Hughey and Mary Linam take pride in their lovely garden. (Democrat photo/Ryan Rogers) [Click to enlarge]

Hughey and Mary Linam are well-known for the high levels of energy they possess even into their golden years. Not only has the couple operated their own upholstery business for 42 years, they also maintain one of the most meticulously kept yards and gardens in Rector.

Hughey, 93, and Mary, 94, maintain very active lifestyles. Their hard work and patience has made their garden one of the consistently strongest producing in town.

The couple's outdoor pageantry stems from Hughey's passion for the work.

"I was raised on a farm," Hughey said. "I've grown things all my life. I like to fool around with my garden. I'm probably out here everyday doing something. I might come outside at just about any time and pick up a hoe or water it a little. I like being outside."

There are other benefits to having a garden as productive as the Linams'.

"We like all those good vegetables," Hughey said.

Though Hughey wasn't certain if he had a particularly favorite crop, there was no hesitation in his reply when it came to Mary's preference.

"She loves tomatoes. I like them, too, but I think she'd have me do away with a few of the others to make room for more tomatoes."

The couple has several different fruits and vegetables growing in their garden. Currently, their raising green beans, Shelley Beans, baby lima beans, black-eyed peas, cucumbers, cantaloupe, tomatoes, okra and corn. They've already raised a crop of green onions this season and are now using that space for other growth.

While Hughey does much of the outdoor work, Mary is called upon to assist him from time to time. Hughey has macular degeneration and sometimes needs a little help from Mary's eyes.

Mary also prepares the entire garden's yield for either the dinner table or cold storage. She has two deep freezes which store the excess fruit and vegetables for future meals.

"We're able to eat corn and tomatoes all year," Hughey said. "We stock those freezers as full as we can get them."

Today, there seem to be no shortages for supposed "revolutionary" garden tools and additives. However, Hughey says he keeps his preparation and care simple and effective.

"I usually start around the last of March, first of April. I don't do anything much to the soil. I just fertilize and till it."

Hughey says the garden isn't prey to the typical sorts of pest many other growers are forced to deal with. While he doesn't have much concern for insects, there are some other nuisances which show up from time to time.

"When the corn's ready to come off, I've had a little trouble with 'coons before. It's not too bad. I get the corn inside as soon as it's ready."

Hughey says he has no intentions of putting away his gardening tools any time soon.

"I'll have a garden as long as I can. I won't stop unless I have to. I guess it's just in my blood."