safety
‘Concrete Botany’ aims to open our eyes to the plants that grow in the margins
By Sarah Asch | Texas Standard at Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)
· June 22, 2026
· 1 min read
Joey Santore, known for the "Crime Pays But Botany Doesn't" YouTube channel, says his appreciation for nature solidified when he noticed plants growing in sidewalk cracks.
Why this matters in The Bellaire
In Bellaire , where urban development and natural growth coexist, the concept of "Concrete Botany" takes on a unique significance. As residents navigate the city's streets and sidewalks, they may catch glimpses of plants pushing through the cracks, much like Joey Santore's initial observations. This phenomenon speaks to the resilience of nature in even the most unexpected places. For a community like Bellaire, where public safety and urban planning are ongoing concerns, recognizing the value of these marginal plants can inform discussions around green spaces and infrastructure. By acknowledging the beauty and tenacity of plants in sidewalk cracks, residents may be inspired to think creatively about how to balance urban development with environmental stewardship, potentially leading to innovative solutions for managing Bellaire's own public spaces. This intersection of nature and urbanity presents an opportunity for the community to reexamine its relationship with the natural world.
About this story
Original reporting by Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS) . The Bellaire surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Joey Santore, known for the "Crime Pays But Botany Doesn't" YouTube channel, says his appreciation for nature solidified when he noticed plants growing in sidewalk cracks.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS) and curated for The Bellaire readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sarah Asch | Texas Standard at Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS). To learn more about how The Bellaire selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Bellaire, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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