To ensure this “little petunia project” took root, Alton Kelley of Kelley’s Computer Solutions donated and installed automatic timers for irrigating the hillside garden.
For the finishing touches, James Sheehan of Sheehan Grading assisted by delivering large stones that Jay Hardin placed within the landscape to complement the more than 300 donated plants by Big Frog Nursery. To commemorate this undertaking, a marker will be placed in the garden as a contribution by Bruce Clayton of Clayton Monuments.
Kelley and Rostick estimate the cost of this landscape project could have been in excess of $10,000 were it not for the donations made by these local businesses. Finally, the Tryon community contributed hours of time and energy.
McCool said what started out as a little idea to give students an end-of-school project evolved into a lesson about community giving that cannot be taught in books.
School Principal Ott Sizemore has a five-year plan to beautify the grounds at Tryon Elementary.  If anyone is interested in donating to the upcoming courtyard project, contact Andrea Webber at 828-859-6584 to purchase marked pavers.
– article submitted by Scarlette Tapp