Growing Roots in Katy: Cornelius Nursery Blends Expert Gardening, Local Tradition, and Heartfelt Community Care
For nearly a century, Cornelius Nursery has been helping Texans grow beautiful gardens, and in the Katy and Fulshear area, that legacy is thriving. Since opening its Katy location in February 2019, Cornelius Nursery has become a trusted destination for both novice plant parents and seasoned green thumbs seeking top-quality plants, expert gardening advice, and exceptional customer service.
Originally founded in 1938 by Frank Cornelius Sr., Cornelius Nursery began as a family-run business in Houston. After merging with Calloway’s Nursery in 1999, the brand has since expanded across the Houston area, including its newest Richmond location near Fulshear, which opened in October 2024.
“Our goal was to bring a vast selection of plants and our horticultural expertise to create joy and life surrounding plants to the Katy, Fulshear, and Richmond area,” said Clara Kelley with Cornelius Nursery. “We knew this community would appreciate the beauty and quality we strive to offer.”
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The Katy garden center, located at 1403 Westborough Dr, Katy, TX 77449, is part of a network of six Houston-area locations, each known for its extensive inventory of trees, shrubs, perennials, tropicals, seasonal blooms, and indoor plants. Visitors also find decorative garden accents, gifts, and tools — making it a one-stop shop for plant lovers.
But Cornelius offers more than just products. Their Pick & Plant service helps time-strapped gardeners get plants in the ground, while landscape design and installation services provide homeowners with custom outdoor transformations guided by professional designers. Whether planting spring vegetables or refreshing a flower bed, Cornelius Nursery aims to make it accessible and enjoyable.
“Our team’s knowledge is what makes Cornelius Nursery so special,” Kelley explained. “We focus on education, from simple watering tips to creating long-term garden plans. That level of personalized care sets us apart.”
The store is led by Arcadia Remirez-Gomez, who has worked with the company for 13 years and is known for her strong leadership and dedication to team success. Amber Cherena, assistant store manager and a three-year veteran, brings creative flair to the nursery’s plant displays, inspiring customers with her signature “Color Creations.” Overseeing all six locations in the Houston area is Robert Silva, a 45-year industry expert and Texas Master Certified Nursery Professional.
This commitment to knowledge and passion extends beyond the store. Many on the leadership team live in the Katy-Fulshear-Richmond area and share a love for gardening in their personal lives. Whether it’s cooking with homegrown herbs or watching seedlings thrive, the staff brings authentic enthusiasm to every customer interaction.
“There’s a very family-oriented atmosphere here,” Kelley said. “Some of our team members go rock climbing or take pottery classes with their families — others host competitive game nights. That same energy translates into the warmth and attentiveness our customers feel when they visit us.”
In keeping with its longstanding reputation for seasonal inspiration, the nursery also carries on beloved traditions like its Christmas Open House and the teaching of the famous Cornelius Bow, introduced by Margaret Cornelius decades ago. The fame of the Cornelius stores grew in large part thanks to Margaret’s elegant touch — she curated stunning home décor departments that delighted Houstonians for years. Her holiday displays, place settings, and collectible items, many of which she hand-selected from European markets, became iconic features of the shopping experience.
Today, Cornelius Nursery proudly honors that legacy, inviting customers each year to learn how to craft the signature Cornelius Bow, keeping a cherished tradition alive while ushering in the holiday season with warmth and creativity. In addition to continuing these festive traditions, the Katy location, along with its Richmond sibling at 26710 FM 1093, Richmond, TX 77406 near Cross Creek Ranch and Westheimer Lakes, is also committed to community involvement.
Through partnerships with organizations like Lena Pope—a Fort Worth-based nonprofit that has supported child and family well-being for over 90 years through counseling, education, and behavioral health programs—the nursery donates 10% of all Poinsettia sales to benefit local youth and families. It also holds annual canned food drives, supports veterans through contributions to Semper Fi & America’s Fund, and provides HOA gift card programs for neighborhood beautification efforts.
Recently, Cornelius Nursery became a proud member of the Fulshear Area Chamber of Commerce, further cementing its connection to the community it serves.
“Joining the chamber was an important step for us,” Kelley said. “We want to get involved locally and be a trusted resource not just for plants, but as a neighbor who truly cares.”
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That mission resonates with Don McCoy, President and CEO of the Fulshear Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Cornelius Nursery is exactly the kind of business we’re proud to have in our community,” McCoy said. “They’re not only beautifying our neighborhoods — they’re enriching our lives through education, service, and heart.”
As spring unfolds across Fort Bend County, Cornelius Nursery invites Katy and Fulshear residents to stop by, explore their curated collections, and experience what generations of Texans already know — that gardening grows more than plants, it grows community.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
