July at The Gathering Place: Growing Through the Heat Together

July in Texas is not for the faint of heart.

The gardens begin to slow, the temperatures climb, and both farmers and animals feel the strain of long days under an unforgiving sun. While many people spend summer indoors seeking relief from the heat, our local farmers are still out in the fields harvesting vegetables, tending livestock, repairing irrigation systems, and doing everything they can to keep food on our tables.

This time of year is often one of the most difficult seasons for small farms. Production slows while expenses rise. Water usage increases. Feed costs remain high. Animals require extra care and monitoring. Every tomato, cucumber, egg, and bouquet of flowers represents hours of work under conditions most of us would rather avoid.

That’s why community support matters now more than ever.

When you choose to purchase from local farmers, you’re helping sustain the people who are stewarding our land, protecting local food security, and preserving agricultural traditions for future generations. Every dollar spent locally helps keep small farms alive through the hardest months of the year.

Water, Heat, and Community Resilience

July also serves as an important reminder that our natural resources are not unlimited.

Water conservation remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Texas communities. As our state continues to grow, demands on both water and electrical infrastructure continue to increase. From agriculture to households to rapidly expanding industries, we all have a role to play in using these resources thoughtfully and responsibly.

Simple actions like watering wisely, collecting rainwater when possible, supporting local food systems, and becoming informed about the future of our regional water supply can help strengthen our community’s resilience for years to come.

While summer may be challenging, it is also a season of learning, gathering, and creating. We have an exciting lineup of workshops and events this month designed to help you connect with your community, learn new skills, and enjoy a little creativity along the way.

July Events at The Gathering Place

Bloom & Unwind: A Summer Wellness Evening

Wednesday, July 8, 2026
5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: The Gathering Place, 314 N. Austin St., Seguin, TX 78155

Take a midweek pause and treat yourself to an evening of creativity, connection, and deep relaxation at The Gathering Place.

Pressed Wildflower Wine Glass Workshop
5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
$30

Create your own beautiful wine glass using real pressed wildflowers. You’ll learn the process, receive guided instruction, and leave with a one-of-a-kind piece that’s perfect for summer entertaining or as a handmade gift. All materials are included.

Restorative Sound Bath Journey
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
$25

After the workshop, settle into a peaceful sound bath designed to calm the mind, relax the body, and help you unwind. Please bring a yoga mat and blanket.

Bundle & Save
Attend both sessions for $40 and save $15.

Whether you join us for one experience or enjoy the full evening, you’ll leave feeling inspired, refreshed, and carrying something beautiful home with you.

Surviving Summer: Texas Summer Gardening Workshop

July 10 at 5:30 PM
$45
With Sarah from Handpicked Heirlooms

Gardening in Texas over the summer can be brutal. Many gardeners take the summer off from gardening here, but you don’t have to.

Join Sarah from Handpicked Heirlooms as she shares practical tips for helping your garden survive the Texas summer. Learn about watering strategies, heat protection, soil health, plant choices, gardening techniques, and low-tech tools that can help your garden thrive even when the temperature starts to climb.

Participants will make and take a terra cotta olla. Light refreshments will be provided. Veggie seedlings that do well in Texas will also be available for purchase.

All ages are welcome.

Third Thursday Herbal Workshop: Wild Harvest Mullein

Thursday
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
$35 per person

Join us for our monthly Third Thursday Herbal Workshop as we explore one of Texas’ most beloved medicinal plants: mullein.

Together we’ll learn how to confidently identify, ethically wild harvest, and safely use this remarkable herb that has supported respiratory wellness for generations. We’ll discuss its traditional uses, modern herbal applications, harvesting tips, drying and storage, and when mullein is and isn’t appropriate to use.

Then we’ll roll up our sleeves for a hands-on crafting session using wild harvested mullein. You’ll leave with your own herbal creation, a recipe card, and the knowledge to continue working with this incredible plant at home.

Whether you’re just beginning your herbal journey or looking to deepen your connection with the plants growing around us, this class is designed to be practical, welcoming, and inspiring.

Space is limited to keep the class interactive, so reserve your seat early.

Incense Making Workshop

July 19 at 6:30 PM
$25 per person

Join us for a hands-on Incense Making Workshop at The Gathering Place. Discover the ancient art of crafting your own natural incense using herbs, resins, woods, and botanicals.

In this interactive class, you’ll learn about the properties of different ingredients, how to create balanced aromatic blends, and the basics of incense making. Each participant will create and take home their own custom incense blend along with recipes and tips to continue experimenting at home.

Whether you’re interested in meditation, ritual work, relaxation, or simply filling your space with beautiful natural scents, this workshop is a wonderful introduction to the world of handcrafted incense.

All supplies are included. No experience is necessary. You’ll take home your custom creations.

To register, text 830.433.4545.

Botanical Spirits: A Hands-On Gin Infusion Class

July 29 at 6:15 PM
$85
Location: The Gathering Place, Seguin, TX

Come explore the art of gin infusion in this interactive, sensory-rich class where you’ll create your own custom blend using herbs, spices, and botanicals.

Learn about the history and versatility of gin, the core botanicals that give it its signature flavor, and how to choose ingredients to match your personal palate, from citrusy and floral to spicy and earthy.

We’ll guide you through the infusion process step by step, covering flavor pairing, infusion timeframes, and creative cocktail ideas to bring your blend to life. You’ll leave with a beautifully bottled infusion of your own creation, perfect for gifting or elevating your next gathering.

What’s Included:

• Hands-on guidance with a wide range of herbs and botanicals

• A glass jar and all ingredients for your custom gin infusion

• Tasting notes, pairing ideas, and recipe handouts

• A mini gin tasting to inspire your palate

Sip, mix, and get inspired. It’s time to craft a spirit as unique as you are.

Limited spots are available, so reserve yours now.

Thank You for Supporting Local

Every class attended, every locally grown vegetable purchased, every refill jar filled, and every conversation shared at The Gathering Place helps strengthen the community we’re building together.

As we move through the hottest part of the Texas summer, we encourage you to check in on your neighbors, support your local farmers, conserve water where you can, and find moments of joy amid the heat.

We’ll be here with fresh food, herbal wisdom, community events, and plenty of reasons to gather.

Stay cool, stay connected, and we’ll see you at the shop.