The Chattanooga Choo Choo is a nationally famous tourist attraction. One of its distinguishing features is its 800-bush rose garden. Since 1992 the garden has undergone complete renovation which has greatly improved its appearance and quality. Lori Martinez, Landscape and Grounds Manager, credits this enhancement to the introduction of Mills Magic Rose Mix and Mills EasyFeed to its fertilizing program. These products provided marked improvement not only in bloom quality but in foliage condition as well. The bushes became lush and dark green in color. Visitors marveled at the rose garden's beauty.

In 1997 the All American Rose Selection Committee was so impressed by the rose garden's positive change that it was awarded the coveted AARS Public Garden designation - one of only three such gardens in Tennessee. Such classification enables the Choo Choo to grow All American Rose Selection varieties one year in advance of public offering.

The Chattanooga Choo Choo is also proud of being awarded a certificate of honor by the American Rose Society for outstanding rose garden maintenance. This special recognition came after only one year of garden maintenance experience as an AARS accredited public rose garden.

The Choo Choo continues its use of Mills Magic Rose Mix and Mills EasyFeed with full confidence that producing award-winning roses will be the result. When planning a trip to Chattanooga it would be well to visit this beautiful rose garden located at the Chattanooga Choo Choo/ Holiday Inn. Most days will find Lori and her grounds crew busy in the rose garden.