Couple still enjoys gardening after 64 years

After 64 years of marriage, Malcolm and Donna Patterson of Lepanto still enjoy gardening together. Here they sit amid a display of beautiful Day Lillies. (Democrat Tribune photo/Marissa Holiman)

"Gardening requires lots of water -- most of it in the form of perspiration" -- Lou Erickson.

Malcolm and Donna Patterson of Lepanto have been gardening all of their lives. They have a beautiful variety of day lilies, other blends of flowers, a few trees and used to grow their own vegetable garden.

"We've just been adding onto the garden for a while now," said Mrs. Patterson.

The yellow lilies are Mrs. Patterson's favorite.

"They are so beautiful and have such color to them in the sun light," said Mrs. Patterson. The couple has lived in the home since 1954, when Mr. Patterson built it. Their garden started out just with a small tree. "I carried that tree home with me from the school in a small bucket," said Mr. Patterson. The tree now shadows their back yard and the roof top of their home.

Mr. Patterson said he once protected his pecan tree.

"The city tried to put a fire hydrant there, but I couldn't let them cut it down," said Mr. Patterson grinning. "I protected my tree, and it's still here today".

The Pattersons have four children together: John and Cass Patterson, Tommy and Charlotte Patterson, Julia and Bob Glover and Janie and Jackie Fires. They have five grandchildren: Justin Patterson, Jordan Patterson, Laura Glover Shelton, Casey Fires and Rae Fires.

After 64 years of marriage, the Pattersons still enjoy their beautiful garden.

"Sometimes I think they sit out here for so long they watch their flowers grow," said friend, Peggy Benton.