CJL donated the labor, which included extensive hand pruning of ornamentals and perennials. They also removed debris and mulched all of the gardens. Parents have donated money to cover the cost of the mulch and mums, which CJL provided at cost.

Mr. James was asked to donate services by one of his Ridgewood clients. “It was a pleasure helping out. We had an excellent canvas to work with; it just needed a lot of TLC. We hope the students and faculty enjoy the garden this fall.”

Hopefully, our assistance eases some of the burden on their families as these men are away from home serving our country in the armed forces. Chris James Landscaping is a member of Green Care for Troops sponsored by projectevergreen.org. To learn more about the Green Care for Troops program access the Project Ever Green website at www.projectevergreen.com or call toll-free (877) 758-4835.

Our mission started the day after Katrina hit. We called some sixty Landscape Companies, through a National Association, before finally reaching one company in North Mississippi. They welcomed our help but said, “you can’t come now, there’s no way to get within 50 miles of the coast”.

The logistics of moving equipment for multiple crews 1,100 miles safely, with all the support gear including fuel, enough food and water to be self-contained for two weeks, was in itself a project. We had overwhelming support from vendors and clients, without whose help and understanding it would not have been possible. We worked out of a nursery facility just north of Gulf Port in Wiggins, MS. The 15-hour days, 7 days a week were physically exhausting and mentally thrilling. The all-volunteer work was lined up by a local nurseryman who put us in touch with senior citizens unable to physically or financially handle cleaning upward of 250 cubic yards of debris per day. We repaired wells for potable water, removed 60 ft. trees from homes. The men and women of Chris James Landscaping back home, not only kept our clients and vendors informed, they also kept service on track even though 25% of the company’s manpower was in the Gulf. All in all, we felt we received far more then we gave. The fine Americans we met will forever be in our thoughts and prayers.