Biggs Hillside Garden

Program Area: Ambassador Project, ReClaim

Topic: Vacant Land

Year: 2015, Current

Neighborhood: Fineview, Northside

Parent Project: ReClaim Northside 2014-2015

News/Press Coverage

North Siders reclaiming vacant lots with designs for community

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | April 27,2015

Nicole Flaherty is a resident of Fineview, a neighborhood nestled in the hills of the Northside. As its name suggests, Fineview has truly incredible views of the City. Nicole loves exploring her neighborhood and others with her family. In one of her many walks around the area, she found a vacant lot next to a set of City steps that she hopes to reclaim as a quiet community space.

The lot is enveloped in several beautiful old trees, and edged on one side with City steps. Many years ago, a house burned down on the site, leaving an overgrown lot that burdened neighbors of the site with maintenance. Nicole’s design for the site includes a pathway leading to an open area for sitting and reflecting, surrounded by a beautiful flower garden. The design also contains a Little Free Library, and some fun crafts created by the community.

Throughout the summer, Nicole led several groups of volunteers to help bring her design to life, including neighbors, family, and young women from The Academy Schools. Volunteers pulled out weeds, created a pathway and open gathering space in the center, built a bench, installed fences, planted perennials, and built a Little Free Library. In the fall, Nicole will spread wildflower seeds around the perimeter of the site to create a beautiful meadow.

I hope Fineview continues to grow. Grow in community events, population, new and rehabilitated homes and community gardens. It would be wonderful to see some more local businesses and restaurants also make a home in our community because they see the potential for growth and economic stability.
— Nicole Flaherty, ReClaim Northside Ambassador

2033 Biggs Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, United States

The design for Biggs Hillside Garden

On the first volunteer day, volunteers worked to pull up invasive plants, and prepare a pathway and open seating area.

Volunteers at Fresh Fest helped out by painting stones that will become part of the garden.

Nicole tamping the ground to set a bench in place

Nicole and volunteers built a bench out of cinder blocks and 4 x 4 posts.

A split rail fence adds a clean edge to a vacant lot project. Though it may seem contradictory, this edge makes a space feel more welcoming because it creates a designated entrance.

It's a good idea to take a minute to celebrate after each step of the process. The work of reclaiming vacant lots is hard, and worth a little celebration!

Biggs Hillside Garden has a newly painted hand rail

A new inviting entrance to the garden

Biggs Hillside Garden is now an inviting area to sit and relax

A widened path to make access a breeze

The hillside at the front of the lot is now planted with pachysandra, a low-growing ground cover. Next year, it should be covering the whole slope to prevent erosion.

The space is relaxing and quiet, with large mulberry trees shading the central gathering space.

Volunteers from The Academy Schools helped place stones, and seal the fences and Little Free Library.

Nicole is ready for some books to fill up her Little Free Library! Consider donating a few!