Preparation work has begun for the Tellico Plains Wildflower Garden located behind the Cherohala Skyway Visitors Center and Charles Hall Museum. 

Charles and Billie Nell Hall donated the land, a state park grant of $70,000 is supplying much of the infrastructure like sidewalks and lights, but there is a need for community help.

Sandra Pyron has donated two trees, Mary and Ray Tallent are giving an archway and gazebo, and I have donated a large boulder and tons of wildflowers. Pat Franks has already sprayed the field and we are awaiting state approval for the actual site work to begin. The town will have some hand in maintenance and we wish to thank them in advance for that.

Avi Askey of Overhill Gardens has drawn the plans to include as much of a sustainable yet expandable plan for future donations and growth. That includes features such as sidewalks, irrigation, lights, seating along the walks, meeting areas, children’s garden, wildflower display areas with all native flowering perennials, shrubbery and trees.

If anyone wishes to make a donation, call Betty Ledford (253-7622) or Mary Ann Barnes (253-5034). We will soon be under way and are now organizing volunteer workers for this summer and fall. I will be keeping updates of the garden’s progress on my Web site, www.topiaryjoe.com with live podcasts and schedule of events.

Submitted by Joe Kyte