What began as a patch of family land for raising thoroughbred horses has grown into a hometown staple for gardeners. Founded by her father, Victor Flaherty, in 1973, co-owner Sherri Harrah said Plants for All Seasons took root on property once owned by her grandfather.

A family affair: Originally founded as a way to earn income with Flaherty’s firstborn, Kelly Kock, on the way, Plants for All Seasons is now operated by Kock, Harrah and their brothers Cody Flaherty and James Flaherty.

Quote of note: “My dad made lots of sacrifices to keep the business going, and thank God he was able to do what it took to stay here because this area has really grown up around us,” Harrah said.

Staying local: Carried on by the next generation, Plants for All Seasons offers a variety of plants from pansies, herbs and vegetables to roses, cactus, daisies and tropical plants. Harrah said what she sees trending the most are herbs, backyard plants and houseplants.

Cancer Clinician and Translational Scientist Dr. Daniela Matei will become the next director of the Houston Methodist Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center following a national search, Houston Methodist officials announced in a Feb. 27 news release.

The details: Currently chief of the Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Matei is an expert in ovarian cancer treatment and research, per the release.

What they’re saying: Chang said Matei’s vision will “enhance the momentum of our research enterprise and support our shared goal of turning scientific innovation into real-world impact for patients.”

What’s next? Matei will begin her role as director in April, per the release.

Houston Airport System officials are urging travelers to arrive early as TSA wait times may exceed two hours in some locations, HAS officials said in a March 8 news release. 

What's happening? Due to the partial federal government shutdown, TSA officers are working without pay creating staffing shortages that have led to longer than typical wait times at airports nationwide, including at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).

Director of Aviation Jim Szczesniak said HAS is expecting about 2.2 million spring break travelers during the government shutdown.

"Spring break brings some of the busiest travel days of the year," Szczesniak said in a statement. "When more passengers meet fewer security lanes, wait times can grow quickly."

Keep in mind: At HOU, officials said travelers should plan to arrive four hours before their scheduled departure as TSA wait times may extend beyond two hours.

At IAH, officials said travelers should allow extra time for security screening, noting some international air carriers have recently moved from Terminal D to E.

Officials with the FIFA World Cup 2026 Houston Host Committee announced in a news conference Feb. 27 a new initiative called Freekicks Soccer.

The program—in collaboration with the Houston Host Committee, the city of Houston, Harris County Precincts 1-4 and the youth soccer community—is designed to address the limited access to organized soccer for youth in underserved communities across Harris County.

What you need to know: The initiative will construct and refurbish 23 soccer pitches, or fields, across six parks in the county, including:

• Blue Ridge Park: 13845 Blue Ridge Road, Houston
• George Bush Park: 16756 Westheimer Parkway, Houston
• Moody Park: 3725 Fulton St., Houston
• Alabonson Park: 9652 N. Houston Rosslyn Road, Houston
• Baytown Soccer Complex: 9600 N. Main St., Baytown
• Keith-Wiess Park: 12300 Aldine Westfield Road, Houston