Collaboration Plants a Library Garden

When Eagle Scout Matthew Roof contacted the seeking a volunteer project to earn his Eagle Award, Branch Manager Linda Schlekau had one in mind. There were two big dirt patches in front of the library needing some TLC.

Schlekau put Roof, a high school senior at Robinson, in contact with the Burke Centre Library Friends Group for their input and support.  The Friends had been considering what to do with the dirt patches.

"Brian Engler, a Burke Centre Landings trustee at the time -- now board president -- had also mentioned the Friends of the Library would like to help improve the dirt beds at the entrance to the library, so I talked to Juan Sagastume" said Landings resident Kevin Morse.  Sagastume is the owner of Cas Lawn Landscapes & Beyond in Chantilly. "Juan immediately offered to donate all the plants for the project,"  said Morse, who also works for Cas Lawn. The company is the landscape contractor for the Burke Centre Conservancy.

The process for earning the Eagle Award is very involved. "Matthew had to complete a lot of paperwork in planning and designing the project," said Morse.

Roof met with Morse every few weeks to review the plans. "We met to go over the design and where to put each and every plant," said Roof.

This spring about 20 scouts from Boy Scout Troop 1966 spent a Sunday working with Sagastume and Morse installing the gardens. It was supervised by Roof, who had to complete his project by explaining what he'd learned. Top of the list?  "Start early and don't procrastinate," said Roof.

Morse had praise for both Roof and Branch Manager Schlekau. "There was a lot involved, and Linda kept it all on track," he said.

The day of the garden dedication was also Roof's high school graduation. The Fairfax Station native is attending the Florida Institute of Technology in the fall.