In 2011, Larry Mellichamp was working on a book about native plants, when he envisioned an addition to the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens that would showcase such specimens. That dream became reality when the campus and greater Charlotte communities gathered Sunday, May 31, to formally open the Mellichamp Natives Terrace Garden.
The wooden and brick terraces of the one-fifth-acre Mellichamp Garden provide examples of how homeowners can use native plants in their landscaping.
“While writing ‘Native Plants of the Southeast,’ I realized that no public garden in the Southeast had a specific demonstration of the uses of native plants where homeowners could get ideas to solve landscape problems, such as managing stormwater runoff,” said Mellichamp, who recently retired as director of the Botanical Gardens after nearly 40 years of service to the University. “I went to my assistant director (Paula Gross) with the idea, and we began planning this garden. It has come to life because of the donors who supported the idea, and we are proud UNC Charlotte houses this important, innovative demonstration garden.”
Native plants in home landscaping settings help attract native insects and wildlife – bees, butterflies and birds – that are important to a healthy plant environment.
“Plants native to the Southeastern United States are suited to our climate. By showing gardeners the beauty and variety of these native species, we can encourage them to avoid harmful, invasive species,” said Lisa Lewis Dubois, UNC Charlotte’s first lady, at Sunday’s formal opening.
Education is the key to persuading the horticulture industry, commercial landscapers and the general public to employ native plants, she added. “UNC Charlotte happens to be in the business of educating people, so we felt it appropriate that our Botanical Gardens assume a leadership role in exposing and educating the public concerning this group of plants.”
More than 250 people attended the May 31 ribbon-cutting for the Mellichamp Natives Terrace Garden, and speakers lauded its namesake, who called the effort a “capstone” to his career.
Dubois said Mellichamp’s unparalleled knowledge and passion was crucial to realizing the native garden. “He has been such a treasure here at UNC Charlotte for nearly 40 years… I am pleased his already impressive legacy will now also include the amazing space lovingly named the Mellichamp Natives Terrace.”