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Part I of this article discusses the stark reality of urban blight, emphasizing the success of community gardening as a means of addressing the problems associated with vacant lots.5 It also explores the diverse values involved in a community’s effort to transform unused land into productive gardens. Part II examines the current issues facing urban gardens and the institutions that have evolved to address them, such as land trusts and other nonprofit organizations. Part III of the article presents an in-depth analysis of current state, District of Columbia, and local ordinances governing community gardens. The article concludes by proposing core elements of a model community gardening ordinance that when adapted to local needs, can encourage and protect community gardening efforts.