08/24/2026
Where in Huber Heights can you go to find flourishing tomato plants, peppers, corn, radishes, carrots, squash, pumpkins, cabbage, and peaches? And, later, lettuce and broccoli? And koi fish and a turtle named Monty?
How about in the central courtyard of Monticello Elementary School?
The garden at Monticello began six years ago, according to principal Steven Mills, and has continued to thrive and expand. Some current Wayne High sophomores helped build the garden beds when they were Monticello fifth-graders. Some Wayne juniors helped dig the turtle pond when they were sixth-graders. Monticello PTO officers Tia Shrewsbury and Debbie Burke helped maintain the garden and school counselor Tammara Mims founded the school's Garden Club last year to help care for the garden.
"This has truly been a community effort," Mills said.
Students in grades 3–6 will help harvest in the fall., Mims said. In the spring, they will w**d the beds and help prepare for May planting.
The space is more than just a garden; it is an outdoor classroom. Mills said the annual butterfly and praying mantis releases have become yearly traditions. Teachers bring students to the garden for hands-on science lessons that reinforce the scientific method, explore life cycles, and connect classroom learning to the world around them.
"The garden represents what Monticello is all about learning, growing, and working together," Mills said.
