Texas Discovery Gardens’ (TDG) 7.5 acres offer a wonderful diversity of garden styles and botanical collections. The gardens feature native and adapted plants that provide habitat for native wildlife, and they are maintained using sustainable methods that conserve water and help protect the environment. TDG is located in historic Fair Park near Gate 6. The main building at TDG, located at 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and initially known as the Hall of Horticulture, was constructed in 1936 for the celebration of the Texas Centennial. The TDG Greenhouse was added years later near the rear of the property, at Pennsylvania and First Avenues.

The stated mission of the TDG Greenhouse is to educate the public about the benefits of growing native plants, and to offer varieties not otherwise readily available for sale. Master Gardeners have been volunteering in the greenhouse for well over twenty years.

Roseann Ferguson, a Dallas County Master Gardener since 2009, coordinates volunteer activity and plant propagation at the TDG Greenhouse. She has spent more than 22,000 hours, over 14 years, volunteering in the greenhouse and representing TDG in the community. As a result, TDG recently honored her by dedicating the greenhouse in her name. The Dallas County Master Gardener Association is proud that her efforts, valued by TDG at more than half a million dollars, were so publicly recognized.

Roseann likes to describe the greenhouse at TDG as the place “where the magic happens” because it is a busy hub of activity and camaraderie among all the volunteers who work there. Some volunteers describe their time in the greenhouse as an opportunity to completely clear their minds of anxiety and stress. Others proclaim that they learn something new every time they volunteer. Whatever their motive, Master Gardener volunteers enjoy their time in the TDG Greenhouse.

During the 2022 calendar year, 69 master gardeners volunteered a total of 3,374 hours of service in the greenhouse. They helped produce thousands of plants which found new homes in the gardens of the Dallas Metroplex and surrounding areas. The volunteers planted seeds in seed trays, transferred seedlings into pots, upsized plants to larger pots, watered plants, and assisted with plant sales. At the same time, they enjoyed sharing gardening tips and learned new techniques to apply in their own gardens. Lasting friendships grow from encounters in the greenhouse.

Volunteers are generally in the greenhouse from 8 a.m. to noon, Monday thru Friday. Activities vary as the situation demands. All volunteers at TDG must complete a volunteer application. Additional questions can be directed to Roseann Ferguson. Her contact information is available on the Dallas County Master Gardener Association Members Only website under Master Garden Resources.