Cherokee Area Council Boy Scout Troop 223 is teaming up with area businesses to cultivate two new gardens at the Chattanooga National Cemetery on Bailey Avenue.
From left, Dakota Drymon, Fisher McCoy, Darren Terrell, Nathan Burriss and Gage Taylor, members of Cherokee Area Council Boy Scout Troop 223, work to complete garden beds at Chattanooga National Cemetery.The project will help troop member Darren Terrell, of Hixson, earn his Eagle Scout rank.
"I wanted to do something for the veterans and I figured this is the best place to go," said Darren of his decision to earn his rank by beautifying the cemetery entrance where many veterans are laid to rest below the hills within the gate. "This is something the Chattanooga National Cemetery staff wanted to do for a while. The grandmothers of veterans will plant a rose garden in the middle of the entrance too."
He said the government-funded cemetery does not have money for projects like this since it operates on a fixed budget. So the Hixson High School senior went to businesses, showed them the plans and asked for donations.
Darren also compiled a team of 35 volunteers composed of Boy Scouts, family, friends and businesses to help him with the actual work.
Volunteers are assisting him in tilling the earth, removing Bermuda grass and layering top soil and mushroom compost inside two 15-by- 15-foot garden beds on the right and left side of the cemetery entrance. They will then help him plant perennials, evergreens, shrubs and rose bushes.
"We are hoping to complete 200 man hours on the project," said Darren, adding that is the requirement for an Eagle Scout rank. "Business owners were good to donate and [are] happy with the plans."
Shelton Landscape Supply donated the topsoil and Middle Valley Lawn and Garden donated the mushroom compost for the gardens, he said. In addition, the following businesses contributed to the project: Holcomb Garden Center, Green Thumb Nursery, America's Gardens, Garden Gallery, The Barn Nursery and Key James Brick and Supply Inc.
Chattanooga State landscape instructor Casey Neal and cemetery maintenance supervisor Bill Hartley also contributed.
Boy Scout Troop 223 meets every Thursday night at 7 p.m. at St. Peter's Episcopal Church. For more information, call the church at 877-2428.