The neighborhood in which the garden is located is blighted. There are numerous small, vacant lots with accumulated trash, dumping, and overgrowth present. We chose to start a community garden in one of the vacant lots to show that there is a solution for blighted lots.  The lot, once neglected with a uneven surface and buried debris from the structure that used to occupy it, is now a flourishing garden that contains many native plants and attracts butterflies, bees and other insects essential for supporting our local birds. We were able to convert an abandoned lot into a balanced ecosystem where the students and residents can observe the relationships between plants, insects, birds, and other animals in a natural environment.

Carnes Garden is a model for what can be done for many other vacant lots in the neighborhood and serves as a reminder to those passing by that the resident's care about and are proud of their neighborhood. We want to make sure Carnes Garden remains a place in which residents can be proud. We need to tackle the overgrowth before it gets out of hand in order to make sure the garden is a welcoming and safe space for all residents of the community. The next door neighbor, Mr. James Alsobrook, always helps us to maintain the garden and attends every event we hold there. In the past, he has cut the garden’s grass with a push lawnmower but no longer has access to it. This year, he has tried to keep the grass low and weeds pulled but can only do so much without the proper tools. We want to provide him with a lawnmower so he can do what he wants to do, which is make Carnes Garden beautiful.