In his wheelchair, Howard Neeham moves around Onamia with ease. He can be found anywhere from the healing gardens at Mille Lacs Health System to the Rolf Olsen Center, or the Lions Community Center where he exercises. Between time at the senior center and his home, Neeham may be seen out in his garden. He shares a garden lot on the Olsens’ property by the Onamia Shore apartment building.
Neeham loves spending time exploring the world of gardening and learning more about raising vegetables. Even from his wheelchair, he has created a near masterful garden.
Neeham said people come every spring and set new cardboard under the soil to help his plants grow. He also received help setting 10 fertilizer sacks to assist his plants’ growth.
He has many varieties of plants in his garden, ranging from sunflowers to hot peppers, radishes and beets. He tends about 15 types of vegetables.
With every fine garden, there is a pest. “I keep a rabbit trap out there to try and keep those dang rabbits out,” Neeham said. “They get into the garden and kill the tomatoes and flowers.”

Neeham is a rolling reminder for Onamia residents that it’s never too late to get healthy. With his weight-lifting routine, and plates full of fresh vegetables, he plans on sticking around a long time. “If I die, they’ll stop sending my Social Security checks,” he said.

Photo top right: Neeham sits and admires his garden as a beautiful piece of art. He sets rabbit traps next to it, hoping to stop them from invading.

Photo left: Howard Neeham holds two large radishes fresh out of his bountiful garden.

Photos by Kylee Conner.

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