4 months ago
53-year old Linton Jackson says gardening is a steady root in his family tree.
"You just gotta be determined to do it, I love to do it, love to dig," said Jackson.
Jackson's love shows in his Milledgeville front yard. He has a host of plants and vegetables peppered throughout his lawn. He's lived in the Milledgeville Housing Authority for several years and two years ago, they awarded him "Yard of the Month."
He says he volunteers to help his neighbors fix up their own yards.
"He helps the one's that can't help themselves and just tremendous in the neighborhood," said James Porter, Milledgeville Housing Authority resident.
But for several years, Jackson's had to use his hands as his best tools.
"They had to amputate my left leg," said Jackson.
That was after a nail struck his foot several years back while he worked construction. Now, he uses a wheelchair.
"Well, I was a diabetic at the time and it just started to get worse and I didn't go to the doctor," said Jackson.
He says without a left leg, he placed too much pressure on his right leg. Jackson says that pressure and poor circulation, also cost him that leg.
"He cares about these residents and he wants to do everything he can to make this a better place," said Owen Pittman, Milledgeville Housing Authority Chairman.
Pittman says Jackson sets an example with his own yard. He says Jackson also designed the landscape and planted about 50 different types of plants at the new community library.
Jackson says he doesn't expect anything in return but hopes his efforts to spruce up the neighborhood will continue to grow on the lives of others.
"It just gives me a lot of joy and I try to give back."
