A locally-owned plant nursery and garden center in Northern San Antonio is planning to close soon, but with a twist.

What’s happening

Shades of Green, a plant nursery located at 334 W. Sunset Road, just south of the airport, plans to close on Dec. 31.

According to an Instagram post from business owners, Roberta Churchin and Bob Webster, the nursery will close as a retail center but reopen as a public green space and educational garden for residents to enjoy.

"There's going to be many aspects to this new garden," Churchin said. "It will be a place for learning and gathering."


The new space, called the Shades of Green Legacy Garden, is funded by the Shades of Green Legacy Foundation. The nonprofit organization was founded by Churchin and Webster in 2022.

Staff at the nursery told Community Impact the new garden could take up to 18 months to complete, putting the opening timeframe sometime in the summer of 2027.
The local nursery offers a variety of plants, ranging from tropical houseplants to an eclectic mix of cacti and succulents. (Andrew Creelman/Community Impact)
The local nursery offers a variety of plants, ranging from tropical houseplants to an eclectic mix of cacti and succulents. (Andrew Creelman/Community Impact)
The context

According to the foundation’s website, the garden will be “protected from development in perpetuity by a conservation easement created in 2023 in partnership with Green Spaces Alliance.”

"We're going to emphasize peace, quiet and learning here," Churchin told Community Impact.


Churchin said she has seen so many green spaces disapear around San Antonio, particularly along Sunset Road where the nursery is located.

By creating the new garden, Chruchin said she hopes to save the property from future construction and development.

Here’s a list showing some of the planned features for the new garden:
  • Labyrinth
  • Reflexology garden
  • Children’s vegetable garden
  • Gathering spaces
  • Pollinator garden
  • Wishing tree
  • Walking paths
The Shades of Green Legacy Garden will provide educational opportunities, green space, and community for residents. (Andrew Creelman/Community Impact)
The Shades of Green Legacy Garden will provide educational opportunities, green space and community for residents. (Andrew Creelman/Community Impact)
There’s also a rain barn and meeting or reading rooms planned for the garden, according to the project’s plan.

How we got here


First opening in 1981, Shades of Green offers a variety of plants, ranging from exotic to native.

Specifically, the local nursery has succulents, tropical houseplants, general herbs and vegetables, flowers, pottery, garden features and more.

To learn more about the Shades of Green Legacy Garden project and ways to support it, head to their website below.