11/12/2025
Through Pittsburgh’s Adopt-A-Lot program, residents can reclaim vacant land and transform it into community gardens. Eight years ago, ELFHCC physician Dr. Joseph Weaver did just that, turning a once-empty lot just two blocks from ELFHCC’s Lincoln-Lemington site into a thriving public garden.
The lot is home to peach, apple, pear, and plum trees, along with raspberry and blueberry bushes. A beehive sits toward the back, surrounded by a variety of colorful flower gardens.
The lot also serves as a memorial space, honoring loved ones who have passed. The front garden, named Tony’s Garden, stands in his brother’s memory
“It was a little bit of an honor to my brother,” he said. “There are a lot of plaques down there. There are different trees and garden plots that are now dedicated to about five different patients who lost family members.”
When he first started the garden, it required a tremendous amount of work. He had to test the soil, clear debris, and prepare the space for planting. Although most of the growing is now done in raised beds rather than directly in the ground, the area was gradually cleaned up and transformed with trees and plants added little by little. Today, it has developed into a well-established and thriving garden.
Dr. Weaver states, “It’s basically a place of beauty in the neighborhood. There are picnic tables down there, and it’s open for everyone in the community to enjoy.”
