Paul’s red wagon exhibit at the fair

He’s a winner…every year, every time. I’m talking about Paul Jackson, the best gardener I have ever met, who takes home the blue ribbon at the Ag Fair on Martha’s Vineyard for his fruits and vegetables. His garden is a feast for the eyes. I’m not alone in that thinking. My artist friend Joni, has painted his garden not once,  but twice with a third one on the way. It is that unique and inspiring.

It could be the scallop or mussel shells that circle his trees. This is his fertilizer. He goes and collects the shells wheel barrow load by wheel barrow load. The blue hue the shells cast off and the luscious fruit dangling from the limbs is a site to behold. The rows and rows, immaculate in their keeping,  of vegetables and flowers that produce for him, his touch, year after year are awe inspiring. You walk with him through his gardens and listen to this man talk about his craft. There is a unique method for cultivating most everything he produces. He is frank, no frills, just conversing about this land he loves. My favorite quote I heard from him this summer was, “I see those people playing Frisbee on the beach. When the day is done, what do they have to show for it?” When your days are done, Paul Jackson, you have an abundance to show.

Paul Jackson, is not just a blue ribbon recipient at the fair, he is a winner in life. He has found his passion, his work, his lot in life. He is comfortable in his skin. He is consumed with the land he so diligently works and treasures.  And this man works from sun up to sun down, no matter the temperature. Did I mention he’s in his eighties? Were we all to be this fortunate. I thank you Susan for sharing Mr. Jackson with me and I look forward to more visits to this treasured space of magnificence. There is no other like it!