"New York, New York, what a h(eck) of a town. The people ride in a hole in the ground . . . " as the song goes. And New Yorkers eat at some of the best restaurants, reside in some of the best hotels, and watch some of the biggest sporting events. And when it comes time to relax, many of the most seasoned urban dwellers pull weeds and grow tomatoes.

Community gardens are a very important part of New York City. For several decades, vacant lots in each Borough have been cared for by local resident gardeners. These gardens are usually very well maintained, and exist in stark contrast to the high-rises and urban sounds that surround them. Community gardens are important sanctuaries that mean much to those who work them, as well as to those who live and work near them.

That is why Mayor Giuliani's recent announcement that New York intended to sell the properties to the highest bidders was very scary news. New York is in a tremendous growth mode, and just about any property, located anywhere in New York, has substantial value.

At risk were 115 community gardens. Many have grown from former eyesores, where crime and drug infested dilapidated buildings once stood. After so much work, it would not have been fair for the City to auction off the properties now that the real estate market has changed.

Bette Midler did not think it would be fair either. She contributed $250,000 toward the purchase of the properties. Four million additional dollars were raised, and the good news: all of the gardens were purchased from the City. They avoided the auction block, and the gardens will live on.

Community gardens are vital members of communities throughout the United States. They enhance community pride, provide living classrooms, add neighborhood beauty, and often provide food for the needy. Community gardens are found in urban and suburban communities.

A Trenton, New Jersey organization called "Isles" sponsors many community gardens throughout Trenton. These neighborhood gardens have been hugely successful, instilling pride and beauty throughout many urban neighborhoods. The Trenton experience has proven that community gardens are very important additions to the urban landscape. Isles holds fund raisers and receives contributions from local residents and companies.

In Olympia, Washington, the Sister Holly Community Garden Project operates several community gardens, with different focusses. One flourishing garden provides more than 40 pounds per week of organically grown produce to a local food bank. Sister Holly is also planning a wheel chair accessible and a senior citizen friendly garden.

In South Austin, Texas, the Salvation Army sponsors the South Austin Community Garden. Produce from the Garden is provided for use in the Salvation Army's soup kitchen. This community garden mixes socializing with gardening, hosting several garden parties and compost demonstrations annually.

The Fortuna Community Garden is an example of a non-urban garden. This California community garden is sponsored by the governing body, a local church, and others. It provides space for local residents to garden, food for those in need, and educational opportunities.

The Idaho Falls Community Garden places much emphasis on educating its members. An amazing 23 classes were scheduled for 1999, with topics ranging from "Composting," to "Terrific Tomatoes," to "Weed Control and Use of Mulches."

Students attending California State University in Sacramento can participate in about 50 student run gardens. The ASI (Associated Students Incorporated) Community Gardens began in the 1970s, and seeks to teach people how to become "urban gardeners." According to spokesperson Rene Hamlin, "We encourage everyone to get down and dirty." She enjoys knowing that people are getting good food for the labor of love.

" I can go on watching a 23-year old male mow a lawn for the first time, or a child sitting in the garden contemplating a green tomato, or the foreign exchange students who either love to work in the garden because it reminds them of home, or because at home they do not have the room to garden and this is a new experience."

ASI Community Gardens are open to the public every Saturday from 9 AM until noon. According to Hamlin, this important organization always needs donations of seed and money. Community Gardens can offer diverse benefits to different communities. Master gardeners can teach suburbanites how to up their vegetable yields. And other gardens can provide "at-risk" teens with an opportunity to witness, first hand, what good can blossom from a labor of love.

Does your community have a community garden? If not, think about starting one. No neighborhood ever suffers from having "too many" gardens.