For Joe Gamble, gardening is less about what he grows than what he can give away.

Gamble has lived at his Isle of Hope address for 46 years, drawn to the convenience of nearby stores and doctors, the camaraderie of great neighbors, and the simple pleasure of touring the island by golf cart. His connection to the soil, however, began long before he settled there.

Raised on a farm, Gamble entered gardening with years of practical knowledge. Inspired by a desire to share God’s abundance, he transformed part of his property into a productive vegetable garden. One particularly plentiful tomato season allowed him to share the harvest with 44 people.

Gamble created the garden himself after purchasing a tiller, sourcing most of his supplies from Lowe’s and The Home Depot. The plot also carries a piece of local history: It occupies the former site of John Rodewalt’s chicken house.

Among the garden’s earliest features is a lattice fence installed to divide the growing area from the lawn. More recently, Gamble added another fence to support climbing butter beans.

Wildlife remains one of his greatest obstacles, with squirrels and raccoons frequently testing his patience and ingenuity. Time presents a different challenge. At 83, Gamble acknowledges that each task takes longer than it once did, but he has no intention of abandoning the garden.

As long as his health allows, he plans to keep planting, tending, harvesting, and sharing.