The Hampton Inn by Hilton has been awarded a grant by its parent company to set up a vegetable and herb garden to the rear of its property south of Gloucester Court House.

General manager Beverly Black said the local hotel was among winners of the 117 total grants Hilton awarded to hotels and other properties among its subsidiaries throughout the United States and in foreign countries. Grants were requested for $1,000 (as Gloucester received), $3,000 or $5,000.

Black said the local garden has been named the George Sayers Memorial Garden in memory of George Sayers of Gloucester Point, a former employee who was killed while riding his bike in June. The garden began taking shape in late May when staff members built raised beds, and the first vegetables were planted several weeks later.

The garden consists of four large wooden boxes, which Black said will soon be enlarged with two more growing boxes where they can get a jump start on fall vegetables like winter squash and greens. Now, t...