b'Theres also a significant Maltese community, many Italian-American families, and an un-official Little Egypt along the middle section ofSteinway Street. Most recently, influxes ofresidents from South America and the Balkan countries have further added ingredients to this cultural soup.The diversity ofAstorias residents is nowhere more apparent than in their front gardens. These small plots ofland that form a buffer between streets and the rows ofterraced houses burst with charm and personality, reflecting the backgrounds, interests and characters ofthose who occupy the homes behind. Perfectly manicured lawns and topiary sit alongsidechaotic collections ofstatues and sculptures; water-features babble, cascade and dancebeside neighbors overgrown trellises ofvines and bushes. No two ofthese gardens are alike, just like their owners, who together makeAstoria the special community it is. 45 People and their places'