Shakespeare gardens can be found throughout the world. They are loving and living tributes to one of the greatest playwrights and poets of all time. The gardens will feature a bust or likeness of Shakespeare and most will have a sundial and water feature. Of course, many of the plants mentioned in his plays and sonnets are found in these gardens, however, they may also include the flora of the Elizabethan Age.

It has been said that Shakespeare was an avid gardener with a particular affinity for roses, which he mentions in his works over 50 times. The Dr. Dallas E. Dillon Memorial Shakespeare Garden located at Central Catholic High School in Modesto features several roses mentioned in his works and next winter (2023) one will be planted to honor the Bard himself: the William Shakespeare 2000 Rose.

Our campus garden features signage with QR codes to help with plant identification, designed by Patrick O’Connor ‘23. If a plant is mentioned in one of Shakespeare’s works, a corresponding quotation is shared as well as plant identification information. There will also be an opportunity to listen to recitations relating to the plants in the near future.

This garden will continue to be developed. There will be new plants added, a water feature, and a mosaic to adorn the sundial stand. We also plan to add a little library featuring Shakespeare’s works. Please visit often.

Dallas E. Dillon passed away peacefully in his Modesto home Saturday, March 20, 2020. He was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia and Early Onset Alzheimer’s disease in his mid-fifties, which eventually took away most of his memories and abilities, but not his love for faith, family, friends, and music.

Born in Baldwin City, Kansas, to Elvin and LaVergne Dillon, Dallas enjoyed a healthy lifestyle fixing fence, putting up hay, and playing sports year-round. He was an exceptional athlete and an outstanding student. He matriculated at Baker College, graduating in three and a half years, then moved to New York City where he attended St. John’s University and earned his MA in English. After graduation he worked for several years as an English instructor at LaGuardia Community College and Monroe College as well as a French tutor at the Berlitz School.

Dallas moved to California in the 80’s to accept a teaching position in the Humanities Department at Merced College, where he worked for over 25 years. He not only taught his students the importance of critical thinking as seen through all texts, he demonstrated a love for learning. His office at work and home was filled to the brim with books. He enjoyed reading theology, philosophy, science, sports, and had a deep interest in literature that covered his favorite historical period: New York City in the late 1800’s. A life-long student, he decided to continue his education, earning his Ph.D. in literature from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1996.

Always aware of his good fortune to live in an area where he could golf year-round, he just about did, or he traveled someplace he could. He never went anywhere without his clubs. He appreciated the beauty of a good game taking place on a bucolic course, where he found peace in the natural settings while listening to his favorite birdsongs. He made sure he brought nature indoors, too, as he enjoyed fresh flowers, lavender, and, especially, rosemary. He especially enjoyed flower references in Shakespeare’s plays, and there are many, as attested by some of the delights in the Shakespeare Garden devoted to his memory and love of the Bard.

Dallas enjoyed coming to events at Central Catholic. He was always treated kindly, and when he could still visit campus, football tucked under his arm, someone, student or staff, would play catch with him. He also thought that the English Department’s decision to have students read a Shakespeare play each year was good for the mind and soul. He was fond of quoting from the plays and poetry, and he could easily reference and research as he had four complete sets of Shakespeare and an impressive three bookshelves filled with literary criticism and the like on the Elizabethan era. One of Dallas’ sabbaticals took him to the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, which he enjoyed immensely. He was able to look at folios, quartos, and other historical records.

Dallas was able to remain in his home thanks to ongoing support from so many, including the Central Catholic High School community who went above and beyond for Dallas and his needs. It really is a WE thing. Thus, the decision to create this garden was natural, as it reflects what Dallas wanted most for his students: to know something! And now, thanks to the QR code system designed by Patrick O’Connor, visitors to the garden will not only learn about the plants but will be able to read and hear the references from many of Shakespeare’s plays and poems.

Although Dallas’ life on earth was all too short, we rejoice that he has eternal life in heaven. Dallas always felt people should live on both coasts at some point in their lives but land in the middle, and so he is interred in Washington Creek cemetery, a beautiful prairie setting, with his parents and many relatives. Well done, sweet prince. May the Good Lord shine a light on you, and may your memory be eternal and a blessing to all who visit this website and garden.