🌱 The Railroad Community Garden

Growing Roots Together

Born after planting more than 20 new trees along the 700 block of Nicholson Street, the Railroad Community Garden is a collaboration with a neighbor who shares a deep love for gardening.

Our vision is to create a bilingual, welcoming space where everyone can learn about gardening, enjoy its beauty, and access fresh produce. Honoring the history of Nicholson Street—once known as Railroad Street—we’re designing the garden to “grow like a train,” with carts that expand along the block. Together, we’re cultivating not just plants, but a place for neighbors to connect, learn, and thrive.

Learning from Our Ecosystem

Houston sits within the Humid Gulf Coast Prairie, once dominated by tallgrass prairies, wetlands, and coastal woodlands. Though much of it has been lost to development, this ecosystem remains vital—supporting pollinators, reducing flood risk, and building resilience against climate change.

The Railroad Community Garden is more than a green space—it’s a living classroom where neighbors can experience this ecosystem firsthand and learn how to care for it.

🌿 What’s in the Garden (as of August 17, 2025)

• Malabar Spinach (Basella alba)

• Mint (Mentha spicata)

• Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

• Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

• Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

• Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum)

• Greek Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

• Thai Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

• Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

• Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)

• …and more, including specialty herbs like Tulsi Amrita Basil, Vicks, Cuban Oregano, and the fiery Chiltepin pepper.

Every season brings new varieties for our community to plant, harvest, and enjoy.

👩‍🌾 Meet Sarah, Our Garden Manager

Sarah combines her expertise in horticulture with a background in dietetics, bringing both gardening know-how and nutrition education to the community. She teaches neighbors of all ages how to:

• Grow and harvest food,

• Prepare meals with fresh produce,

• Build confidence in cultivating their own healthy lifestyles.

Her leadership helps transform the garden into a space of wellness, learning, and connection.

📍 Visit Us

779 Nicholson St. (near West 8th St)
Houston Heights, TX 77007

Come walk the trail, see what’s in bloom, and say hello to the garden team!

🤝 Powered by Community

This garden thrives because of neighbors, volunteers, and partners who give their time, tools, and care. Special thanks to:

• Houston ToolBank

• Wabash Feed & Garden

• Mountain Systems

• da Gama Canteen

Every hour volunteered and every donation keeps the garden growing strong.

🌻 Get Involved

Be part of the journey that transforms community spaces into vibrant, welcoming places for all.

• Volunteer: Help plant, water, and care for our raised beds.

• Donate: Your support provides soil, seeds, tools, and educational programming.

• Share Ideas: Spark new possibilities for how the garden can grow.