Master Gardener

Robert Harris is a doer. He's one of those fellows who sees a need and does something about it.

A few years ago he saw the need for a community garden, so he helped start the Cape Girardeau Community Garden Project on South Fountain Street. Three years ago he took on the Red Star Baptist Church garden on North Main Street. In addition to providing produce, the gardens also provide an opportunity for youngsters to learn about gardening and make a contribution to the community.

Harris, a lifelong gardener who also is a certified Master Gardener, puts in 10-hour days at the gardens during the summer. The rest of the year he is a bus driver in the Cape Girardeau School District.

Vegetables from the community gardens go to senior citizens and others who are unable to leave their homes. Some of the produce is available to anyone in need who is willing to come by the gardens.

Youngsters referred by the juvenile detention center and from the Echo Program, Boy Scouts and 4-H club provide some of the manual labor needed to maintain the gardens.

Hats off to Harris for his efforts, and for being a first-rate role model for all of us.