The garden at Anne Frank Elementary, Dallas Independent School District’s largest elementary school, was started in 1997 by teachers; and over the years, it has become a true gem.  It includes a gazebo for classes, a pond with fish and a waterfall, raised vegetable beds, an herb garden, a desert garden, a shade garden, compost bins, and numerous pollinator plants.

When Dallas County Master Gardeners became involved in 2012, they expanded and improved upon these “gardens within the garden” and obtained Monarch Waystation certification. The garden’s purpose is to help the multi-cultural student population gain an understanding of ecosystems, an appreciation for food origins and nutrition, and knowledge of plant and animal life cycles.

Activities in the garden have changed as a result of the pandemic. Prior years have included brief lessons and hands-on activities with Master Gardeners. There was always something to taste straight out of the garden.

Current Master Gardener volunteer activities focus on maintaining the garden for the future and for classes who are brought to the garden by their teachers at non-volunteer times. Anne Frank Elementary has been chosen to be the only school garden on the 2022 Dallas County Master Gardener Tour, and it will be ready to show off!