All throughout Fall River, behind artistic stone walls, one will find hundreds of well-tended gardens, full of flowers, grape arbors and vegetables. Usually grown by men who have immigrated to Fall River from St. Michaels and other islands in the Azores thirty, forty or fifty years ago, these gems reveal the importance that farming played in generations of Portuguese families. The hard work and the fresh produce from work in these gardens really define heart-healthy exercise and good nutrition for these men, and the beauty they create for all to admire truly make Fall River a healthier place for all of us to live and work.
 

(Top row) Joseph Rego of Crescent Street in Fall River's North End maintains and enormous grape arbor and numerous flowers everywhere on his lot. The steep hill reminds one of the streets in Sao Miguel as do the lush flowers that brighten every border. (Bottom rows) Roger Medeiros of Hicks Street in Fall River's South End has been working on his garden for more than 25 years. In addition to a large grape arbor, he has a yard bordered by lush Hydrangias, Rose of Sharons, and an amazing collection of topiary sculptures including a giant turtle, alligator, frog, and snake that he has painstakenly created. He also keeps a vegetable garden full of heart-healthy vegetables including tomatoes, raspberries, squash and peppers.