Mike French’s green thumb means food for the less fortunate.

He tends to the Lions Club Community Garden in Henniker and ships his produce to two food pantries, one in his hometown, the other in Hopkinton. And if he has a surplus of food after the harvest, he delivers it to the Friendly Kitchen in Concord.

That’s why his friend, Marti Capuco, nominated French to be a Monitor Hometown Hero.

Because French grows, then gives.

“As the leader of the garden, Michael goes to the garden daily to water, weed and pick vegetables,” Capuco said. “He coordinates volunteers from the Lions Club and has sponsored the local Boy Scouts and other community volunteers to come and help with the harvest.”

French was born and raised in Henniker. He grew up on a farm, then built a new barn and a milking parlor when he switched his business  to a dairy farm.

His life has rarely been boring. His ex-wife bought a dozen Scottish Highland cattle, before the family built a greenhouse, called French Farm Greenhouses. He said people from all around would would come.

Now, at 68 years old, French continues to work fulltime at an energy company while spoiling his vegetables like children.

He remains passionate about dancing, saying, “I love life and I’m healthy and I love fun activities. Last night I went with my girlfriend to Lake Morey in Vermont. We saw a band that she loved and we danced the night away. We are both dancing fools.”

He’s also the town’s garden guru, with tricks up his sleeve to maintain what has become a proud element and valuable resource to Henniker and its surrounding areas.

Asked what his proudest accomplishment has been since he joined the garden group 10 years ago, the past two as co-manager, French said his ability to keep what he called “The friendly critters” away from his tomatoes and lettuce.

Woodchucks and deer were the main suspects. A six-foot fence kept the deer away, but the woodchucks tunneled underneath and continued to munch.

“At the start of one season, I spoke to the club and said that we should electrify the fence,” French said. “I gave materials to build it.”

That’s kept his crops growing and the food flowing to people who are down on their luck. Sometimes, the local Boy Scouts come to the garden to help.

“They’ll send volunteers to help us,” French said. “And in past years, the Hopkinton Cub Scouts have come to help with the potato harvests. Sometimes, families come with them.”

This communal spirit is why Capuco chose French for the weekly Hometown Hero award. It’s hard work, it’s volunteer work and it’s important work.

“It’s been a labor of love,” French said.

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