Manhattan boasts nearly 100 community gardens, 40 of them--according to Huff--in an area half a mile square on the Lower East Side. She focuses especially on one at Avenue B and 6th Street, describing the yearly cycle of planning, planting, harvesting, and celebrating. In addition, a chapter of special interest traces the history of such gardens from the 1890's depression, including the Liberty Gardens of WW I, the Victory Gardens of WW II, and Project Greenthumb, begun in 1978. The colorful photos show enthusiastic gardners of all ages with vividly colored flowers and foliage against the cityscape; there are also archival photos of earlier gardens and gardeners. A cheerful look at urban green-space. Bibliography; list of gardening organizations; index.