The Hamlet Tree and Beautification Group and Don Bryant of Bryant’s Turf and Landscaping have made the right of way on Hwy 177 and Battley Dairy Road a sight to see. The job began in November and was finished January.

Bryant is also on the HTBG board but is an inactive member.

The group previously tried to work on the area in February 2008 but it fell through.

Last year the chance came again and Bryant’s Turf bid and was approved. There were a total of five bidders, that bid off the design. The first draft was done by Bryant’s Turf. The other bidders did change the bid with some of their own ideas.

“The final bid amount was $25,000,” Bryant said.

“I called the North Carolina Department of Transportation in Aberdeen, to start the process,” Vice President of the HTBG Sheila Sellers said. “Architects came from Raleigh and the funds were granted by former DOT Division Representative G.R. Kindley.”

Three percent of the total amount funds issued by DOT has to go to disadvantaged business. This means that at least three percent of the workers on a project, must be of an ethnic background. Bryant was able to use Rockingham businessman Robert Whitted of Whitted Hauling.

The DOT issued stimulus funds that were used for the project.

“This job came along at the right time, we like to take these jobs on in the winter months,” said Bryant. “The HTBG, should get all the credit.”

“The area was pre emerged with herbicide, fertilized, seed planted, mulch added and then watered. The area has been planted with four different kind of flowers. There are 996 day lilies, 12 crate myrtle’s, 99 gulf green Indian hawthorn and 189 knock out roses.

Bryant’s Turf has to maintain the area for a year, cleaning weeds, debris and replacing stolen flowers.

Hollie Nivens can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 19 or by e-mailing at hnivens@yourdailyjournal.com