At 2115 and 2117 Ruffner Street, summer is in full bloom. Bright yellow pots, cheerful perennials, and lush greenery spill across porches and lawns, creating a visual feast of color and care. But what truly stands out is the story behind the blooms: Ms. Jacky and Jamillah, two next-door neighbors who didn’t just win first place in the 2025 “Love Where You Live” Curb Appeal Challenge—they helped transform their entire block in the process. 

“We didn’t plan it together,” laughed Ms. Jacky, “but we complemented each other. I’ve got more on the porch; she’s got more on the lawn. But together, we’ve really lifted the whole block.” 

As returning participants and winners from 2024, they brought not just gardening skills but deep community spirit.  

What Is the Curb Appeal Challenge? 

Formerly known as the Front Yard/Porch Gardening Challenge, the newly renamed Curb Appeal Challenge invites residents across Nicetown and Tioga to beautify the fronts of their homes and connect with their neighbors while doing it. 

Hosted by PHS, the Challenge is part of the organization’s broader “Love Where You Live” greening initiative in the Nicetown and Tioga neighborhoods. With support from PHS, participants receive free plants, gardening supplies, and inspiration—making it easy for anyone to join, regardless of experience. 

Participation has blossomed since the Challenge began in 2023: 

• Year 1: 31 homes 
• Year 2: 63 homes 
• This year: 103 homes—a 63% increase! 

Half of this year’s participants were returning gardeners, while the other half were new—many of them inspired by neighbors like Ms. Jacky and Jamillah, whose efforts encouraged nearly 10 homes on Ruffner Street to join in. 

Meet the Winners: Ms. Jacky and Jamillah of Ruffner Street 

For Ms. Jacky, this year’s garden was all about sunshine. “My color was yellow,” she said. “I used mostly perennials because I like plants that come back, but I blended in what the Challenge provided to add color.” 

As the block captain, she’s done far more than just plant flowers. “I go around giving out starter plants, mowing lawns if people can’t, even planting flowers in front of vacant homes,” she said. “When people see you taking care of your space, it spreads. Nobody wants to be the odd one out.” 

Jamillah, who lives right next door, went for a pink and orange theme with container plantings and fragrant perennials, many gifted from Ms. Jacky’s backyard. “The banana leaf from PHS was one of my favorites,” she said. “It flourished so fast.” 

Their efforts didn’t stop at their own homes. They teamed up to maintain the lawn of a neighboring vacant property and even painted a piece of plywood to resemble a screen door for added charm. “We live next to each other, but it’s a shared project in a way,” Jamillah said. “We support each other and the whole block benefits.” 

Together, the pair has helped cultivate more than plants; they’ve cultivated pride, connection, and joy. 

From One to Many: Block-Wide Beautification 

Ruffner Street wasn’t the only block to experience a transformation. Across Nicetown and Tioga, blocks with just a few entries last year saw wider participation this summer. As more neighbors joined in, the effect was contagious. 

“First it was flowers, then lights, then people started redoing their front steps or adding pavers,” Jamillah said. “It encouraged everyone to do more.” Even children got involved, helping plant and care for the gardens. 

This ripple effect is exactly what the Curb Appeal Challenge aims to achieve: stronger communities through shared investment in place. 

How Judging and Prizes Work 

To recognize the hard work of participants, a team of three groups of three judges visited every garden in person and selected one first, second, and third place winner per group. Prizes included: 

• 1st place – $300 
• 2nd place – $200 
• 3rd place – $100 

This year’s Challenge was made possible through an investment from PHS, covering garden kits, prize money, and logistics. The result: 103 homes more vibrant, more connected, and more full of pride. 

Spotlight on a First-Time Winner: Shameka Parker Hardy 

Over on Blavis Street, Shameka Parker Hardy joined the Challenge for the first time and walked away with a 1st place win. “My cousin told me about it,” she said. “I already loved planting things, so I said, ‘Why not?’” 

Using a mix of provided materials and her own favorites, like potato vines and burgundy accents, Shameka created a garden that turned heads. “That fertilizer y’all gave out? It was amazing. My plants are humongous,” she said, laughing. 

But for Shameka, the biggest reward was the community buzz. “Now everybody thinks they’re going to outdo me next year,” she joked. “People are asking questions, comparing displays. It’s fun and it makes the block beautiful.” 

She’s already planning to sign up again next year and bring even more neighbors with her. “Just try it,” she said. “Even if it’s your first time. You never know what you’ll grow into!” 

Looking to Next Year 

With 103 homes and counting, the Curb Appeal Challenge continues to expand—one porch, planter, and neighbor at a time. 

Jamillah encourages anyone considering it to “just go for it.” She added, “You’re putting your hands in the dirt, and the reward is watching something grow. It really lifts your mood.” 

Ms. Jacky, who has led her block with love for 45 years, put it best: “It’s not about winning. It’s about getting people out, meeting each other, keeping the block clean and beautiful. That’s how you build community.”