rules that is. Summer is unofficially here and that means the care we give our plants and trees will increase. It is in this season when […]
Jeepers Creepers

Vines are the perfect plants to soften the look of garden structures like pergolas, walls or frames. If you want to soften the look of garden structures like pergolas, walls or frames, or if you’re simply looking to create privacy or shade, vines are the perfect plants to give that unique touch. Vine Structure Vines […]
Tips and Tricks of Topiary

Thinking about adding some living sculptures to your landscape? Keep in mind the ongoing maintenance involved before taking the shears to your entire yard. The art of trimming or pruning trees and shrubs into unusual or ornamental shapes — into living sculptures — is not new. In fact, topiary dates back as far as ancient Rome. But […]
Prune Oaks Now, Too Early for Perennials

Know what to prune and when. Every cut you make signals a plant’s dormant cells to initiate new shoots; pruning too early can put tender new growth at risk during a late frost. Planning on pruning this winter? It’s helpful to know what to prune and when. If you’ve already got the loppers out, remember: […]
Las enredaderas

Si queremos suavizar el aspecto de alguna estructura como pérgolas, paredes o darle forma a un marco en un jardín o si lo que busquemos simplemente privacidad o sombra, las enredaderas son las plantas llamadas a darle ese toque único. Antes de elegir tomemos en cuenta factores como el tipo de suelo, temperatura, sol, sombra, […]
Muhly grass – Muhlbergia capillaris

Muhlbergia capillaris Hay sensaciones de paz y tranquilidad que son difícil de describir como por ejemplo el reconfortante sonido del silencio; o como poner la vista en el horizonte y dibujar entre las nubes nuestros sueños. Podemos tratar de expresar en cientos de formas la definición de sosiego y paz, pero la más fácil y […]
Sagú – Cycad revoluta

Cycad revoluta No necesitas ser Steven Spielberg para saborear las maravillas del Jurásico, no necesitas encontrar una cámara del tiempo que te traslade a ese mundo, sólo necesitas ir a la tienda más cercana y adquirir una “palma” de Sagú. Este soldado legendario cubierto de esta coraza dura, está más relacionada con las coníferas y […]
Romero – Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis Silencioso en algún lugar de nuestro patio observamos a este miembro del jardín recordarle al distraído visitante de su presencia, cuando inadvertidamente su cuerpo roza con alguna parte de su follaje. Y es así cuando se inclina y en un gesto de ternura acaricia sus ramas ya que su aroma le ha traído […]
Jardín del Edén…. Continuación

Dicen que las noticias malas vuelan rápido, pero en este caso las buenas se adelantaron. Una tarde al final de la primavera cuando todos en el Jardín Del Edén comentaban acerca de los colores de esa nueva Esperanza que había llegado al jardín, se escuchó un revolotear. Y todos miraron asombrados. Eran dos plumíferos alados […]
Oasis para la Vida Silvestre

El desarrollo urbano está transformando nuestro alrededor. A medida que nuestra ciudad crece y se construyen más casas y negocios, la vida silvestre nativa a menudo se desplaza. Para algunos de nosotros, este cambio es difícil de observar sin hacer nada. Sin embargo, hay maneras de subsanar parte del daño que se le está haciendo […]
Mantenimiento del árbol

Muchas veces al querer hacer un bien terminamos sin querer haciendo daño, al decir esto nos estamos refiriendo al cuidado que le damos a los arboles al momento de plantarlos. Una práctica común es tratar de estabilizar los arboles recién plantados con estacas y estas a su vez sostienen el árbol por medio de cordeles, […]
Controlando las plagas

Dicen los sabios que el enojo es buen sentimiento, si lo expresamos contra la persona indicada, en el momento preciso, y en la forma correcta. De igual manera, siguiendo estos tres principios vamos a poder salir airosos en esa ardua tarea que es combatir las plagas que afectan nuestras plantas. Principio número uno: identifiquemos el […]
El Jardín del Edén

Érase una vez un jardín hermoso, era como sacado de un cuento de hadas. Pero este no era un jardín de fantasía este era real, muy real y estaba en San Antonio Texas. Cada uno los arboles ocupaba su propio espacio, extendían sus ramas fuertes y poderosas disfrutando del delicioso sol de la mañana; los […]
La Mariposa Monarca

Se acerca la temporada de migración de la mariposa monarca en el centro de Texas. Al igual que con muchos otros polinizadores, existe una creciente preocupación por la disminución de la población de la monarca. Afortunadamente, hay algunas cosas simples que los jardineros pueden hacer para ayudar a estas bellezas a seguir revoloteando. Por supuesto, […]
Jardinería en una Maceta

No todos tenemos un patio grande donde podamos poner en práctica nuestros conocimientos de jardinería. Si el espacio es nuestra limitante, recurrir al jardín en contenedor o maceta es una buena alternativa. Además de conservar espacio, los jardines en macetas nos ofrecen la movilidad y la oportunidad de interminables creaciones. Si no nos gusta el […]
Propagando Nuestra Planta Favorita

Cuando estamos cambiando de residencia y queremos llevarnos esa planta que ha estado con nosotros por largo tiempo, pero esta ha crecido demasiado o quizás porque el vecino se enamoró de ese lindo rosal que florece en abundancia cada año frente a nuestra casa y quiere una igual; sea cual sea el motivo por el […]
La Granada

La fruta de la granada ha sido considerada por muchas culturas como símbolo de amor y fertilidad. Hoy, muchos estudios la consideran como una fruta que ofrece grandes beneficios por su alto contenido de antioxidantes y vitamina E. La planta de la granada tiene sus orígenes en el medio oriente, en la antigua región de […]
Jardín Gourmet

Si usted sigue esta receta básica y añade un poco de sus propios ingredientes, tales como vías permeables, patios y pérgolas, usted estará en camino a un jardín con diseño gourmet. Ponga su jardín en una dieta de césped utilizando otro enfoque – 1/3 césped, 1/3 de camas de flores y 1/3 de elementos sólidos. […]
Welcome! Bienvenidos!

Recognizing that many of our new residents and part-time residents have Spanish as their primary language, we’re introducing a new category for our Garden Tips: Garden Tips in Spanish (Guia de Jardineria). David Abrego, our highly knowledgeable conservation consultant who originally hails from Panama, will write on topics that cover our incentive programs, plants suitable for […]
Bienvenidos

Teniendo como objetivo primordial el ahorro de agua y la salud de las plantas, Garden Style San Antonio, es una página que nos permitirá adentrarnos en el mundo de la jardinería y sus diferentes matices. En este sitio encontraremos: Herramientas necesarias para llevar a cabo esos proyectos de jardinería que siempre quisimos hacer y que por falta […]
Consulta GRATIS

Muchas veces, sin saberlo, estamos pagando por agua que no estamos utilizando ya sea porque hay fugas o porque nuestro sistema de irrigación está programado de una forma que no es beneficiosa ni para las plantas, ni para nuestro bolsillo. Es por eso que el San Antonio Water System (SAWS por sus siglas en inglés), […]
Sistema de Irrigación su amigo o su enemigo

Un sistema de irrigación podría ayudarnos a mantener nuestro jardín y ahorrarnos tiempo, pero hay que poner mucha atención. Saber cómo opera el control del sistema y usarlo inteligentemente, es la clave para que las plantas se desarrollen mejor y para que su uso no afecte tanto nuestro bolsillo. Un sistema de irrigación típico está […]
Opciones al uso del césped

A veces, reducir el tamaño del área con césped y llenar ese espacio con nuevas alternativas puede llegar a ser un gran reto. Pero en San Antonio, la misma naturaleza ofrece una gran variedad de plantas y opciones que permiten lograr ese objetivo: Plantas rastreras o tapizantes Barrera de arbustos Mantillo o Acolchado Gravas Plantas rastreras […]
Simple, a escala y puntos focales

Desde1994, cuando SAWS comenzó a implementar programas para cambiar el césped por plantas que consuman menos agua, hemos escuchado que uno de los factores más intimidantes es escoger el lugar apropiado donde sembrar esas plantas en nuestro jardín. Lo cierto es que, en jardinería, el diseño es un arte que combina conocimiento con preferencias personales. […]
Un jardín verde

Poner un poco de atención a las plantas que usted elije para su jardín, pagará dividendos a largo plazo – en cuanto a mantenimiento y apariencia. En lugar de crear un paisaje que este destinado a verse muerto cada verano o cada invierno, y que además use una gran cantidad de agua – ¿por qué […]
Jardinería y la familia

La jardinería nos brinda la oportunidad de interactuar, y porque no, de educar a nuestros jóvenes desde muy temprana edad. Por naturaleza la enorme curiosidad de los niños nos ayudara en esta labor. De los múltiples beneficios que ofrece, podemos mencionar los siguientes: Aprenderán del trabajo en equipo y la disciplina que este implica. Aprenderán […]
Marcos que definirán nuestro paisaje

Para lograr el equilibrio y mantener un paisaje atractivo, es esencial escoger plantas que creen un marco sólido en nuestro jardín. Por lo general estos marcos consisten de grandes árboles y arbustos, cuya función es ayudarnos a dar los primeros pasos para crear un diseño que funcione. Grandes árboles y arbustos hacen más que crear […]
Ni un camello en el polo sur ni un pingüino en el Sahara

En jardinería no hay secretos, solo hay que educarnos y usar el sentido común. Si una planta determinada crece bien y florece, es que esa planta ha encontrado las condiciones óptimas para desarrollarse. Por consiguiente, se podría decir que la clave de un buen jardín esta en satisfacer las necesidades básicas de una planta, lo […]
Proper Tree Pruning

The main objective of tree pruning should be to improve its health, beauty and structure – not simply because brush collection is imminent. When making a cut, use a sharp and clean cutting tool, and remember to clean it in between separate trees. Cuts to oaks should be covered quickly with pruning paint to reduce […]
Selecting Container-Grown Trees

They say money doesn’t grow on trees, but if chosen properly, a tree can not only improve the aesthetics of your property but also increase its value. Before you dash out the door to purchase one, there are several important factors to consider when making your selection. Your first task is to determine what the […]
A Cut Above: Cloning Plants

Maybe you haven’t considered cloning your favorite plant, but many garden plants including those sold in warehouse nurseries are clones! Cloning is a simple vegetative method for obtaining exact genetic duplicates of existing plants. Most commonly used for large-scale propagation, it’s also an easy way to take plants with you when you move or to scale them […]
Act Fast to Prevent Fungus

When a fungal outbreak is detected in your lawn, you need to act fast. Use the wisdom at your local nursery to identify the fungus and recommend a solution, such as broad spectrum fungicide or cornmeal. A proactive approach is the best method of reducing turf fungi. Start by selecting grass species and varieties best suited to the […]
Wrangle the Weeds

The average plot of garden soil is a virtual weed bank where falling seeds have already accumulated for years. Add to this seeds brought every day by wind, birds and animals, and it’s obvious why keeping a garden weed-free requires patience and perseverance. Pre-emergent herbicides are one means of keeping up with weeds. Stop them before […]
Space-Challenged Landscape? Contain Yourself.

Not everyone has yard space for a grand garden. But you can work with what you’ve got. A container garden is a great alternative for small spaces. More than just conserving space, container gardening also offers portability and creative freedom. Don’t like the location? Changed your mind about the arrangement? Just move it! And, gardening in pots […]
The Good Seed

Seeds are the simplest way to propagate fresh plants. Though not exact duplicates of their parents, plants grown from seeds will exhibit a combination of its parents’ genes, making this is an easy method for obtaining new plant varieties. If you’re collecting your own seeds, clean and spread them in thin layers and stir occasionally […]
The Great Indoors

If you don’t consider yourself an outdoor gardener but still enjoy the natural beauty and benefits of plants, then consider taking the pastime indoors. Since they’ll be growing in an unnatural environment, all the plants’ needs – light, temperature, water and nutrients – must be provided. First things first: When you bring your plants home […]
Green Thumbs Up!

Ever wonder what it means when people say they have a green thumb? It’s simple really. Someone who possesses a green thumb has a knack for gardening. But it’s not always an innate gift. Anyone who learns the necessary skills to grow a garden well can develop a green thumb. Successful gardening involves understanding the genetic […]
Pomegranate: A Positively Pleasant Plant

Pomegranate has long been a symbol of love, fertility and prosperity in many civilizations. Warriors once ate it before battles because they believed it made them invincible. Perhaps they sensed that pomegranate, in fact, contained large amounts of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Native to the Middle East, pomegranate grows well in hot climates with cold winters. In […]
The Root of the Problem

Before embarking on a construction project, whether it’s a new home build or addition of a pool or driveway, be aware of the harm that can occur to the trees on your property. When trees are damaged during construction, their wounds aren’t always visible. In fact, most often damage surfaces over time in the form of […]
Watering Trees: Easy As 1-2-3

All trees need water, some more than others. But it’s important to find a balance and water them only when necessary. In the fall and winter seasons, for example, many trees are dormant. Over-watering can be more detrimental to a plant’s health than letting it go without water. Major problems over-watering can cause include superficial […]
The Nitty-Gritty About Ideal Soil

Enhancing your garden begins with the soil. More than just a blank canvas for arranging plants or walking upon, healthy soil contains thousands of living organisms, each performing a special function. Ideally, soil should be loose, well-drained and rich in organic matter and nutrients. But without preparation, most local soils are far from ideal. Each soil type has properties […]
The Jurassic Palm

Add a little prehistoric panache to your landscape — plant a sago palm! Its origins date back to the Mesozoic era and it’s virtually indestructible. You don’t need to be Steven Spielberg to savor the wonders of the Jurassic. You simply need to shop the nearest nursery for a sago palm (Cycas revoluta). This “palm” with thick-skinned […]

David Abrego

SPECIALTY: Conservation

ABOUT:

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