Community Gardens: Autumn Pyka on Building a Family-Friendly Community Hub

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 todayHow they curate partner businesses and keep communication strongWhy 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 eventsSeasonal transformations (spring/fall plant surges, holiday market, special pop-ups)The Home & Garden Show tradition and what it means to the communityLessons since opening in 2017: adaptability, faith, doing hard things “afraid”Long-term vision: more family entertainment, continued support for small businesses60 Seconds of Wisdom: do it afraid — and do it anywayLocation: Community Gardens, Bastrop, TXGuest: Autumn Pyka (Co-Owner, Community Gardens)Learn more:🌐 https://www.cgbastrop.com/📸 Instagram: @cgbastropConnect with The Bastrop Podcast:Instagram: www.instagram.com/bastroppodcastand @wisdomhouse_txWebsite: wisdomhousetx.comPodcast: The Bastrop Podcast