In this special episode, Liana Walker sits down with Autumn Pyka, co-owner of Community Gardens in Bastrop, to talk about how Community Gardens became a true community hub — part plant nursery, part restaurant, part event venue, and a gathering space where families, small businesses, and local organizations connect.

Autumn shares the unexpected origin story (it started as a search for a warehouse), how the business survived and adapted through COVID, and why Community Gardens is intentionally designed to be family-friendly, community-driven, and supportive of other small businesses.

In this episode, we cover:

• What Community Gardens is (nursery + restaurant + events + community center)
• The original vision—and how it evolved into what it is today
• How they curate partner businesses and keep communication strong
• Why Community Gardens is built for families and kids (and why that’s intentional)
• Event and venue options: backyard, greenhouse, indoor space, stage + concerts, nonprofits, corporate events
• Seasonal transformations (spring/fall plant surges, holiday market, special pop-ups)
• The Home & Garden Show tradition and what it means to the community
• Lessons since opening in 2017: adaptability, faith, doing hard things “afraid”
• Long-term vision: more family entertainment, continued support for small businesses
• 60 Seconds of Wisdom: do it afraid — and do it anyway

Location: Community Gardens, Bastrop, TX
Guest: Autumn Pyka (Co-Owner, Community Gardens)

Learn more:
🌐 https://www.cgbastrop.com/
📸 Instagram: @cgbastrop

Connect with The Bastrop Podcast:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bastroppodcast

and @wisdomhouse_tx
Website: wisdomhousetx.com
Podcast: The Bastrop Podcast