Columbus man brings his garden to the community

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Summer fruit and vegetables are the best.

However, sometimes grocery stores run into problems when their suppliers have questionable products.

There have been recalls because of reports of E-coli in romaine lettuce, and recently Hepatitis A contamination in frozen blueberries.

Growing your own fruits and vegetables may be a better option.

Not only do you have control of what goes into your garden, but it’s also a good opportunity to help the community.

A few years ago, Ryan Munson was approached by community members to start a small garden in the downtown Columbus area.

“We’re fortunate that we have such a large downtown apartment population. A lot of them want to grow their own vegetables. They want to be able to have control over that. Having a community garden around was a perfect way for them to be able to embark on that,” said Munson.

Munson said a few local businesses have their own raised beds at “The Hive” because of the health benefits.

“I think that you have more control over making your vegetables and things. You have control over what’s being sprayed on it, what type of compost you’re using. You know what’s in your food,” said Munson.

However, some people are just not physically able to work in the garden.

That’s why Columbus resident Bilbo Davis has decided to bring the garden to the community.

“I’ll be 87 in about three weeks, and I do it for the old people that can’t come out and work. I give it away,” said Davis.

Davis said he plants the garden every year and has met a lot of people because of it.

“When I find them out on the porch or out in their yard, I just stop and say ‘would you like to have some vegetables?’ and they’ll say ‘oh, how much are they?’ and I’ll say ‘well they happen to be free today.’ I have had no one to turn me down… Yeah, you can make a lot of friends, really, and at my age, I don’t need enemies,” said Davis.

Davis said planting his garden is a rewarding experience.

“That’s the joy. Seeing their face when you give them the fresh vegetables. You get the satisfaction of coming and picking and knowing that it’s pure, knowing that it is fresh,” said Davis.

Louisville, Starkville, and West Point also have their own community gardens.