Talk of nuclear war, unsettling violence and environmental threats are enough to make us want to retreat to the safety of our homes and gardens. Although there isn't a lot we can do to affect what goes on around the world, I feel proud and encouraged by what is happening in my neighborhood in College Hill.

        Friends Beth McLean, Phyllis Schoenberger and I helped to form a garden club. Our group, College Hill Gardeners, along with the College Hill Community Council, Redevelopment Corp. and Business Association, are working to improve our business district by beautifying properties, improving streetscapes and filling vacancies. Much of the business district has deteriorated; one of our major intersections has abandoned buildings on three of its corners.

        No longer are good people sitting idly. We are planting seeds of encouragement and, already, are seeing new growth. Where there is a garden, there is hope.

        Our garden club's first meeting was in February. Five months later, we have more than 70 men and women attending our meetings. We have organized a plant sale, e-mailed our council members and encouraged our business association.

        As a result, several businesses have ordered window boxes, an extension of Cincinnati's Miracle Mile concept (begun in Over-the-Rhine last summer).

        We have planted our first garden around the College Hill Community sign and have the design of two traffic islands planned for the fall. We are talking about creating a community garden and market shed.

        I am amazed at the goodness and hard work of my neighbors. I am meeting my neighbors of all ages, races and backgrounds. Sharing a common vision and working together is causing an excitement in College Hill that is contagious.

        I am inviting you to do the same in your community by joining others who have begun gardening projects.

        Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Norwood's Rookwood Pavilion wants to help the gardening community. It will host a training program for anyone who would like to start a community garden at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

        Mary Ann Westendorf will speak about the Neighborhood Gardens program at the Civic Garden Center. Also at the session will be Kay Steinmetz, who gardens in Over-the-Rhine; Ms. McLean of College Hill Gardeners and Sue Brungs, gardening expert who lives in North Fairmount.

        For more information about the training program: 396-8960.

        Contact Peg St. Clair by phone: 541-4680; Web site: www.gardenersnetwork.org.

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