Joe Hilton’s backyard garden is where memories of his late mother and his passion for helping others come together. The 78-year-old Manning native and U.S. Army veteran grows massive collard greens each year, giving away the bounty to friends, family, and fellow church members during the holiday season.
“I don’t sell them,” Hilton said. “It’s a hobby for me, something I enjoy doing. And people appreciate it. It’s nice to share.”
The collards, a hybrid variety known as “cabbage collards,” grow to impressive sizes, some nearly as tall as Hilton himself. Planted as small seedlings in early September, they mature in just three months with proper watering and care. Hilton tends to them by hand, ensuring they receive enough water without overwhelming the plants with fertilizer.
Hilton’s love of gardening began as a boy, working alongside his mother in her garden. “I used to help her when I was about nine years old,” he recalled. “She was nervous about worms, so I’d help with that. We’d laugh and enjoy the time together.” Today, tending to his garden brings back those memories and allows him to stay active in retirement.
