World-Changing Ideas

God has planted us in his vineyard and expects us to produce good grapes.

There was once a massive parking lot a few miles south of downtown Houston. The expanse of pavement had a terrible environmental impact: stormwater runoff, pollution, flooding and extra heat. But now, it’s a garden.

Called “Helix Parks,” this set of six public gardens weaves through the center of a 37-acre life sciences campus, part of the Texas Medical Center. The parks include lush lawns and abundant tree canopies. Water features run alongside curved walkways, and gardens provide space for outdoor receptions, concerts and graduations. The parks are increasing the amount of green space in the city.

It sounds like the garden of Eden has been transplanted to Houston — hopefully without the serpent!

According to Fast Company magazine, the gardens are arranged “to mimic the double helix form of DNA,” an appropriate design for a life sciences campus. They cover a dozen acres, and a stream runs through them. Because the site has always been prone to...